Grafton High School AP American Government Class

Be sure to turn in your Current Events. Turn in your original essays with the small paper noting what needs to be reviewed. Monday: Turn in Chapter 11 Packet Chapter 11 Test Tuesday & Wednesday:  Review AP Gov concepts Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Use these sites to help you on today's activities Index of U.S. Government Agencies Library of Congress list of government agencies

Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: New Preamble PIPS Quiz Review your Thanksgiving writing activities and correct if needed.  Print out and turn in by Thursday. Work on Social Studies fair project Read pages 374 to 381 for Wednesday Tuesday: Preamble Multiple choice semester exam Wednesday: Preamble EQ 11-4 Notes:  How do committees and staffs work in Congress? Read pages 381 to 389 for Thursday Thursday: Preamble EQ 11-5:  How does the decision making process works in Congress? Friday: Turn in Preamble Let Mr. Zukowski know that you are going on the play field trip. Research Congressional committees Monday - Essential Quesiton Quiz Tuesday - Chapter 11 test

As we move into December, we mourn the passing of our 41st President, George H.W. Bush.  We will also start looking at Congress and the role of that institution in creating laws and its role in policy. Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: There is a modified schedule today due to the wrestling match. ($2) The second half of the alphabet turn in Current Events assignments.  This is Grading Period 3, Current Events #2.   There will be a new Preamble for this week. You are going to complete the activities you need to complete your chapter packet.  We will complete #4 as a class. Read this document about the 115th Congress by Wednesday.   Tuesday: Preamble  Chapter 9 Test Chapter 11 Vocabulary Read pages 358 to 369 for Wednesday. Wednesday: Preamble Introduction to Congress EQ Notes 11-1/11-2 - Demographics of Congress and Elections Read pages 370-374 for Thursday Thursday: Preamble Review PIPS - there will be...

As we approach the last week of November, we are finishing elections and voting.  You will need to make sure you finish your AMSCO essays by Monday evening. Here is the agenda for the week (Bring AMSCO books for Preambles Tuesday through Friday): Monday: The first half of the alphabet will turn in Current Events (Grading Period 3, CE#2) Preamble Read pages 301 to 306 prior to class We are going to discuss Campaign Finance Reform Be sure to submit three essays from the AMSCO book by email. Tuesday: Preamble Campaign Finance Activity Read pages 307 to 313 for Wednesday. Wednesday: Preamble Discussion on suffrage and why people vote REad pages 313 to 324 for Thursday. Thursday: Preamble The conclusion to voting and elections chapter. Friday: Turn in Preamble Complete study guide Prepare chapter packet to turn in on Monday. Chapter test on Monday.   Extra Credit Opportunities: This is an open-ended extra...

Today, the entire class will be devoted to completing tasks you need to complete. Friday's Preamble:  How have political campaigns changed in recent years? (turn in) Complete Ch. 9 Vocabulary, 9.1 and 9.2 questions New activity: view Crash Course videos and answer questions (You can pick up the paper before class).  Watch on your own.  Click the link below to watch. Crash Course 36 Crash Course 38 Complete Khan Academy assignments By Monday, November 26: Current Events 3-2 due if you are the first half of the alphabet Read pages 424 to 445 of your AMSCO book (about voting).  This will be discussed when we return from break. You will need to write essays for three of five different topics given.  You will write the essays using Microsoft Office and share with rzukowsk@k12.wv.us.    The topics are located in your AMSCO books .  You may use the AMSCO book or your regular textbook to answer.  This is a...

