Political Parties 5 - SmarterTexas.orgsmartertexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Gov-chapters-5-9.pdf · tion caused two sides—the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists—to form

A political party is a group of peoplewho try to control government by win-ning elections and holding public offices.The United States’ two major partiesare the Republicans and the Democrats.

Political parties are essentialto democratic government.Parties help link the people andtheir wishes to governmentaction. Parties also help unifythe people by finding compro-mise among contending views.

Political parties perform fivemajor functions. First, theynominate, or name, candidatesfor public office. Parties present

these candidates to the voters and thengather support for them.

Second, parties inform the people andinspire them to participate in publicaffairs. Third, political parties help ensurethat their candidates and officeholders arequalified and of good character.

Fourth, political parties have some gov-erning responsibilities. Congress andState legislatures are organized alongparty lines. They conduct much of theirbusiness based on partisanship, or firmallegiance to a political party. Fifth, par-ties act as watchdogs over the conduct ofgovernment. The party out of powerkeeps an especially close eye on the poli-cies and behavior of the party inpower, or the party that controls theexecutive branch of each national or Stategovernment.

PARTIES AND WHATTHEY DO

Political Parties

SECTION 1

TEXT SUMMARY

C H A P T E R

5

32 CHAPTER 5 Guide to the Essentials © Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Political parties,essential to demo-cratic government,shape the way gov-ernment works andperform importantfunctions.

T H E BIG I D E A

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Functions of Political Parties

Political parties perform five important functions in American government.

1. What is a political party? 2. Chart Skills How does a politicalparty act as a watchdog?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

Inform and inspire voters Inform people about and stimulate interest in public affairs

Ensure candidate quality Try to ensure that candidates and officeholders are qualifiedand of good character

Act as watchdogs Observe and criticize the operation of government, especiallyofficials of the other party

Help govern Operate on partisan lines in Congress and State legislatures

Nominate candidates Select and gain support for candidates for office

Function Explanation

THE TWO-PARTY SYSTEMSECTION 2

In the United States, there is a two-partysystem, which means that two majorpolitical parties dominate politics. Minorparties, or those without wide support,also exist.

The first two American political partiesarose during the ratification of theConstitution; several factors have madethe two-party system last. One basic fac-tor is tradition; the system remainsbecause it has always been.

Also, the electoral system favors a two-party system. Nearly all U.S. elections aresingle-member district elections, inwhich voters choose only one candidatefor each office. The winner is whoeverreceives a plurality, or the largest num-ber of votes. Most voters tend not to votefor minor party candidates, who areunlikely to win. Also, much of U.S. elec-tion law—created by Republicans and

Democrats together, or in a bipartisanway—discourages minor parties.

The United States is a pluralisticsociety, or one that consists of distinctcultures and groups. Still, there exists abroad consensus—a generalagreement among variousgroups—on fundamental mat-ters. Consensus helps eliminatethe need for many parties.

However, alternative politicalsystems exist around the world.In a multiparty arrangement,several major and minor partiescompete. To gain power, a num-ber of parties often form a coalition, ora union of people with diverse interestswho will share power. Nearly all dictator-ships today have one-party systems, inwhich only one party is allowed.

TEXT SUMMARY

© Prentice-Hall, Inc. Guide to the Essentials CHAPTER 5 33

1. Why do minor party candidateshave little chance of winning inAmerican elections?

2. Chart Skills What four factorsaccount for the two-party systemin the United States?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Factors Behind a Two-Party System

Four main factors account for the two-party system in the United States.

History

Two parties arose during theratification of the Constitution.

Tradition

That’s the way it’s always been.

Consensus

Americans generally agree onkey matters.

Elections

Single-member districts andelection law discourage minorparties.

American Two-Party System

The United States’two-party system isa result of history;several factors havehelped maintain itover time.

T H E BIG I D E A

Debate over the Constitution’s ratifica-tion caused two sides—the Federalists andthe Anti-Federalists—to form. Thesebecame the first political parties.

In the election of 1800, Anti-FederalistThomas Jefferson beat the incumbent,that is, the current officeholder, Federalist

President John Adams. The Anti-Federalists then took control ofpolitics. They later became theDemocratic-Republicans andthen the Democrats.

There have been four erasduring which one party domi-nated national politics. From1800 to 1860, the Democratsheld power. They were a coali-

tion of small farmers, debtors, frontierpioneers, and slaveholders. By the mid-1820s, they had split into factions, ordissenting groups.

In 1854 the Republican Party formed. Itcontrolled national politics from 1860 to1932. The party was supported by busi-

ness and financial interests, farmers,laborers, and newly freed AfricanAmericans. By 1896 the Republicans drewfrom a broad range of the electorate—the people eligible to vote. At that timethe nation’s party politics began to movetoward the economic arena and awayfrom the sectionalism, or devotion tothe interests of one region, that hadplagued the nation for years.

The Great Depression had a hugeimpact on American life, and one changeit saw was the return to dominance of theDemocrats. From 1932 to 1968, theyoperated from a strong base of southern-ers, small farmers, labor union members,and city people.

A new era began in 1968 with the elec-tion of Republican President RichardNixon. Since then, neither party hasentirely dominated politics. For much ofthat time, while one party has held theWhite House, the other has controlledCongress.

THE TWO-PARTY SYSTEM INAMERICAN HISTORY

SECTION 3

TEXT SUMMARY


1. What were the first two Americanpolitical parties called?

2. Time Line Skills When did theRepublicans first begin to domi-nate national politics?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Political Parties in American History

Control over national politics has gone back and forth between the parties since their beginning.

