US+Government

2008 -2009 US Government Course Syllabus

==Exercise One: Define the following basic vocab terms in your notebook using this [|glossary]: - __Federal Budget__ - //estimate of federal government income &outgo during a fiscal year; a plan for executing public policy; the amount of money need for the government to carry out its duties//  - __Fiscal policy__  - __Revenue__  - __Expenditure__  - __Deficit__  - __Debt__  - __GNP / National Income__  - __Surplus__ Exercise Two : Preform an internet search to find TWO national debt calculators that are as recent as May1sr. In your notebook, record the URL, the national debt, and if possible what is you "fair share." Exercise Three:  Do your best to balance the federal budget The information on this site may be dated, but the challenges of trying to balance a budget are evident. Keep in mind what is best for the community, country, and the rest of the world as you make your decisions. In your notebook record the result of your decisions. Did the deficit grow? Did it shrink? Does a surplus exist? What impacts were felt by your decisions? Each simulation provides an explanation of the are where money was to be spent. -Try your hand at balancing the Federal Budget in "[|Budget Hero] - This is the challenging be sure to go through the "briefing" that gives detailed instructions.==

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There are two tasks for today, the first has academic value, and the second... not so much.
//__**FIRST**__// - Examin the site [|Death and Taxes] and answer the following questions in your notebook. 1. Describe what the Federal DISCRETIONARY Budget is... 2. How much will the No Child Left Behind program cost in 2009? 3. Construction costs in Iraq will be given for the 2009 fiscal year. 4. Since the collapse of the 35W bridge, has the Dept. of Transportation increased or decreased funding for its "bridge program?" By how much? 5. How much money will be spent on the global war on terror in 2009. 6. The postal service cost to operate in 2009 will be... 7. This branch of NASA will suffer from the greatest amount of cuts from the previous years budget. 8. The State Department gives this foreign country the most aid. (Country and Amount) 9. The Presidential Transition of this year will cost... 10. For every $1 billion spent, what does every taxpayer pay on average?

__//**SECOND**//__ - There is no other reason for these next two links, other than some fun, they are from the recent Presidential election... enjoy at your discretion. [|Pointless One] [|Pointless Two]

__Tuesday, January 6th, 2009__
The end is near... a little over a week left - hang in there. We will have THREE exercises to complete today, follow directions and you may work with a partner, but each person must record their findings in their own notebook.

Exercise One: Define the following basic vocab terms in your notebook using this [|glossary]: - __Federal Budget__ - //estimate of federal government income &outgo during a fiscal year; a plan for executing public policy; the amount of money need for the government to carry out its duties// - __Fiscal policy__ - __Revenue__ - __Expenditure__ - __Deficit__ - __Debt__ - __GNP / National Income__ - __Surplus__

Exercise Two : Preform an internet search to find TWO national debt calculators that are as recent as January 1st. In your notebook, record the URL, the national debt, and if possible what is you "fair share."

Exercise Three:  Do your best to balance both the state and federal budgets. Attempt two complete 2 of the 3 simulations. The information on these sites may be dated, but the challenges of trying to balance a budget are evident. Keep in mind what is best for the community, country, and the rest of the world as you make your decisions.

In your notebook record the result of your decisions. Did the deficit grow? Did it shrink? Does a surplus exist? What impacts were felt by your decisions? Each simulation provides an explanation of the are where money was to be spent. "Budget Hero" is the most recent, and the most in depth - but it may be the toughest for some individuals to grasp.

-[|Balance the state of Minnesota's budget]

[|-National Budget Simulation]

-Try your hand at balancing the Federal Budget in "[|Budget Hero] - This is the most challenging of the three, be sure to go through the "briefing" that gives detailed instructions.

This graphic represents how the Federal Budget was spent in the 2008 fiscal year.

__Thursday, December 11th, 2008__
Great work yesterday on the introduction packets... it was interesting to hear some of you talk about the different things that you already seem to know about the Judicial Branch - thanks in part to the overwhelming number of TV courtroom/crime dramas.

Here is our last internet assignment of 2008.

