Coach Jacobson's Classes
  • Home
  • AP Government
    • Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy >
      • 1.1 (Ideals of Democracy)
      • 1.2 (Types of Democracy)
      • 1.3 (Government Power)
      • 1.4 (Articles of Confederation)
      • 1.5 (Ratification of the Constitution)
      • 1.6 (Principles of U.S. Government)
      • 1.7 (Federalism)
      • 1.8 (Interpretations of Federalism)
      • 1.9 (Federalism in Action)
      • Test Review
      • Celebration of Knowledge!
    • Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government >
      • 2.1 (The Senate and House)
      • 2.2 (Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress)
      • 2.3 (Congressional Behavior)
      • 2.4 (Roles and Powers of the President)
      • 2.5 (Checks on the Presidency)
      • 2.6 (Expansion of Presidential Power)
      • 2.7 (Presidential Communication)
      • 2.8 (The Judicial Branch)
      • 2.9 (Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch)
      • 2.10 (The Court in Action)
      • 2.11 (Checks on the Judicial Branch)
      • 2.12 (The Bureaucracy)
      • 2.13 (Discretionary and Rule-Making Authority)
      • 2.14 (Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable)
      • 2.15 (Policy and the Branches of Government)
      • Test Review
      • Celebration of Knowledge!
    • Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights >
      • 3.1 (The Bill of Rights)
      • 3.2 (Freedom of Religion)
      • 3.3 (Freedom of Speech)
      • 3.4 (Freedom of the Press)
      • 3.5 (Right to Bear Arms)
      • 3.6 (Balancing Individual Freedom and Public Order)
      • 3.7 (Selective Incorporation)
      • 3.8 (Due Process and Rights of the Accused)
      • 3.9 (Due Process and the Right to Privacy)
      • 3.10 (Social Movements and Equal Protection)
      • 3.11 (Government Responses to Social Movements)
      • 3.12 (Balancing Minority and Majority Rights)
      • 3.13 (Affirmative Action)
      • Test Review
      • Celebration of Knowledge!
    • Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs >
      • 4.1 (American Attitudes about Government and Politics)
      • 4.2 (Political Socialization)
      • 4.3 (Changes in Ideology)
      • 4.4 (Influence of Political Events on Ideology)
      • 4.5 (Measuring Public Opinion)
      • 4.6 (Evaluating Public Opinion Data)
      • 4.7 (Ideologies of Political Parties)
      • 4.8 (Ideology and Policy Making)
      • 4.9 (Ideology and Economic Policy)
      • 4.10 (Ideology and Social Policy)
      • Test Review
      • Celebration of Knowledge!
    • Unit 5: Political Participation >
      • 5.1 (Voting Rights and Behavior)
      • 5.2 (Voter Turnout)
      • 5.3 (Political Parties)
      • 5.4 (Why Parties Change and Adapt)
      • 5.5 (Third-Party Politics)
      • 5.6 (Interest Groups Influencing Policy Making)
      • 5.7 (Groups Influencing Policy Outcomes)
      • 5.8 (Electing a President)
      • 5.9 (Congressional Elections)
      • 5.10 (Modern Campaigns)
      • 5.11 (Campaign Finance)
      • 5.12 (The Media)
      • 5.13 (Changing Media)
    • AP Exam Prep
  • APUSH
    • Period 1 (1491-1607) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 1 (1.1)
      • Day 2- Native Americans and Europeans (1.2-1.3)
      • Day 3- Columbian Exchange (1.4-1.6)
      • Day 4- Causation in Period 1 (1.7)
    • Period 2 (1607-1754) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 2 (2.1)
      • Day 2- European Colonization (2.2)
      • Day 3- Colonial Regions and Trade (2.3-2.4)
      • Day 4- European/Indian Interactions and Slavery (2.5-2.6)
      • Day 5- Colonial Society (2.7)
      • Day 6- Comparison in Period 2 (2.8)
    • Period 3 (1754-1800) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 3 (3.1)
      • Day 2- Causes of the American Revolution (3.2-3.3)
      • Day 3- The American Revolution (3.4-3.6)
      • Day 4- The Articles of Confederation (3.7-3.8)
      • Day 5- The Constitution (3.9)
      • Day 6- Shaping a New Republic (3.10)
      • Day 7- Culture and Migrations (3.11-3.12)
      • Day 8- Continuity and Change in Period 3 (3.13)
    • Period 4 (1800-1848) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 4 (4.1)
      • Day 2- The Era of Jefferson (4.2)
      • Day 3- Politics and Regional Interests (4.3)
      • Day 4- America on the World Stage (4.4)
      • Day 5- The Market Revolution (4.5-4.6)
      • Day 6- Jackson and Federal Power (4.7-4.8)
      • Day 7- Culture and Reform (4.9-4.13)
      • Day 8- Causation in Period 4 (4.14)
    • Period 5 (1844-1877) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 5 (5.1)
      • Day 2- Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War (5.2-5.3)
      • Day 3- Compromise of 1850 and Regional Conflict (5.4-5.5)
      • Day 4- Failure of Compromise and Secession (5.6-5.7)
      • Day 5- The Civil War (5.8-5.9)
      • Day 6- Reconstruction (5.10)
      • Day 7- The Failure of Reconstruction (5.11)
    • Period 6 (1865-1898) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 6 (6.1)
      • Day 2- Developing the West and South (6.2-6.4)
      • Day 3- Industrialization and Capitalism (6.5-6.6)
      • Day 4- Labor in the Gilded Age (6.7)
      • Day 5- Immigration in the Gilded Age (6.8-6.9)
      • Day 6- Middle Class and Reforms (6.10-6.11)
      • Day 7- Politics in the Gilded Age (6.12-6.13)
      • Day 8- CCOT in Period 6 (6.14)
    • Period 7 (1890-1945) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 7 (7.1)
      • Day 2- Imperialism (7.2-7.3)
      • Day 3- The Progressive Era (7.4)
      • Day 4- World War I (7.5-7.6)
      • Day 5- Society in the 1920s (7.7-7.8)
      • Day 6- The Great Depression (7.9)
      • Day 7- The New Deal (7.10)
      • Day 8- Rise of the Axis (7.11-7.12)
      • Day 9- Fighting World War II (7.13-7.14)
    • Period 8 (1945-1980) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 8 (8.1)
      • Day 2- The Cold War (8.2)
      • Day 3- 1950s Society (8.3-8.5)
      • Day 4- Early Steps in the Civil Rights Movement (8.6)
      • Day 5- The Vietnam War (8.7-8.8)
      • Day 6- The Great Society (8.9)
      • Day 7- The African American Civil Rights Movement (8.10)
      • Day 8- Society in Transition (8.11-8.14)
    • Period 9 (1980-2020) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 9 (9.1)
      • Day 2- Reagan and the End of the Cold War (9.2-9.3)
      • Day 4- Challenges of the 21st Century (9.6)
    • AP Exam Prep
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1.1- Ideals of Democracy