Let's honor the Veterans who have served our nation not just on Monday but every day of the year.  I recently went to Washington, DC and visited Arlington National Cemetary where many veterans and civil servants lay for eternity.   While I was there, there was an Honor Flight group from California.  They included veterans from Korea and Vietnam eras.   I saw the changing of the guard and the daily wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  You will need to visit this if you are ever in DC. Here is the agenda for the week: Monday:  Veterans Day - no Preamble Tuesday: Preamble Turn in Current Events 3-1 if you are the second half of the alphabet. Turn in Chapter Packet Chapter 8 Test Chapter 9 Vocabulary Make sure that you have Khan Academy "Modern Campaigns" finished by midnight Read pages 290 to 298 for Wednesday Wednesday: Preamble Vocabulary Quiz for chapters 1-2-3-6-7-8.  Use Quizlet to practice...

It's finally going to be election day!  We didn't cover elections yet, but when we do next week, we will be able to review what happened during this mid-term election cycle. The grading period ends this week.  If you need to turn in any missing work, you need to turn it in by Friday. There was a new schedule for Current Events distributed last week.  The first half of the alphabet will turn in Grading Period 3, CE#1 on Monday. Here is the agenda for the week. Monday: Preamble 100 Days Statistics Mock Election Social Studies Fair requirements - The county Social Studies Fair will be January 30.   Tuesday: Vote if you are registered! Wednesday: Preamble We will review the results from the election and compare them to what the students voted. EQ Notes 8-4 Thursday: Preamble Essential Question Quiz (you can use your notes0 Complete your study guide Friday: Turn in Preambles. Turn in Chapter 7/8 Packet Take cha...

Current Events is due for the second half of the alphabet on Monday.  I will not be at the school on Monday. Monday: No Preamble. Bring your AMSCO book on Monday.  There will be a quiz on Monday for chapters 1, 2, and 16. Chapter 8 Vocabulary Read pages 256 to 263 for Tuesday Tuesday: Preamble  Chapter 8 Study Guide.  There will be a chapter test for chapter 8.  The assignment sheet will be for both chapters 7 and 8. EQ Notes 8-1:  What are the functions of political parties in American democracy? Read pages 263 to 268 for Wednesday Required Social Studies Fair projects  - we will discuss requirements.  Think about a category topic (anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, sociology, state and local studies, U.S. History, World History/International Studies) Wednesday: Preamble Crash Course video on Political Ideology EQ Notes 8-2:  How are political parties organized? Read pages 268...

Preamble:  What are some criticisms of political commentary? When you finish your preamble: Go to the hallway to chose one of the posters.  Three of the posters will have four people, one (blue) will have five.    Each poster will have a specific color Post-It note.  You will use the AMSCO book to find details or make commentary to complete two different notes.  Do not repeat what anyone else says.  You can add on details to a previous note. Next step, you are going to click on one of the links that correspond with the color POST-IT note you used.  You and the others in the group will create a poster with important information about this media source you are going to research.  This will be presented to the class. Green:    Cable News Fact Sheet  Purple:  Network News Fact Sheet Pink:  Local TV News Fact Sheet Blue:  Newspapers Fact Sheet

Preamble Question:  How has investigative reporting impact government and politics? Make contributions to the Padlet discussion you are assigned.  Please make at least three comments on your Padlet.  You can write original comments and reply to previous comments.  You will use AMSCO book pages 564-571. Use the "+" button at the bottom right corner.  Put your name where it says "Title" and then write your responses. 1:  https://padlet.com/richzukowski/ki8s9heyc9p0  2:   https://padlet.com/richzukowski/ejgltv2hkrz9 3:   https://padlet.com/richzukowski/mjy5m2mivr5d 4:   https://padlet.com/richzukowski/47a7d2li4d54 5:   https://padlet.com/richzukowski/rdvbagy6x5uv

Current Events will be due for the first half of the alphabet on Monday.  This will be Grading Period 2, CE#2. If you intend to turn in reviews of the Unleash Tygart videos, they must be turned in on Monday.  None will be accepted after Monday. Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: Read AMSCO book p. 557 to 564 for Monday Preamble EQ Notes 7-2 Read textbook pages 234 to 241 for Tuesday Read AMSCO p. 564 to 571 for Tuesday Tuesday: Preamble    EQ 7-3 Notes:   What  are  the criteria that used to determine which news stories receive the most media attention?   Read  AMSCO 571-577 for Wednesday Wednesday: Preamble   http://www.pewresearch.org/topics/state-of-the-news-media/     Students will be grouped to report data from the Pew Research site Thursday: Turn in Preamble. Examining Media Sources Assignment.  You will be comparing different ideological viewpoints on similar news stories. ...