FIRST click on Link #1, use the drop-down menu below "Choose a court case from this menu, then click Submit" to learn about the following cases. Note the case title and what was decided in you notebook on a new page entitled, __"Landmark Cases."__

NEXT, for the two cases you find most interesting, click on Link #2, click on the title of your court cases (listed on the left side of the screen), read the background information about the case and write a one paragraph analysis on the back of your paper. Answer the following question for the responses on the back of the page. //Why is this specific landmark case still very important to society in 2008?// THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE ASSIGNMENT!

1) Plessy v. Ferguson 2) Brown v. Board of Education 3) Marbury v. Madison 4) Gideon v. Wainwright 5) Miranda v Arizona 6) Tinker v. Des Moines 7) U.S. v. Nixon

Link #1: http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/supreme_court/supreme_court.cfm Link #2: http://www.landmarkcases.org/

__Monday, December 1st & Tuesday, December 2nd__
For our Executive Branch unit your task is to ALONE examine a specific department of the President's cabinet. Your task is to research, write, and present your findings on that department. Complete the assignment using the following directions:

1) Chose ONE department from the following links: [|Obama's cabinet] or [|Bush's cabinet] . Limit two students per department. Sign up sheet is on the white board. REPORT on the OBAMA cabinet member if that position has been picked... if the job is still vacant report on the Bush cabinet member.

2) From the above link, or the online textbook, write a one paragraph description of the purpose or duties of the specific department.

3) From the above link write a one paragraph biography on who the Secretary of the department is. We are in a transition period with the Presidency, so research if President-elect Obama has picked who will fill a certain role complete the biography on the new appointee. (Example: Bush's Secretary of State- C. Rice; Obama's Secretary of State- H. Clinton). This should be done in your own words- be sure to include how long the individual has held their current position, what their previous jobs were, education, or other items of interest.

4) Using the search engine of your choice, research and report on THREE issues that faced this specific department in 2008. - In your own words you will write a 1-2 paragraph description of each issue. - Your description should include when this issue took place (or when it was dealt with), what made it newsworthy, what happened (or what is currently going on) - Display understanding, and be prepared to answer questions relating to your issues.

You will be graded on this task based on your ability to write, and share with the class your understanding of the duties of different departments within the Presidents cabinet. The expectation is that when you share with the class you have little reliance on notes, or your paper, and you display the ability to process and analyze the functions of the different departments.

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You must provide typed CITATIONS for the information that you present to the class and your paper. Use the following [|CITATION MACHINE]. Use the MLA format for //non-print// sources. Failing to provide a citation page on the due date will result in the loss of 1/2 the total points for the assignment. =====

__**Wednesday, November 19th, 2008**__
Today in class we will be posting our cartoons to the class wiki. Instructions will be distributed in class. Post toons to the following link Ex. Brach Cartoons

=__Wednesday, November 12th, 2008__=

We are now into our new unit that examines the Executive Branch of the United States Government. In class Monday we took some introductory notes, yesterday with a partner we worked on the 8 Roles of the President, and now today you are going to display that you alone understand what those roles actually mean.

This is your task: create a cartoon using the website [|TOONDOO.com] in which you create scenarios displaying 3 of the 8 roles of the President. Think about what we did yesterday, look at your 1/2 sheet as a reference, and maybe even scan the headlines for ideas. Save your "toon" to the actual site- we will post them in class next Thursday.

IF YOU ARE A FIRST TIME TOONDOO USER:  1. Go to [|toondoo.com] 2. Click "Register" 3. Create your username and password AND provide an email address for them (__you will not receive spam__) 4. Sign in to toondoo and begin!

Creating a cartoon: - Click "Create Your Own" - Select a 3 panel cartoon. - CREATE! (you can upload your own pictures/images if you need/ want) - you can save your cartoon, and wait to publish it until you are done.

 =__Tuesday, October 28th__=

Computers are the enemy... so much for our game day...

 In class today we are going to search the web & find a way to identify examples of "ELECTION SPEAK." With a partner, read through the list of the 20 words and phrases from the handout distributed in class. Using the following links find REAL examples from Election '08 to display that you can identify what politicians and pundits are talking about. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">__With a partner find 10 examples of "ELECTION SPEAK" in the news__.