1789 1800 1860 1932 1968 2000

FederalistAnti-Federalist;

DemocratsRepublicans Dem R D R D R D

The United States’two major politicalparties have a history of alter-nating control over government.

T H E BIG I D E A

Four types of minor parties have played arole in American politics. Ideologicalparties are based on certain social, eco-nomic, or political ideas. They do notoften win elections, but they remainactive for a long time.

Single-issue parties focus on onepublic policy matter. They fade away afterthe issue has been resolved or people loseinterest. Sometimes they are able to getone of the major parties to take on theirissue.

Economic protest parties appearduring tough financial times. They criti-cize the economic actions and plans ofthe major parties.

Most of the important minor parties inAmerican politics have been splinter

parties—parties that have broken awayfrom one of the major parties. Usuallythey have a strong leader who did not wina major party’s nomination.

Although most Americans donot support them, minor partiesstill have an impact on politicsand on the major parties. Theminor parties’ members act ascritics and innovators, drawingattention to otherwise neglectedor controversial issues.

Strong third-party candidatescan also play the “spoiler” rolein elections. This means that they pullvotes away from one of the major parties,weakening that party’s ability to win anelection.

THE MINOR PARTIESSECTION 4

TEXT SUMMARY


1. In what ways may minor partiesaffect politics?

2. Chart Skills Which type of minorparty is formed by breaking awayfrom a major party?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: The Four Types of Minor Parties

The four types of minor parties form for different reasons.

Ideological Parties

Based on certain social,economic, or political ideas

Not powerful but long-lasting

Single-Issue Parties

Focus on one public policymatter

Fade away once issue hasbeen resolved

Economic Protest Parties

Appear during tough financialtimes

Criticize the economic actionsand plans of the major parties

Splinter Parties

Break away from a majorparty

Usually have a strong leader wholost a major party’s nomination

Many minor partieshave been active inAmerican politics,and at times theyhave had importanteffects on electionsand issues.

T H E BIG I D E A

PARTY ORGANIZATIONSECTION 5

The major parties are decentralized, orfragmented. At the national level, theparty machinery has four basic elements:the national convention that nominatesthe party’s candidates, the national com-

mittee that runs the party’saffairs between conventions, thenational chairperson who headsthe national committee, and thecongressional campaign com-mittees that work to elect partymembers to Congress.

From the perspective of itsmembers, a party has three basicand loosely connected parts.The party organization consists

of the party machinery’s leaders. Theparty in the electorate refers to those fol-lowers who usually vote for the party’s

candidates. The party in governmentdescribes the party’s officeholders.

At the State and local levels, partystructure is largely set by State law. At theState level, a central committee is headedby a chairperson. Local party structurevaries widely, with a party unit for eachdistrict in which elections are held. Thedistricts include congressional and legisla-tive districts, counties, cities and towns,wards, and precincts. A ward is a smallunit of a city; a precinct is a subdivisionof a ward.

Political parties have been in declinesince the 1960s. More and more votersregard themselves as independents. Also,split-ticket voting, or voting for candi-dates of different parties in the same elec-tion, has increased.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. What defines party structure at theState and local levels?

2. Chart Skills What are the major parts of the national party machinery?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Party Organization

Political parties are fragmented, but work together.

Basic Components of the PartyNational Party Machinery

party organization

party in the electorate

party in government

national convention

national committee

national chairperson

congressional campaign committees

Party Organization

The structure of themajor parties isdecentralized; theirdifferent partswork togethermostly duringnational elections.

T H E BIG I D E A

Voters and Voter BehaviorC H A P T E R

6 THE RIGHT TO VOTESECTION 1Suffrage, also called franchise, is theright to vote. In 1789 only white maleproperty owners had this right. Today, theAmerican electorate, or the people eligi-ble to vote, includes nearly all citizens

who are at least 18 years of age.Two trends caused this change:the elimination of many of therestrictions on suffrage and theassumption of much of theStates’ power over suffrage bythe Federal Government.

The Constitution’s Framersleft the power to set suffragequalifications to the States; they

did, however, forbid States from settingdifferent qualifications for who can votein State and federal elections. Also, Statequalifications could not violate any partof the Constitution.

The struggle to extend voting rightsbegan in the early 1800s. Laws werepassed to prevent States from restrictingsuffrage to the extent that they had been.By the mid-1800s, restrictions based onreligion and property were eliminated,and nearly all white adult males couldvote. In 1870 the 15th Amendment elim-inated restrictions based on race; in prac-tice, however, African Americans were nottotally free to vote until the passage ofseveral civil rights acts in the 1960s. In1920 the 19th Amendment added womento the electorate. In 1964 the 24thAmendment said that States could notmake the payment of a tax a condition forvoting. Most recently, in 1971 the 26thAmendment said that States could notdeny anyone 18 or older the right to vote.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. Who is eligible to vote in theUnited States today?

2. Chart Skills When did womenwin the right to vote?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: The Expansion of Voting Rights

Over time, the Constitution has been amended to allow for much less restriction on suffrage.

15th Amendment (1870)



States cannot use race to determine who can vote.

States cannot require people to be male to vote.

States cannot use the payment of taxes to determine whocan vote.

26th Amendment (1971) States cannot require people to be older than 18 to vote.

Constitution States cannot violate any part of the Constitution when theyset suffrage requirements.States cannot have different qualifications for voting in Stateand federal elections.