There will be a couple of extra credit opportunities available for students this week. You can earn up to 50 extra credit points.  This was explained in class on Friday.  There are two opportunities.  The first is to attend the Meet the Candidate Forum at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW Hall on Main Street in Grafton.  This will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16.  This will be a moderated event with questions asked by a presenter and possibly questions from the audience. The second option is to watch 2 videos online.  The videos are currently online on Facebook.  You will need to search for "Unleash Tygart".  There are a series of  videos  that are dated October 5 and October 9.  These include candidates for State Senate, House of Delegates, County Commission, and U.S. House of Representatives. For both of these options, you will need to pick up a paper on the table in front of Mr. Zukowski's desk on Monday o...

LiveBinders link for October 12 activity

Survey 

The projector connector is broken so we are completing activities today using iPads. Here is your Preamble:  How can the change to minority majority change the political landscape of America? Finish 6-4 notes from yesterday: Group activity: http://www.pewresearch.org/topics/ 

Tuesday's Preamble:  Why do grants-in-aid matter to state governments? If you have not added this class to your Khan Academy account, do it now! Please complete these surveys in class today.  After completion of each survey, check in with Mr. Zukowski to make sure he gives you credit. Reading/Writing Survey:   https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=S7AZ4AwzekaLrgn7FzdNahPkey0kVrdAvaHNVq_ZajVUQzhSWjRSTlBOUUdJRVpFSUVFRDQ0WkhCNC4u  Mobile Devices Survey:    https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=S7AZ4AwzekaLrgn7FzdNahPkey0kVrdAvaHNVq_ZajVUMjdUWjI5MDNMUlRFTEdUOTE0V0lFVzFPSS4u 

The first half of the alphabet will turn in current events on Monday.  This will be Grading Period 2, CE#1. Please log onto your Khan Academy account by Tuesday to add a course to your account.  An assignment will be given on Tuesday that will need to be finished by next Monday.  You will need to click on "Coaches" and put in the join code. If you need assistance with this, see Mr. Zukowski before school, during AA, or after school.   The join code is:   TFW9QU4F Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: Preamble Current Events discussion We are going to have different discussions take place using discussion prompts.  These discussions will be shared with different groups. REad pages 210-214 for Tuesday. Tuesday: Preamble There is will a vocabulary quiz for chapters 1-2-3.  Please refer to the class Quizlet to help you study. EQ Notes 6-4:  How are polls conducted and what can be learned from them? Create your own ...

Monday, October 1, is a momentous occasion for a couple of reasons.  First, it is the beginning of the federal fiscal year in which the budget year starts.  Also, the first Monday in October is the beginning of the U.S. Supreme Court year.  Last Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day and a voter registration drive in conjunction with Youth Leadership Association (YLA) was administered.  I gave extra credit to those who registered or verified that they are registered.  I am still offering that if you are able to show me evidence of this.  I know many of you are not 18 yet, so if you bring in any political/election campaign paraphernalia, I will provide extra credit.  Do not take yard signs, as this is a crime! This week's Current Events will be for the second half of the alphabet.  It will be grading period 1, CE#3.  There will be a new list of dates for the second six weeks grading period distributed this week. Here is the age...