Next Class: Types of Democracy

Objective: Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Class Notes for the Day!

Starter: Since 1930, what do you think has happened to the percent of Americans who say: it is "essential" to live in a democracy?

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1. How accurate was your prediction?

2. What most surprised you about this data?

3. Is this good news or bad news?

4. What is the big trend you see in this data?

5. What are two causes of this trend?

6. What are two consequences of this trend?

7. Explain whether you believe that it is "essential" to live in a democracy?

8. How does the U.S. compare to the other countries in this chart?

9. Of the six countries polled, which is the most socialist?  Does that have anything to do with their answer about democracy?

10. Do you think that whether a generation grew up with a "fascist threat" impacted their response?

11. Based on the trends in this data, how much longer do you think democracy will last in the U.S.?

12. What questions do you have about this information?

13. Explain how this data connects to American presidential elections.

More information on this topic can be found here!
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Different Forms of Government

Read through the list of different forms of government to answer the questions below. The following is a list of different forms of government, all made different by the prefix and suffix combination. All use one of two suffixes: -archy meaning leadership, and -cracy meaning power (eg. democracy - power of people).

anarchy government by none
anocracy government by a hybrid regime that is part democracy and part dictatorship.
aristocracy government by the nobility
autocracy government by an absolute ruler/tyrant/dictator
democracy government by the people
educracy government by the teachers!
ethnocracy government by an ethnic group or race
gerontocracy government by the aged
gynocracy government by women or mothers
kleptocracy government by thieves
monarchy government by one individual
neocracy government by new or inexperienced rulers
oligarchy government by the few
patriarchy government by men or fathers
plutocracy government by the wealthy
theocracy government by priests or by religious law
 
Answer the following questions about the different forms of government.
  1. Which forms of government would you like to live with.
  2. Which forms of government would you NOT like to live with. 
  3. Which forms of government are you? In other words, if you are male, you are a patriarchy; if you are female, you are a gynocracy; if you are a queen or king, you are a monarchy.
  4. Explain which is the best form of government.
  5. Explain which is the worst form of government.
  6. Democracy is government by the people. Are you a people?
  7. Explain which form of government is the most like that of the United States.
  8. Is the US more like a democracy or plutocracy?
  9. Don’t share, but think which of the forms of government your home is most like?