The United Stateshas expanded itselectorate throughthe elimination ofrestrictions on vot-ing qualifications.

T H E BIG I D E A

VOTER QUALIFICATIONSSECTION 2

States decide voter qualifications. Overtime, the qualifications have changed toinclude many more people.

Today, all States require voters to be cit-izens and legal residents of the State inwhich they wish to vote. In most cases,people must have lived in a State for a cer-tain period of time before they may votethere—a practice meant to give peopletime to get to know the State’s issues aswell as to prevent outsiders from affectinglocal elections. Most States also forbidtransients, or people living in a State foronly a short time, from voting there.

There is also an age requirement forvoting. In 1971 the 26th Amendmentestablished 18 as the age at which a Statemay not deny a person the right to vote.

Forty-nine States—all except NorthDakota—require voter registration,

which is the act of signing up with localelection officials. This requirement givesofficials lists of registered voters, calledpoll books. State law tells offi-cials to periodically review thepoll books and purge them.Purging them means removingfrom them names of those nolonger eligible to vote.

Today, no State has a voterrequirement of literacy—theability to read or write. Nor doesany State require a poll tax, atax paid for voting.

All States deny the right tovote to people in mental institutions orthose legally considered mentally incom-petent. Most States also deny the right tovote to anyone who has been convictedof a serious crime.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. What is voter registration? 2. Chart Skills Name two groups ofcitizens who are denied the right to vote in most States.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: How States Decide Who Can Vote

Every State defines voter qualifications, although not all States require the same ones.

State Citizenship Required by all States

State Residence Most States require 10–50 days, with an average of 30 days

Age All States require a minimum age of 18

Voter Registration Required by 49 States

Mental Competency No State allows voting rights to anyone in a mental institutionor legally considered mentally incompetent

Criminal Record Most States deny voting rights to anyone convicted of a serious crime

Voter Qualification Status

While all Stateshave requirementsfor voting, most ofthose used to disen-franchise certaingroups have beeneliminated overtime.

T H E BIG I D E A

SECTION 4

40 CHAPTER 6 Guide to the Essentials

In 1870 the 15th Amendment establishedthat the right to vote may not be deniedbecause of race. The amendment wasignored in some southern States, wheretactics such as violence, threats, literacytesting, and gerrymandering were used to

keep African Americans fromvoting. Gerrymandering isthe drawing of electoral districtlines in a way that limits a par-ticular group’s voting strength.

The civil rights movementpressured Congress to ensureAfrican American voting rights.The Civil Rights Act of 1957 setup the Civil Rights Commission

to investigate voter discrimination claims.The Civil Rights Act of 1960 called for fed-eral referees to help all eligible people toregister and vote in federal elections.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 emphasizedthe use of injunctions, or orders fromthe courts to do or stop doing something,to ensure that eligible citizens were notkept from voting.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 madethe 15th Amendment truly effective byapplying it to all elections—local, State,and federal. It forbade practices that pre-vented qualified voters from using thepolls. Additionally, in those States where amajority of the electorate did not vote in1964, this act gave the Department ofJustice preclearance, or the right toapprove new election laws, to preventthese laws from weakening minority voting rights. The act was to stay in effectfor five years, but it has been extendedthree times and is now scheduled toexpire in 2007.

SUFFRAGE AND CIVILRIGHTS

SECTION 3

TEXT SUMMARY

© Prentice-Hall, Inc.

1. How were injunctions used in thecivil rights movement?

2. Time Line Skills When wereminority voting rights ensured for all elections?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Implementing the 15thAmendment over Time

Fifteenth Amendmentestablishes that the rightto vote may not bedenied because of race.

1965 Voting Rights Actprotects the rights ofminority voters in allelections and forbids theuse of practices thatprevent qualified votersfrom using the polls.

1964 Civil Rights Actemphasizes the use ofinjunctions to preventvoter discrimination.

1870 1880 1890 1900 19701960195019401910 19301920

Civil Rights Act appointsfederal voting referees

to prevent voterdiscrimination.

1957 Civil Rights Actsets up the Civil Rights

Commission to investigatevoter discrimination claims.

Civil rights lawscame about to protect Americansfrom being disen-franchised becauseof race.

T H E BIG I D E A

Not until the Voting

Rights Act of 1965 did

the 15th Amendment

become fully effective.

VOTER BEHAVIORSECTION 4

Millions of Americans who are qualifiedto vote do not. Voter turnout is low forpresidential elections and lower still foroff-year elections, the congressionalelections that are held between presiden-tial elections.

Those who choose not to vote oftenlack a feeling of political efficacy. Thatmeans they do not feel that their votesmake a difference. They are convincedthat “government by the people” hasbeen taken over by politicians, powerfulspecial interests, and the media.

Studies of voter behavior focus on theresults of particular elections, polls, andpolitical socialization—the process bywhich people gain their political attitudesand opinions. These sources show thatcertain sociological factors—income,occupation, education, gender, age, reli-gion, ethnicity, region of residence, and

family—influence each person’s votingchoices. For example, there are measur-able differences between the electoralchoices of men and women, a phenome-non known as the gender gap.

Psychological factors—including partyidentification and perception ofthe candidates and issues—alsocontribute to voter behavior.Party identification is loyal-ty to a political party. A personloyal to one party may vote onlyfor candidates of that party, apractice called straight-ticketvoting. Many recent voters callthemselves independents, orpeople not identified with a party. Theymay vote for candidates from both majorparties in the same election, which iscalled split-ticket voting.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. How does political efficacy affectwhether people choose to vote?

