Advanced Placement (AP) Government & Politics

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​Dear students,

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 In preparation for the Advanced Placement (AP) Government & Politics course for
twelfth (12) grade you are required to complete the summer assignments attached below.
• Each of the three (3) assignment are due on the first (1st) day of school for full credit.
• Late work will be penalized according to Blue Mountain School Board policy.
• The assignments will be graded as a project grade.
• You will be tested on the information in the packet and class on the third (3rd) day of
school.
 

The first unit of the class is an introduction to American government and contains several course
concepts that are essential to understand how our government functions. Unit #1: Introduction to
Government will answer the essential question, how did the founders of the U.S. Constitution
attempt to protect individual liberty, while also promoting public order and safety?

The following assignments are required and must be completed and turned in on the first day of
school. Information from these assignments will be tested on the third day of school. Use the
websites listed on the assignments to find the correct answers.
Assignment #1: Purpose and Forms of Government        Summer Assignment #1 
Students will be able to:
• Identify the first three articles of the U.S. Constitution.
• List the six purposes of government in the U.S. Constitution.
• Compare and contrast a unitary and federal government.
 

Assignment #2: Linkage Institutions & The Policymaking System      Summer Assignment #2
Students will be able to:
• Define the term linkage institution and explain how they impact the political process.
• List the steps in the policymaking process and apply current and/or historical
scenarios to each part of the process.
 

Assignment #3: Ideals and Types of Democracy     Summer Assignment #3
Students will be able to:
• List and describe the ideals of democracy.
• Explain how Enlightenment philosophers contributed to American democracy.
• Compare and contrast the different types of democracy and ways people participate.
 

If you have any questions concerning the assignment you may email me at jpmcbreen@bmsd.org.
 

Good luck and have a fun summer!
Mr. McBreen

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