Print off your news stories, and be prepared to share them with class on Friday, October 31... BOO!!

[|CNN] [|MSNBC] [|FOX News] [|CBS] [|ABC] [|The Associated Press]

We are now one week from election day and the return of traditionally lousy TV & radio commercials...

Well, after the diligent work of Ms. Wolfe and Mr. Cleary we are going to have a chance to engage in a virtual election today in which you play the role of a Presidential candidate.

In this simulation you will: - choose choose your political party - choose your platform issues - chose what states to concentrate your campaign on - examine "virtual polls" of what states find to be important issues - choose campaign activities - manage campaign financial responsibilities - deal with scandal - and finally win the Presidential election.

Work with a partner, two people on one machine please... and be ready to discuss what you have experienced in the simulation in class tomorrow.

Here is the link to the [|ELECTION GAME]

Good luck and ask for help when needed.

=__FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24th, 2008__= We have two tasks for today in class. The fist covers how some basic information about voting in Minnesota, and the second deals with Congressional Leadership.

<span style="color: rgb(255, 3, 0);">1) Using the following links to learn about how to Vote in Minnesota. Write your answers on a sheet of paper titled //Vote 2008.//

A. Find your polling place! If the election was today, where would you go? Write the information on your sheet of paper. http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

B. The Minnesota Secretary of State - what does her office do/what is it responsible for? Learn this information and then write an overview of this office and add the current Secretary of State's name after the job description - paraphrase what you learn! Please be sure to figure out what else the Secretary of State does beyond voting! http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=2

C. Voting in Minnesota This link takes you to all of the information related to voting in state a election. a. Who is eligible to vote in Minnesota? Add the voter registration information into your paper. b. How does one register to vote? Print a voter registration ballot. (you might have to do this in the library...) c. What is absentee voting and how would one go about doing such a thing? http://www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp

= = = = <span style="color: rgb(245, 10, 5);">2) In this task you will use the following links to learn more about Congressional Leadership. Record your answers in the handout distributed in class. This assignment must be completed and turned in by Friday, October 31st.

House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/ House Majority Leader: http://www.majorityleader.gov/ House Minority Leader: http://republicanleader.house.gov/ Speaker of the House Role: http://speaker.gov/about?id=0003 The US Senate: http://www.senate.gov/index.htm Senate Leadership: http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/senators/a_three_sections_with_teasers/leadership.htm Senate Organization: http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/reference/e_one_section_no_teasers/org_chart.htm Senate Facts and milestones: http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/Facts_Figures.htm Veto Threat: http://cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=cqmidday-000002622428 Override Update: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/06/politics/politico/thecrypt/main3463027.shtml http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gLK2ZBJw9ho_fz3BXADSg1EngOkQD8SOKLOG0

=__October 20 - 24th, 2008__=

Post your ELECTION 2008 ASSIGNMENT to the link below. Directions for posting your videos to the wiki will be provided in class.

ELECTION 2008 Commercials

=<span style="color: rgb(6, 127, 11);"> = = = =__THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 2008__= <span style="font-family: Impact,Charcoal,sans-serif;"> ELECTION 2008 ASSIGNMENT

As a class we have been studying both the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates since the beginning of the school year. Now, with less than a month to go before the election it is time for you to choose what "ticket" you would endorse.


 * 1.** Your task is to use the pictures from this copyright-free link (thanks Ms. Wolfe) that you want to incorporate into a Candidate movie (12-20 images = 30 seconds). It is important to use the photo resources from this wiki because they are in the public domain - no work cited necessary. These pictures should give the viewer a strong idea why you feel these people will make the best Presidential - VP team. Refer to the candidate matrix worked on in class last week at some of the platform issues (gun control, foreign policy, health care, energy, economy.. etc).

If you want to put words into the pictures, paste them into PowerPoint, type the words //on the pictures// and then take a screen shot (SHIFT + APPLE KEY + 4). You can save the images in the jpeg format under "Save As>" (Note: The Quality should be set closer to low than high).


 * 2**. Save all of your images into a folder on your desktop.


 * 3**. Go to [|animoto.com].