2. Diagram Skills Name five socio-logical factors that influence voterbehavior.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Factors Influencing Voter Behavior

All kinds of factors influence the Americans who do vote.

Sociological Factors

Income

Occupation

Education

Gender

Age

Religion

Ethnicity

Region of residence

Family

Psychological Factors

Party identification

Perception of candidates

Perception of issues

VoterBehavior

VOTEVOTE

While low voterturnout is a seriousproblem, many factors influencethe Americans whodo vote.

T H E BIG I D E A

C H A P T E R

7Nomination—the selecting of candi-dates for office—is a critical step in theAmerican democratic system. It precedesthe general election, when voters selectthe officeholders.

In the United States, nominations aremade in five ways. By self-announcement,a person who wants to run for office sim-ply announces the fact. Nominations mayalso be made in a caucus, or a group oflike-minded people. Another option isnominating at a convention, or a meetingof the party’s members.

Most States now nominate candidatesthrough a direct primary—an electionheld within a party to pick its candi-dates—of which there are multiple kinds.In closed primaries, generally only reg-istered party members may vote. In open

primaries, any voter may vote in oneparty’s primary. Until 2000 when it wasruled unconstitutional, three States used a blanket primary, in whichvoters could choose among allcontenders, regardless of party.In some States a candidate mustget more than half the votes towin a primary. If no candidatedoes, the two top vote-gettershold a runoff primary todetermine the winner. In mostStates, nearly all elected schooland municipal offices are filled throughnonpartisan elections, in which can-didates are not identified by party. Alsocommon is nomination by petition, bywhich a candidate gets a certain numberof qualified voters to sign a petition.

The Electoral Process

THE NOMINATING PROCESSSECTION 1

TEXT SUMMARY


1. At what point do voters selectofficeholders?

2. Chart Skills What is the differ-ence between a convention and a caucus?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Five Ways to Nominate Candidates

Self-AnnouncementA person declares him or herself to be a candidate.

PetitionA candidate gets a certain number of qualified voters to sign a petition.

CaucusA group of like-minded people meet to select candidates.

ConventionA political party’s members meet to select candidates.

Direct PrimaryAn election is held within a party to pick its candidates.

The nominatingprocess is a keypart of an electionbecause it narrowsthe field of possiblecandidates.

T H E BIG I D E A

Candidates in most States

are now nominated in

direct primaries.

ELECTIONSSECTION 2

While the election process is largely gov-erned by State law, federal law regulates

the dates and some other aspectsof both presidential and con-gressional elections.

Most States hold elections forState offices on the same dayCongress has set for nationalelections: the Tuesday after thefirst Monday in November ofeven-numbered years. Absenteevoting, or voting by those

unable to get to their regular pollingplaces, is usually allowed. Some Statesallow early voting—casting ballots over aperiod of days before an election.

A precinct is a voting district. Apolling place, the place where voters

actually vote, is located somewhere in ornear a precinct. A ballot is the device bywhich voters register their choices in anelection. States require that ballots besecret—that no one may see them but thevoter.

Most States use a form called theAustralian ballot. It is printed at publicexpense; lists the names of all candidatesin an election; is given out only at thepolls, one to each voter; and is marked insecret. An office-group ballot lists candi-dates in a group by office, while a party-column ballot lists them by party. Thecoattail effect occurs when a strongcandidate running for an office at the topof a ballot attracts voters to other candi-dates on the party’s ticket.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. What is a ballot? 2. Diagram Skills Which divisionof government controls mostaspects of elections?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Election Procedures

Election procedures are clearly established by State law and, in some regards, federal law as well.

• Elections are largely governed by State law.

• Aspects of national elections such as dates are governed by federal law.

• Voting takes place in voting districts called precincts.

• Within the precincts, voters cast their votes at polling places.

• A ballot is used to register a person’s votes.

• Most States use a form of the Australian ballot—either an office-group ballot or a party-column ballot.

The Basics of Election Procedure

The detailed proce-dures that governthe casting of votesfor elected officialshelp ensure a demo-cratic way of life.

T H E BIG I D E A

MONEY AND ELECTIONSSECTION 3

Money plays a key role in politics, but itpresents serious problems to democraticgovernments. The amount of moneyspent in races varies, but presidentialcampaigns collect and spend the most.

Parties and their candidates draw theirmoney from two basic sources. Most cam-paign money comes from private sources,including individuals, families, candi-dates themselves, and political actioncommittees (PACs). PACs are the polit-ical arms of special-interest groups.Presidential candidates receive publicsubsidies, which are grants of moneyfrom federal and/or State treasuries.

Federal campaign laws are adminis-tered by the Federal Election Commission

(FEC). These laws apply only to presiden-tial and congressional elections. Theyrequire timely disclosure of campaignfinance data and limit campaign contri-butions. Loopholes in campaignfinance laws allow candidates toavoid some rules. For instance,federal law neither limits norrequires the reporting of softmoney, or money given to Stateand local party organizations forsuch “party-building activities”as voter registration or partymailings and advertisements.Money that is subject to reportingrequirements and amount limits is calledhard money.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. Is hard money or soft money sub-ject to reporting requirements?