Syllabus

  1. Course Overview
  2. AP Exam
  3. Grading (format of tests and quizzes)
  4. Summer Assignments
  5. Course Calendar
  6. Journal Reviews
  7. Study Guide

Word of the Day

Democracy and Republic
  • Define each
  • Find examples
  • Create an emoji for each

Democracy Basics

Democracy is government by the people.  If you see the word "democratic," it is referring to the concept of democracy.  Let's see what we already know about it!

2AB Here
4B Here

Democratic Movements

A balance between governmental power and individual rights has been a hallmark of American political development.  We'll start the course by examining where ideas about individual rights and a limited government came from!

2AB Here
​
4B Here

Ideas of Limited Government

Here are some of the key ideas to come out of the Enlightenment.  They were all included in the writing of the Constitution and the development of the U.S. government!

2AB Here
​
4B Here

Reading the Declaration of Independence

You can access a digital copy of the Declaration of Independence here!

Identify an example of each of the following in the Declaration:
  1. Natural rights
  2. Popular sovereignty
  3. Republicanism
  4. The social contract

In a response no greater than ONE page, respond in a paragraph to each of the following:
  1. Describe the Jefferson's claim(s), perspective, evidence, and reasoning.
  2. Explain how Jefferson's argument relates to political principles, institutions, processes, policies, and/or behaviors.
  3. Explain how the implications of Jefferson's argument may affect political principles, institutions, processes, policies, and/or behaviors.

Log into AP Classroom

https://myap.collegeboard.org/login

Closer: Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

  • Make a claim!  2AB  4B
  • Support your claim with TWO pieces of accurate and relevant information.
  • Use reasoning to explain why your evidence supports your claim.
  • Respond to an opposing or alternative perspective.

On Deck

Topic: Types of Democracy
What to Read: Ch. 1
Assignments Due: get your stuff signed and returned

