Objective: Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Starter: Since 1930, what do you think has happened to the percent of Americans who say: it is "essential" to live in a democracy?
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.
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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.
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.
- Which forms of government would you like to live with.
- Which forms of government would you NOT like to live with.
- 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.
- Explain which is the best form of government.
- Explain which is the worst form of government.
- Democracy is government by the people. Are you a people?
- Explain which form of government is the most like that of the United States.
- Is the US more like a democracy or plutocracy?
- Don’t share, but think which of the forms of government your home is most like?
Syllabus
- Course Overview
- AP Exam
- Grading (format of tests and quizzes)
- Summer Assignments
- Course Calendar
- Journal Reviews
- Study Guide
Word of the Day
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
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
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
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:
In a response no greater than ONE page, respond in a paragraph to each of the following:
Identify an example of each of the following in the Declaration:
- Natural rights
- Popular sovereignty
- Republicanism
- The social contract
In a response no greater than ONE page, respond in a paragraph to each of the following:
- Describe the Jefferson's claim(s), perspective, evidence, and reasoning.
- Explain how Jefferson's argument relates to political principles, institutions, processes, policies, and/or behaviors.
- Explain how the implications of Jefferson's argument may affect political principles, institutions, processes, policies, and/or behaviors.
Log into AP Classroom
Closer: Explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
On Deck
Topic: Types of Democracy
What to Read: Ch. 1
Assignments Due: get your stuff signed and returned
What to Read: Ch. 1
Assignments Due: get your stuff signed and returned