2. Diagram Skills Who gives publicsubsidies to campaigns?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Political Campaign Money

Campaign money comes

from both public and

private sources and is

regulated by the

Federal Election

Commission.Political Campaign Money

does regulate hard money

publ

ic

does not regulate soft money

regulates federal elections

subsidies

contributions

Stat

e tre

asur

ies

fede

ral t

reas

ury

indi

vidua

ls

priva

te

fam

ilies

cand

idat

es th

emse

lves

PACs

Fede

ral E

lect

ion

Com

miss

ion

The use of money, aneeded campaignresource that posesa variety of prob-lems, is regulatedin today’s elections.

T H E BIG I D E A

C H A P T E R

8Public opinion refers to the attitudes ofa significant number of people aboutpublic affairs, or matters of govern-ment and politics that concern the peopleat large. Political socialization is theprocess by which people learn ideas anddevelop opinions about issues. Many fac-tors play a part in this process.

Family and education are two of themost important factors in political social-ization. Children pick up fundamentalattitudes from their families. Schoolsteach children the value of the Americanpolitical system and train them to becomegood citizens.

Other important factors in developingpolitical opinions include occupation andrace. Additionally, the mass media—those means of communication that

reach many people simultaneously, suchas newspapers, television, and theInternet—have a huge effect onthe formation of public opin-ion.

Peer groups are the groupsof people with whom one regularly associates, includingfriends, neighbors, classmates,and co-workers. Members ofpeer groups usually share politi-cal opinions.

Public opinions are also affected by theviews expressed by opinion leaders—those people who can strongly influencethe views of others. Historic events, suchas wars, affect people’s lives and thus canalso influence public opinion.

THE FORMATION OF PUBLICOPINION

Mass Media and Public Opinion

SECTION 1

TEXT SUMMARY


Several factors,including familyand education, helpto shape a person’sopinions about public affairs.

T H E BIG I D E A

1. What is public opinion? 2. Diagram Skills List three factorsthat influence public opinion.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Factors That Shape Public Opinion

opinion leaders peer groups mass media

family education occupation

historic events racePublic Opinion

Many factors play a part in shaping public opinion.

MEASURING PUBLIC OPINIONSECTION 2

Government leaders make policy basedon public opinion. Of the many ways tomeasure public opinion, some are moreaccurate than others.

A winning party and candidate oftenclaim to have a mandate, or instructionsfrom the constituency. Based on this theysay that election results indicate public

opinion, but few candidatesreceive true mandates. Interestgroups, or private organiza-tions that work to shape publicpolicy, often present their viewsas public opinion, but howmany people they represent isunknown. Public officials can

use the media and public contacts to gainsome sense of public opinion.

The best measures of public opinionare public opinion polls, or devices

that collect information through ques-tioning. Straw votes, which ask thesame question to many people, are notreliable because those who respond maynot represent the total population.

Scientific polling, which can be veryaccurate, breaks the polling process intosteps. First, choose the “universe,” thatis, the population the poll aims to mea-sure. Then get a sample—a representa-tive slice of the universe. Most pollsterswill draw a random sample, or one inwhich members of the chosen universeare equally likely to be picked. Somepolls use the less reliable quota sample,one that deliberately reflects several ofthe major characteristics of a given uni-verse. Next pollsters prepare valid ques-tions, select and control the pollingprocess, and report the results.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. List the steps in scientific polling. 2. Diagram Skills What are thefour indicators of public opinion?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Measuring Public Opinion

Scientific polling is an accurate way of learning public opinion.

electionresults

interestgroups media

personalcontacts

scientificpolling

• random sample• quota sample

Indicators of Public Opinion Accurate Measures of Public Opinion

Public Opinion

Of the methods formeasuring publicopinion, polls arethe most effective.

T H E BIG I D E A

THE MASS MEDIASECTION 3

A medium is a means of communica-tion; media is the word’s plural. TheAmerican public gets information aboutpublic issues through several forms ofmass media.

Four major mass media are particularlyimportant in American politics. Televi-sion has the most influence, followed bynewspapers, radio, and magazines. Othermedia, such as books and the Internet,also have an impact.

The media play a large part in settingthe public agenda, or the public issuesthat people think and talk about. Themedia also have a central role in elections.For example, television has reduced theimportance of political parties. In thepast, candidates relied on their partymembers to reach the voters. Now,

because television allows the candidatesto reach the public directly, many candi-dates operate with only loose ties to aparty. They work hard to get good mediacoverage and to provide the media withgood sound bites—focused,snappy statements that can beaired in 35 or 45 seconds.

The influence of the media islimited in some ways. Few peo-ple actually follow politicalissues carefully in the media.Also, those who do tend towatch, listen to, or read choose favoritesources rather than sources with contraryopinions to their own. For example,many Democrats do not watch the tele-vised campaign appearances ofRepublican candidates, and vice versa.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. How do the media affect the publicagenda?

2. Diagram Skills What are the four forms of the media with the greatest impact on politics?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: The Mass Media

The many forms of mass media greatly impact American politics.

Mass Media

the Internette

levis

ion

newspapers

magazines

videocassettes

audiocassettes

films

books

radi

oot

her m

edia

The media are ourmost importantsources of politicalinformation.

T H E BIG I D E A

C H A P T E R

9An interest group is a private organiza-tion whose members share views. It triesto promote its interests by influencingpublic policy, or the goals a govern-ment sets and the actions it takes to meetthem. Interest groups work at the federal,State, and local levels.

Interest groups and political partiesboth exist for political purposes, but theirgoals differ. Political parties care mostlyabout who takes part in government,while interest groups care mostly aboutwhat the government does—especially oncertain issues.