 * 4**. Set up an account. (AGAIN- Copy down your account information in a safe place for future reference.)


 * 5**. Click "Create Video."


 * 6.** Select "Animoto Short" (30-second video)


 * 7**. If you saved your images to your desktop (or other computer), select "Upload from your computer"


 * 8**. Click "Upload Now" (you can select multiple files to upload at a time if you press the shift key while you click)


 * 9.** Upload your images. (PATIENCE - this may take a litle while)


 * 10**. When your pictures show as thumbnails, if they look the way you want them to click "Continue" - if they don't click on the ones you want to re-do, recreate the picture, and then upload JUST the new images. When done, click "Continue"


 * 11.** For your music, you are required to use public domain music also. You can use the [|Animoto] site for music, or you can visit here for free music as well.


 * 12.** Fill in the required information (A brief statement about why you feel this is the best "ticket" for the country in '08) __//**This is important DO NOT PUT YOUR LAST NAME, ONLY INITIAL!**//__


 * 13**. It will take a little bit of time for your video to be created, this may be a step you must complete at home - or outside of class.


 * 14**. We will post videos to the wiki on a later date... posting directions will be given later.

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= = =__<span style="color: rgb(6, 127, 11);">FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3rd, 2008 __=

Today we will be further examining the two major Presidential Candidates as we are rapidly approaching the election. Even though some of you may already have decided which candidate you feel will make the better President, today you will examine where John McCain and Barack Obama stand on some of the issues that currently face America.

Download and print, or create the following ISSUE MATRIX in your notebook.



Search the WWW to find where the opposing candidates stand. //**In each box provide the website where you found your information**// (cnn.com, msnbc.com, foxnews.com...)

__YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE INFORMATION FROM AT LEAST 4 DIFFERENT SITES!__

Here are a few sites to get you started...

[|CNN] [|OnTheIssues.org] [|johnmccain.com] [|barackobama.com]

=__Thursday, September 18th, 2008__=

Directions: Using “[|Daryl Cagle’s Professional Cartoonists Index],” collect one liberal and one conservative political cartoon. Follow the directions below to copy each cartoon onto a slide in Zoho Show (you might find it helpful to print them). On the slide, explain your cartoon and its bias. You can see a sample show already on our political cartoons page. Link your Zoho slideshow onto the page linked below by the end of class Friday, September 19th.

[|CONSERVATIVE vs. LIBERAL] beliefs can be found on this link. Use this link to serve as a reference to distinguish between the two perspectives.

1. Go to [|Zoho Show] and register for the program 2. Write down your username and password (in your US Gov. notebook would be a good place, we'll probably use it in the future) 3. Log into Zoho Show. 4. The program will automatically open a new blank show for you. Create a title and subtitle, include your first name, last initial and hour on your title slide. 5. Save your slideshow. (Click “Save,” name the file, and click save. 6. In another tab or window, open Cagle’s Cartoonist Index. 7. Find a cartoon that has a conservative bias/slant (you can look around by topic from the splash page or you can search for donkey or elephant if you wish). 8. Save the cartoon on your desktop. (If on a PC, right click, select “Save image/picture” name it, and save it to your desktop. – If on a MAC, press the Control key & Click on the cartoon, select “Save Image as,” give it a name, and save it to your desktop.) 9. Repeat steps 7 & 8 for a cartoon with a liberal bias/slant. 11. Add a slide (suggested layout: Title with 2 text boxes). 12. Click the icon that looks like a mountain with a sun (between the bold “T” and the “Edit Background” button on your Zoho screen – see below, picture a). 13. Click “Browse” and use the menu that pops up to find one of the cartoons you just saved to your desktop. 14. Once you find it, click “Open” and once the file name shows in the Zoho box to the left of the “Browse” button, click the “Insert” button. Your cartoon should show up on your slide. 15. You can click on the cartoon and resize it, move it around on your slide, etc. 16. Give your slide a title and write your explanation of the slide and its bias (you can change the font size if necessary). 17. Save your show. 18. Repeat steps 11-17 for the second cartoon you saved to your desktop. 19. When your slides are finished, click "PUBLISH” (near the top LEFT of the Zoho page). 20. A box will appear-- make sure the top TWO boxes are checked and click on MAKE PUBLIC AND CONTINUE. 21. KEEP THIS WINDOW OPEN and open another window or tab to our class wiki, [|litecky111.wikispaces.com], log in. 22. Go to our assignment page, and find the link to the page for the “Political Cartoon Zoho Show.” 23. Click “Edit This Page” 24. Above any of the already added names and “Custom” boxes, type your first name and last initial, then click the button that looks like a TV (see below, picture b). 25. Paste the URL (it is very long! from the open window on the ZoHo page) into the box that shows up on your screen. 26. Click “Save” and that menu should disappear, leaving you with the original edit screen. 27. You should now see your name as you typed it and a box that says “Custom” next to it. Click the Save button. 38. You will see your Zoho Show on our wiki – Congratulations! You are published!