There will be a Voter Registration Drive during lunches on Tuesday, September 25, in front of the cafeteria.  If you are eligible to vote in November, you can check your status and even register to vote. The first six weeks grading period ends on Wednesday.  If you are missing any assignments from the first six weeks, you need to get organized and turn everything in by Thursday morning as grades have to be turned in on Friday morning.  Do not delay! The first half of the alphabet will be turning Current Events on Monday.  This will be Grading pEriod 1, CE#3. Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: It's M&M's Monday!  We will take a close look at the Marbury v. Madison and the McCullough v. Maryland cases. Tuesday: ·        Discuss current events        Federalism Tri-Fold Activity Wednesday: The Power Scavenger Hunt Thursday: Chapter 3 Study Guide Completion Friday:...

Monday is Constitution Day!  We will celebrate federalism that day! Every year, there is a Constitution Day lecture held at the Mother's Day Shrine.  This year it will be held on Tuesday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. The featured speaker is WVU Law Professor Anne Lofaso.  I would encourage students to attend this event.  This will last for about half an hour.   Extra credit will be offered if you are in attendance. The second half of the alphabet will be turning in Current Events on Monday.  It will be Grading Period 1, Current Events #2. Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: Preamble Current Events (second half of the alphabet) Reading on Constitutional theories of Federalism Read pages 83-84 for Tuesday Tuesday: Preamble EQ 3-2:  What are states' obligations to each other Wednesday: Preamble Walk-through of the building to discuss federalism Complete simple federalism scavenger hunt Read pages 84-94 for Thursday ...

As we move closer to Constitution Day, we are going to move from the origins of the Constitution to the role that federalism plays in our state and national governments. We are currently watching the process of a Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, go through Senate Judiciary hearings.  CNN aired a documentary  last Monday about a veteran Associate Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and it will re-air the documentary Sunday night at 8 p.m.  It focuses on her early life to the present.  We will start a new cycle of current events this week.  The first half of the alphabet will turn in on Monday.  It will be Grading Period 1 and CE#2.  When you are to describe quantitative information, describe measurable information. Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: New Preamble for the week. We will have a PIPS practice activity.  Be sure to log onto the class Quizlet to practice for the PIPS.   There will be a vocabulary quiz (2...

As we move into the first full month of the school year, we will be focusing on the Constitution and questions about its features.  This will tie into the aftermath of 9/11 and what actions the government can do.  Also, on September 17, we will celebrate the anniversary of the Constitution in class But first, we have to take a look at why there is no school on Monday.  It is a national holiday known as Labor Day and it was a result of the Progressive and Labor movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Here is a link from the United States Department of Labor about Labor Day. We will start looking at the required documents that the AP organization asks us to know.  These include the Declaration of Independence, Federalist #10 and #51.  I had asked you to read five passages from the AMSCO books.  The other documents focus on relationships with the required documents. Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: Labor Day, no school (and no Prea...

On Monday, we are going to use iPads in class to access accounts in class.  Among these accounts will be school email and Quizlet for the class.  Also, if you are the first half of the alphabet for the Current Events, be sure you have the assignment are done before you come to class.  Here is what is on the agenda this week: Monday: New Preamble paper Setting up class technology Chapter 2 vocabulary Read pages 32 to 40 for Tuesday Tuesday: Notes 2-1 on pages 32-40 about the drive for independence from Britain. Wednesday: We will conduct some research of philosophers who had great influences on the Founding Fathers and why their ideas were included in the founding documents of American government. Read pages 44-50 for Thursday Thursday: EQ 2-2 notes about the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention and compromises made.   We will compare the Articles of Confederation and the current U.S. Constitution. Read p...

As we go into the first full week of school, I am pleased with the dedication you all have completed the summer assignments. Here is the agenda for the week: Monday: We will start with the daily Preamble (bellringer acitivity)] You should have read pages 2-11 for Monday. You will receive a vocabulary paper for Chapter 1 that will need to be finished by Wednesday. All students will receive a copy of the Constitution that will be known by everyone as "your handy dandy Constitution book." We will complete Essential Question Notes 1-1 about the functions of government. Read pages 11-19 for Tuesday.   Tuesday: All students will be introduced with current events assignments on Tuesday.  Current Events will be due every other week starting next week. Essential Question notes 1-2 about. the principles and theories of government  will be completed. Read pages 20-23 for Wednesday. Wednesday: EQ Notes 1-3 about hte values of American political cultu...