The role of interest groups in politics iscontroversial. In their favor, they stimu-late interest in public affairs, or issuesthat concern the people at large. Theyoffer people a chance to participate in

politics and find others who may not livenear them but who do share their views.They often provide useful information tothe government, while alsokeeping close tabs on it. Sincethey compete with one another,interest groups often limit eachother’s extremes.

Interest groups are criticizedfor having more influence thanthey deserve based on the worthof their causes or the number ofpeople they represent. It can be hard totell how many people an interest grouprepresents. Some interest groups do notrepresent the views of all the people forwhom they claim to speak. Finally, someinterest groups do engage in dishonestbehavior.

THE NATURE OF INTERESTGROUPS

Interest Groups

SECTION 1

TEXT SUMMARY


Interest groupsoffer Americans animportant means of influencing U.S.public policy.

T H E BIG I D E A

1. What is an interest group? 2. Chart Skills Name two positivecontributions of interest groups.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Are Interest Groups Good or Bad?

The political power of interest groups is viewed both positively and negatively.

NegativesPositives

1.1. can have more influence than they deservehelp stimulate interest in public affairs

2.2. difficult to figure out how many peoplethey represent

are based on shared views, not sharedgeography

3.3. some do not represent the views of allthe people for whom they claim to speak

4. some engage in dishonest behavior

provide information to government

4. keep tabs on government

5. can limit each other’s extremes

Interest Groups

TYPES OF INTEREST GROUPSSECTION 2

Many Americans belong to several organi-zations that meet the definition of aninterest group. Such groups may be verylarge or quite small. Most interest groups

represent economic—that is,income-earning—interests, suchas business, labor, agriculture,and professionals.

A trade association is aninterest group formed by onesegment of the business commu-nity, such as banking. A laborunion is an interest group

whose members are workers who holdsimilar jobs or work in the same industry,such as police officers.

An influential set of interest groupsfocuses on agriculture. These groups may

represent farmers who raise particularcommodities. Some professional interestgroups also carry weight in American pol-itics. The largest of these are organizationsof physicians, lawyers, and teachers.

Other interest groups are devoted tospecific political and social causes. Theypromote groups such as veterans andelderly people, or political causes such asprotection of the environment. Still otherinterest groups promote certain religiousinterests. Public-interest groups workfor “the public good”—that is, they try torepresent all the people in the country onparticular issues, such as voting rights.They usually focus on issues that affectthe roles that all Americans share, such ascitizen, consumer, or drinker of water.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. Who do labor unions represent? 2. Chart Skills What is the purposeof the National Farmers Union?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Types of Interest Groups

Interest groups work for an array of public policies that benefit their members.

to promote business American Bankers Association

to organize labor Fraternal Order of Police

to protect agricultural interests National Farmers Union

to promote professions American Medical Association

for religious purposes American Jewish Congress

for the public good League of Women Voters

to promote social programs Veterans of Foreign Wars

Purpose Example

Interest groups areformed aroundmany issues, such aspublic interest andeconomics.

T H E BIG I D E A

INTEREST GROUPS AT WORKSECTION 3

Interest groups reach out to the public forthree purposes. First, they supply the pub-lic with information in an effort to gainsupport for their causes. Second, theywork to build positive images for theirgroups. Third, they promote the publicpolicies they favor.

To achieve their goals, interest groupsoften use propaganda—a technique ofpersuasion aimed at influencing individ-ual or group behaviors to create certainbeliefs. These beliefs may be true, false, orpartly true.

Interest groups recognize the role ofpolitical parties in selecting policy-makersand thus try to influence their behavior.Some interest groups form political actioncommittees (PACs) to raise campaign

funds for candidates whom they thinkwill further their goals.

Single-interest groups are PACs thatconcentrate their efforts on one issue.They work for or against a polit-ical candidate based only on hisor her stand on that one issue.

Interest groups may engage inlobbying, or bringing grouppressure to bear on all aspects ofthe making of public policy.Lobbyists, or agents for interestgroups, use many techniques intheir work, including grassroots pressure, or organizedpressure from the average voters. To pre-vent corruption, federal and State lawsregulate lobbyists’ activities.

TEXT SUMMARY


1. How do single-interest groupsdecide whether or not to support a political candidate?

2. Diagram Skills On what processdoes lobbying put pressure?

REVIEW QUESTIONS

GRAPHIC SUMMARY: Techniques Used by Interest Groups

Interest groups use various techniques to influence public opinion, political parties, and the making

of public policy.

PACspolitical action committees that work for oragainst political candidates and may make

campaign contributions

Propagandapersuasive techniques aimed at influencingindividual and group behaviors to create

certain beliefs

Lobbyingbringing pressure to bear on all aspects of

the making of public policy

Techniques Used byInterest Groups to

Achieve Their Goals

Interest groups usepropaganda, formpolitical actioncommittees, andengage lobbyists inorder to influencepublic policy.