POST CARTOON ON THIS LINK

= = = = =__Thursday, September 11th, 2008__=

Today we will be starting a "fantasy" simulation that will provide insight to the functions of government, and the role of some specific members of Congress. You will assume the role of "General Manager" over your own team of members of Congress. Follow the directions below (you will also get the same information in a handout, and a PDF document is attached to this posting as well in case you lose your directions).

CLASS ID & CLASS CODE will be written on the board in room 111. Like any of our other Web related activities be sure to write down your name and password in a safe place for future reference.



Playing Politics Step One: JOIN A LEAGUE
You will join a league of up to 99 other players. You will compete against these players (our class) to see who is the best at picking members of Congress. [|Go to: http://fantasycongress.com/edu/] Use our class code & ID to register. Our Class ID: <span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 19);">on the white board in room 111 Our Class Code (for registration): <span style="color: rgb(0, 255, 19);">on the white board in room 111

Click to Join the League Click to draft a group of Congresspersons

Playing Politics Step Two: DRAFTING
Your team consists of sitting Members of Congress (MCs) from all parts of the spectrum of seniority. The more senior a Representative or Senator, the more powerful they are. For your team, you will draft:


 * Upper Senators- Senators with seniority more than half the Senate
 * Lower Senators- Senators with seniority less than half the Senate
 * All-Stars- Senior Representatives
 * Supporting Lineup- Mid-Range Representatives
 * Rookies- Junior Representatives

You can swap MCs at any time to react to the changing political climate.

Playing Politics Step Three: EARNING POINTS
The Members of Congress (MCs) on your team score statistics by performing their duties. None of this action is simulated or imaginary; every real action your MC takes in Congress reflects in your points daily. We evlauate MCs in the following categories:

1. Legislative Success- How well a Member of Congress moves his or her bills through the legislative process. Check out our Legislative Tutorial for more info. 2. News- Receiving noteworthy national news can indicate that an MC is working hard to achieve goals valued by the country. Additionally, coverage by local media can indicate that legislators are working on issues important to their constituents. 3. Maverick Votes- It takes guts to stand as an individual against the party. If the vote is tight and your MC breaks ranks, they score higher in this category. 4. Voting Attendance- Ever since elementary school, absences have counted against you. Members of Congress are also evaluated on whether they show up to do their job. Based on how the statistics of your MCs compare to the statistics of the other teams you will gain or loose ranking points. Playing Politics Step Four: MANAGING YOUR TEAM

Balance. Your team of MCs must do well in many categories. As the Citizen manager of your team, it is up to you to choose how to win.

You can swap out MCs at any time so keep a close eye on your Members and make sure they don’t start to slip in the rankings.

As with any manager, you can message fellow league members and other folks within the community with bluffs, hopes for the season, and generally talk smack.

It is up to you who you pick, D, R, I, etc but you might want to consider the following tips:

Think of yourself as a political operative choosing Members of Congress. Each Member of Congress only has so much time in the day, but you need to choose a team that can score well in Legislation, Votes, and News. Here are our hints.