Welcome back to Grafton High School!  I am sure everyone is thrilled for their senior year! I usually send weekly updates in this format through Remind, LiveGrades, and student email accounts each week.  Be sure to check this to get an idea what we are doing for the week.  The agenda may change as the week goes on. I just want to update everyone about what we are going to do this week. Wednesday: Turn in Constitution Study Guide Class procedures Thursday: Citizenship test.  I give this test each year at the beginning and end of the school year.  This is the same type of test immigrants would have to take to become naturalized U.S. citizens and pass with 80% success.  But this test is multiple choice, while they have to write in answers.  This is a baseline test and it shows me where you are starting at in class. Friday: You will recieve your textbook and we will check them out in the library. You will also take a PIPS quiz. ...

If you are leaving after any AP exams over the next two weeks, you need to have a parent excuse submitted to the office before you sign out. Agenda for the week: Monday: Exam Practice Tuesday: Election Day - Do your civic duty if you are registered to vote. Meet at the Public Library at 9:00 to study for the exam. Wednesday: Exam Practice Thursday: AP Gov Exam! Friday: Movie:  The Greatest Movie Story Ever Sold (2011:  A documentary about branding advertising and project advertising and product placement that is financed and made possible by brands, advertising, and product placement.) All textbooks and the Barron's study book will be turned in Monday, May 14.  You will not be permitted to walk at graduation if you owe any textbooks or fees.  Do not turn in textbooks before May 14.

We are one week closer to the exam.  We will study the Bureaucracy this week and continue with AP Exam prep. Monday: Total Recall Question Vocabulary Due The first half of the alphabet will turn in Current Events (Grading period 6, Current Events #2) 14-2 How the Bureaucracy is organized Exam Prep session after school Tuesday: Total Recall Question 14-3  Bureaucracies as Implementors Wednesday: Total Recall Question 14-4 Bureaucracies as Regulators Thursday (One week until AP Exam): Total Recall Question 14-5 Controlling the Bureaucracy Friday (May the Fourth be with you): Total Recall Question TEST PREP!!!!

***Bonus opportunity:  There will be a Republican Candidate Forum at the Mother's Day Shrine on Thursday, April 26, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. If you attend, get a signature from one of the candidates and write a one paragraph narrative about the issues and candidates discussed at the event. ***Current Events (Grading Period 6, Current Events #2) is due on Monday for the second half of the alphabet. ***AP Exam prep session after school.  There has been a lack of attending these sessions.  These are being provided for additional practice and understanding of concepts.  If you are not able to attend on Tuesday, you are welcome to meet in the downstairs computer lab on Wednesday after school.  Monday: Current Events Work on projects from Friday Tuesday: Present projects from Friday and Monday Study Guide review AP Exam prep session after school Wednesday: Chapter 9 test Chapter 14 Vocabulary Thursday: 14-1 Notes The Bureaucrats Frida...

***Current Events is due for first half of the alphabet on Monday.  This will be Current Events Grading Period 6, Current Events #1. ***Total Recall questions will be a little different this week.  We are going to watch a short video prior to the question.  These questions are on C-Span and you will be able to watch them prior to class.  These videos last from 1 to 4 minutes.  ***After School study session on Tuesday. Here is the schedule for the week: Monday: C-Span video for the day:   https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4684250/rep-mcclintock-supremacy-clause&cliptool   Read pages 307 to 313 to answer questions on 9-4 Tuesday: C-Span video for the day:   https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4722121/reasons-ineffectiveness-government&cliptool Read pages 313 to 319 to answer questions on 9-5 Wednesday: C-Span video for the day:   https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4719714/societal-change...