T H E BIG I D E A

g5MAGE0501HomepageHow to Use this CD-RomView by Unit / ChapterUnit 1: Foundations of American GovernmentCh. 1: Principles of GovernmentGovernment and the StateGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: John Locke and Thomas JeffersonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Social ContractClose up on Participation: Protecting the EnvironmentGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Forms of GovernmentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Basic Concepts of DemocracyGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Baker v. CarrSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Preparing for Standardized TestsSkills for LifeGuide to the Essentials TestGuide to the Essentials Test (Spanish)

Ch. 2: Origins of American GovernmentOur Political BeginningsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Maryland Toleration ActClose Up on Primary Sources: English Petition of RightClose Up on Primary Sources: English Bill of RightsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Coming of IndependenceGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Magna CartaClose Up on Primary Sources: Patrick Henry's Speech to the Virginia Provincial ConventionClose Up on Primary Sources: The Wealth of NationsClose Up on Primary Sources: Common SenseClose Up on Primary Sources: Virginia Declaration of RightsThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Critical PeriodGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Creating the ConstitutionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Ratifying the ConstitutionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: U.S. v. EichmanGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 3: The ConstitutionThe Six Basic PrinciplesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Mayflower CompactClose Up on Primary Sources: Fundamental Orders of ConnecticutClose Up on Primary Sources: Marbury v. MadisonClose Up on Primary Sources: William Rehnquist: On Judicial ActivismThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Formal AmendmentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Letters of LibertyThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Informal AmendmentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Ingraham v. WrightThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 4: FederalismFederalism: The Division of PowerGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Baron de Montesquieu: The Spirit of the LawsClose Up on Primary Sources: More Power to the StatesClose Up on the Supreme Court: McCulloch v. MarylandThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The National Government and the 50 StatesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Interstate RelationsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Printz v. U.S.Government Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 2: Political Behavior: Government By the PeopleCh. 5: Political PartiesParties and What They DoGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Two-Party SystemGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Two-Party System in American HistoryGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Jefferson's First Inaugural AddressClose Up on the Supreme Court: Dred Scot v. SandfordThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Minor PartiesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Reforming American GovernmentGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Party OrganizationGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Communist Party of Indiana v. WhitcombGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 6: Voters and Voter BehaviorThe Right to VoteGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Voter QualificationsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Voter Registration ReformGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Suffrage and Civil RightsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Seneca Falls DeclarationClose Up on Primary Sources: Lucy Stone's Letter to the New Jersey Tax CollectorClose Up on Primary Sources: Martin Luther King, Jr.: I Have a Dream SpeechClose Up on Primary Sources: Civil Rights ActClose Up on Primary Sources: Voting Rights ActThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Voter BehaviorGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Oregon v. MitchellClose Up on Participation: Fighting for Teenager's RightsThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 7: The Electoral ProcessThe Nominating ProcessGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Reforming the Electoral CollegeThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

ElectionsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Money and ElectionsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Nixon v. Shrink Missouri Government PACThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 8: Mass Media and Public OpinionThe Formation of Public OpinionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Call-In GovernmentClose Up on Primary Sources: The Star Spangled BannerClose Up on Primary Sources: Pledge of Allegiance, American's Creed, Oath of CitizenshipGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Measuring Public OpinionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Mass MediaGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Miami Herald Publishing Co. v. TornilloClose Up on the Supreme Court: New York Times v. United StatesThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 9: Interest GroupsThe Nature of Interest GroupsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose up on Primary Sources: Democracy in AmericaGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Types of Interest GroupsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Destination: The American DreamClose Up on Primary Sources: Organizing Farm WorkersClose up on Participation: Helping the HomelessThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Interest Groups at WorkGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Flast v. CohenGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 3: The Legislative BranchCh. 10: CongressThe National LegislatureGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The House of RepresentativesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The SenateGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Redistricting and RaceGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Members of CongressGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Hutchinson v. ProxmireGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 11: Powers of CongressThe Scope of Congressional PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Expressed Powers of Money and CommerceGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Gibbons v. OgdenThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Other Expressed PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Northwest OrdinanceSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Implied PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Nonlegislative PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Reigning in CongressClose Up on the Supreme Court: Heart of Atlanta Motel, Inc. v. U.S.Close Up on the Supreme Court: United States v. NixonGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 12: Congress in ActionCongress OrganizesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Organizing Congressional CommitteesGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Committees in CongressGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

How a Bill Becomes a Law: The HouseGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsClose Up on Participation: Kicking the HabitGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Bill in the SenateGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Watkins v. U.S.Simulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 4: The Executive BranchCh. 13: The PresidencyThe President's Job DescriptionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The FederalistGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Presidential Succession and the Vice PresidencyGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Choosing the Vice PresidentClose Up on Primary Sources: George Washington, Farewell AddressThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Presidential Selection: The Framers' PlanGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Presidential NominationsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Barbara Jordan: Keynote Address to the Democratic National ConventionThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The ElectionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Nixon v. FitzgeraldSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 14: The Presidency in ActionThe Growth of Presidential PowerGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The President's Executive PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Diplomatic and Military PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Monroe DoctrineClose Up on Primary Sources: John F. Kennedy, Inaugural AddressClose Up on Primary Sources: War Powers ResolutionSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Legislative and Judicial PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Korematsu v. U.S.The Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 15: Government at Work: The BureaucracyThe Federal BureaucracyGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Executive Office of the PresidentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Making of the Modern PresidencySimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Executive DepartmentsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Participation: Raising AIDS AwarenessGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Independent AgenciesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Civil ServiceGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Goldberg v. KellyGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 16: Financing GovernmentTaxesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Nontax Revenues and BorrowingGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Meaning of a Balanced BudgetGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Spending and the BudgetGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Agostini v. FeltonGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 17: Foreign Policy and National DefenseForeign Affairs and National SecurityGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Role of Congress in Foreign PolicyThe Living ConstitutionSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Other Foreign Defense AgenciesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