Home

AP Government

APUSH

Tennis

Email Coach Jacobson

  • Home
  • AP Government
    • Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy >
      • 1.1 (Ideals of Democracy)
      • 1.2 (Types of Democracy)
      • 1.3 (Government Power)
      • 1.4 (Articles of Confederation)
      • 1.5 (Ratification of the Constitution)
      • 1.6 (Principles of U.S. Government)
      • 1.7 (Federalism)
      • 1.8 (Interpretations of Federalism)
      • 1.9 (Federalism in Action)
      • Test Review
      • Celebration of Knowledge!
    • Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government >
      • 2.1 (The Senate and House)
      • 2.2 (Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress)
      • 2.3 (Congressional Behavior)
      • 2.4 (Roles and Powers of the President)
      • 2.5 (Checks on the Presidency)
      • 2.6 (Expansion of Presidential Power)
      • 2.7 (Presidential Communication)
      • 2.8 (The Judicial Branch)
      • 2.9 (Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch)
      • 2.10 (The Court in Action)
      • 2.11 (Checks on the Judicial Branch)
      • 2.12 (The Bureaucracy)
      • 2.13 (Discretionary and Rule-Making Authority)
      • 2.14 (Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable)
      • 2.15 (Policy and the Branches of Government)
      • Test Review
      • Celebration of Knowledge!
    • Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights >
      • 3.1 (The Bill of Rights)
      • 3.2 (Freedom of Religion)
      • 3.3 (Freedom of Speech)
      • 3.4 (Freedom of the Press)
      • 3.5 (Right to Bear Arms)
      • 3.6 (Balancing Individual Freedom and Public Order)
      • 3.7 (Selective Incorporation)
      • 3.8 (Due Process and Rights of the Accused)
      • 3.9 (Due Process and the Right to Privacy)
      • 3.10 (Social Movements and Equal Protection)
      • 3.11 (Government Responses to Social Movements)
      • 3.12 (Balancing Minority and Majority Rights)
      • 3.13 (Affirmative Action)
      • Test Review
      • Celebration of Knowledge!
    • Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs >
      • 4.1 (American Attitudes about Government and Politics)
      • 4.2 (Political Socialization)
      • 4.3 (Changes in Ideology)
      • 4.4 (Influence of Political Events on Ideology)
      • 4.5 (Measuring Public Opinion)
      • 4.6 (Evaluating Public Opinion Data)
      • 4.7 (Ideologies of Political Parties)
      • 4.8 (Ideology and Policy Making)
      • 4.9 (Ideology and Economic Policy)
      • 4.10 (Ideology and Social Policy)
      • Test Review
      • Celebration of Knowledge!
    • Unit 5: Political Participation >
      • 5.1 (Voting Rights and Behavior)
      • 5.2 (Voter Turnout)
      • 5.3 (Political Parties)
      • 5.4 (Why Parties Change and Adapt)
      • 5.5 (Third-Party Politics)
      • 5.6 (Interest Groups Influencing Policy Making)
      • 5.7 (Groups Influencing Policy Outcomes)
      • 5.8 (Electing a President)
      • 5.9 (Congressional Elections)
      • 5.10 (Modern Campaigns)
      • 5.11 (Campaign Finance)
      • 5.12 (The Media)
      • 5.13 (Changing Media)
    • AP Exam Prep
  • APUSH
    • Period 1 (1491-1607) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 1 (1.1)
      • Day 2- Native Americans and Europeans (1.2-1.3)
      • Day 3- Columbian Exchange (1.4-1.6)
      • Day 4- Causation in Period 1 (1.7)
    • Period 2 (1607-1754) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 2 (2.1)
      • Day 2- European Colonization (2.2)
      • Day 3- Colonial Regions and Trade (2.3-2.4)
      • Day 4- European/Indian Interactions and Slavery (2.5-2.6)
      • Day 5- Colonial Society (2.7)
      • Day 6- Comparison in Period 2 (2.8)
    • Period 3 (1754-1800) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 3 (3.1)
      • Day 2- Causes of the American Revolution (3.2-3.3)
      • Day 3- The American Revolution (3.4-3.6)
      • Day 4- The Articles of Confederation (3.7-3.8)
      • Day 5- The Constitution (3.9)
      • Day 6- Shaping a New Republic (3.10)
      • Day 7- Culture and Migrations (3.11-3.12)
      • Day 8- Continuity and Change in Period 3 (3.13)
    • Period 4 (1800-1848) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 4 (4.1)
      • Day 2- The Era of Jefferson (4.2)
      • Day 3- Politics and Regional Interests (4.3)
      • Day 4- America on the World Stage (4.4)
      • Day 5- The Market Revolution (4.5-4.6)
      • Day 6- Jackson and Federal Power (4.7-4.8)
      • Day 7- Culture and Reform (4.9-4.13)
      • Day 8- Causation in Period 4 (4.14)
    • Period 5 (1844-1877) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 5 (5.1)
      • Day 2- Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War (5.2-5.3)
      • Day 3- Compromise of 1850 and Regional Conflict (5.4-5.5)
      • Day 4- Failure of Compromise and Secession (5.6-5.7)
      • Day 5- The Civil War (5.8-5.9)
      • Day 6- Reconstruction (5.10)
      • Day 7- The Failure of Reconstruction (5.11)
    • Period 6 (1865-1898) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 6 (6.1)
      • Day 2- Developing the West and South (6.2-6.4)
      • Day 3- Industrialization and Capitalism (6.5-6.6)
      • Day 4- Labor in the Gilded Age (6.7)
      • Day 5- Immigration in the Gilded Age (6.8-6.9)
      • Day 6- Middle Class and Reforms (6.10-6.11)
      • Day 7- Politics in the Gilded Age (6.12-6.13)
      • Day 8- CCOT in Period 6 (6.14)
    • Period 7 (1890-1945) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 7 (7.1)
      • Day 2- Imperialism (7.2-7.3)
      • Day 3- The Progressive Era (7.4)
      • Day 4- World War I (7.5-7.6)
      • Day 5- Society in the 1920s (7.7-7.8)
      • Day 6- The Great Depression (7.9)
      • Day 7- The New Deal (7.10)
      • Day 8- Rise of the Axis (7.11-7.12)
      • Day 9- Fighting World War II (7.13-7.14)
    • Period 8 (1945-1980) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 8 (8.1)
      • Day 2- The Cold War (8.2)
      • Day 3- 1950s Society (8.3-8.5)
      • Day 4- Early Steps in the Civil Rights Movement (8.6)
      • Day 5- The Vietnam War (8.7-8.8)
      • Day 6- The Great Society (8.9)
      • Day 7- The African American Civil Rights Movement (8.10)
      • Day 8- Society in Transition (8.11-8.14)
    • Period 9 (1980-2020) >
      • Day 1- Contextualizing Period 9 (9.1)
      • Day 2- Reagan and the End of the Cold War (9.2-9.3)
      • Day 4- Challenges of the 21st Century (9.6)
    • AP Exam Prep
  • Tennis