1. More Votes (attendance and maverick scores) means Less News, and vice versa. Each Member of Congress can only spend so much of their time voting and also making news. 2. Rookies are good for Attendance and Maverick scores. Usually Rookies don't make much news and don't have a lot of successful legislation, so their votes are generally considered their most powerful asset. 3. All-Stars are great for legislation because most are high-ranking members and chairs of committees. 4. Supporting Lineup are great for co-sponsorship. 5. Senators are great for everything. Many will make more news than usual because they will likely campaign more.

Ultimately, you need to focus on a balanced team- the key of success. Points are calculated across a number of categories. These categories require a balanced team:


 * Legislation- how far a bill goes in the legislative process primarily sponsored by your MC
 * Co-sponsored Legislation- the progress of co-sponsored legislation (3/5 of total points if sponsored on date of bill introduction, 1/5 of total points if sponsored within one week of bill introduction)
 * Maverick Votes- Maverick votes are points awarded to Members of Congress when they vote against their party during tight and deciding votes. Many centrists and even some radicals have high maverick scores.
 * Voting Attendance- If your Member of Congress is likely out campaigning, then they are likely not going to be able to attend their votes as much.
 * News Mentions- Points are awarded for the number of times mentioned in the news. Members of Congress want to be in the news to be able to communicate their priorities and show the public they are doing something. They try to sway national opinion.
 * Speeches- how often and how much your MCs advocate on the chamber floor (COMING SOON!)

Composite Statistics The following formulas are currently used to calculate composite stats for both individual players and fantasy teams.

Legislation Metrics
 * Legislation (LEG) = All sponsored pieces of legislation (including amendments) receive a higher score as they move further down the legislative process. See our Legislative Tutorial. For example, an introduced bill that passes both chambers could receive up to a total of 80 points.
 * Co-sponsorship (CSP)= All cosponsored pieces of legislation (including amendments) that receive a higher score as they move further down the legislative process. (3/5 of total points if sponsored on date of bill introduction, 1/5 of total points if sponsored within one week of bill introduction)

Voting Metrics
 * Voting Attendance (ATD)= # of Votes Taken this Session/ Total Votes in House or Senate
 * Maverick (MVK)= Cumulative score of (Votes Against Majority of Party * Tightness of the Vote)

News Metrics
 * News (NWS)= number of prominent news articles mention the Member of Congress within the season


 * Reported Bills Average (RBA)* = Number of Sponsored Bills With Movement (Reported out of Committee or Passed by Chamber)/ # of Introduced Bills; NOT USED FOR GAMEPLAY, ONLY FOR SELECTION**

=__Thursday, August 28, 2008__= We have two tasks to complete today using the laptops. <span style="color: rgb(145, 13, 13);">First all students will complete registration for our classroom Wiki Account.

__Wiki Registration Directions__
 * For you to be able to publish to our wiki, a two-part registration process is required. If you do this successfully, you will only do it once. If you have an account with another teacher’s wiki, skip steps 1- 6 below, begin at #7. *

Read and follow the directions carefully. Check each step off as you do it to guarantee you did not miss any of the steps.

Step 1.– Be sure you have an email address. If you do not have an email address, go to gmail.com and set one up. 2. Go to [|www.wikispaces.com] 3. Pick a username. This should be the first two or three letters of your first and last names and then the last two digits of the year you were born, e.g. Mary Anderson born in 1986 would be: marand86 4. Select a password. This should be a password you will remember. 5. Write down your username and password in your agenda book or US Government notebook. 6. Enter your email address – you can use your family address if you do not have siblings who have a wiki account already. No spam will come to your email account. (If you do not have an email address, see step 1. ) 7. Check your email to verify your registration. 8. Go to our wiki: litecky111.wikispaces.com 9. Click “Join this space” (left side of margin) 10. In the message box, type you full name & hour 11. Click the Request Membership button & wait for Mr. Litecky to approve your request.

<span style="color: rgb(138, 15, 15);">Second, take the following online surveys to get an idea of where you fit into the political spectrum.

Take the following online Political Spectrum Quizzes &** write in your note book the results of your findings**. 1) [|www.idealog.org] - click on "Run IDEAlog" and follow instructions 2) http://www.blogthings.com/howliberalorconservativeareyouquiz/ 3) http://typology.people-press.org/typology/ 4) http://www.politicalcompass.org/test