American Foreign Policy OverviewGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe DoctrineClose Up on Primary Sources: Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" SpeechClose Up on Primary Sources: George Bush on the Fall of the Berlin WallThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Foreign Aid and Defense AlliancesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Rostker v. GoldbergClose Up on Participation: Reducing ConflictGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 5: The Judicial BranchCh. 18: The Federal Court SystemThe National JudiciaryGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Franklin D. Roosevelt: Fireside ChatGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Inferior CourtsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Choosing Federal JudgesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Supreme CourtGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Marbury v. MadisonClose Up on Primary Sources: Justice William J. Brennan: How the Supreme Court Arrives at DecisionsThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Special CourtsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Cherokee Address the American PeopleClose Up on the Supreme Court: Reno v. CondonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 19: Civil Liberties: First Amendment FreedomsThe Unalienable RightsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Freedom of ReligionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: A Legacy of Religious FreedomClose Up on the Supreme Court: Engel v. VitaleGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Freedom of Speech and PressGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Schenck v. United StatesClose Up on the Supreme Court: New York Times v. United StatesThe Living ConstitutionSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Freedom of Assembly and PetitionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Tinker v. Des Moines School DistrictGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 20: Civil Liberties: Protecting Individual RightsDue Process of LawGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Roe v. WadeGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Freedom and Security of the PersonGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: The Civil Rights CasesThe Living ConstitutionSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Rights of the AccusedGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Right to Due ProcessClose Up on Primary Sources: The Sword and the RobeClose Up on the Supreme Court: Miranda v. ArizonaThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsSimulations and DebatesSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

PunishmentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Illinois v. WardlowSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 21: Civil Rights: Equal Justice Under LawDiversity and Discrimination in American SocietyGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Petition by Free Negroes for Equality Under the LawSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Equality Before the LawGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Struggle for IntegrationClose Up on the Supreme Court: Plessy v. FergusonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Powell v. AlabamaClose Up on the Supreme Court: Brown v. Board of Education of TopekaThe Living ConstitutionThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Federal Civil Rights LawsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Civil Rights ActsGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

American CitizenshipGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Dawes ActClose Up on the Supreme Court: Regents of the University of California v. BakkeGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 6: Comparative Political and Economic SystemsCh. 22: Comparative Political SystemsGreat BritainGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

JapanGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

MexicoGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Canadian System of GovernmentThe Living ConstitutionThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

RussiaGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

ChinaGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Reno v. ACLUGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 23: Comparative Economic SystemsCapitalismGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Wealth of NationsThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

SocialismGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: New Labour in Great BritainClose Up on Participation: Working to Eliminate Child LaborGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

CommunismGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Shelley v. KraemerGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Preparing for Standardized TestsSkills for LifeGuide to the Essentials TestGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Unit 7: Participating in Texas State and Local GovernmentCh. 24: Governing the State of TexasThe Texas State ConstitutionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Texas State LegislatureGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Governor and State AdministrationGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Term Limits Across the CountryGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

In the CourtroomGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Courts and Their JudgesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: City of Philadelphia v. New JerseyClose Up on Participation: Planting the Seeds of ChangeThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Preparing for Standardized TestsSkills for LifeGuide to the Essentials TestGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Ch. 25: Texas Local Government and FinanceTexas Counties and Special DistrictsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: New Ideas for Metropolitan RegionsThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Cities and Metropolitan Areas in Texas and the NationGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Providing Important ServicesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Financing State and Local GovernmentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Board of Estimate of New York v. MorrisThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


View By Resource Type

MAGE0502HomepageHow to Use this CD-RomView by Unit / ChapterUnit 1: Foundations of American GovernmentCh. 1: Principles of GovernmentGovernment and the StateGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: John Locke and Thomas JeffersonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Social ContractClose up on Participation: Protecting the EnvironmentGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Forms of GovernmentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Basic Concepts of DemocracyGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Baker v. CarrSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 2: Origins of American GovernmentOur Political BeginningsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Maryland Toleration ActClose Up on Primary Sources: English Petition of RightClose Up on Primary Sources: English Bill of RightsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Coming of IndependenceGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Magna CartaClose Up on Primary Sources: Patrick Henry's Speech to the Virginia Provincial ConventionClose Up on Primary Sources: The Wealth of NationsClose Up on Primary Sources: Common SenseClose Up on Primary Sources: Virginia Declaration of RightsThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Critical PeriodGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Creating the ConstitutionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Ratifying the ConstitutionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: U.S. v. EichmanGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 3: The ConstitutionThe Six Basic PrinciplesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Mayflower CompactClose Up on Primary Sources: Fundamental Orders of ConnecticutClose Up on Primary Sources: Marbury v. MadisonClose Up on Primary Sources: William Rehnquist: On Judicial ActivismThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Formal AmendmentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Letters of LibertyThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Informal AmendmentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Ingraham v. WrightThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 4: FederalismFederalism: The Division of PowerGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Baron de Montesquieu: The Spirit of the LawsClose Up on Primary Sources: More Power to the StatesClose Up on the Supreme Court: McCulloch v. MarylandThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The National Government and the 50 StatesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Interstate RelationsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Printz v. U.S.Government Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 2: Political Behavior: Government By the PeopleCh. 5: Political PartiesParties and What They DoGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Two-Party SystemGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Two-Party System in American HistoryGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Jefferson's First Inaugural AddressClose Up on the Supreme Court: Dred Scot v. SandfordThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Minor PartiesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Reforming American GovernmentGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Party OrganizationGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Communist Party of Indiana v. WhitcombGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 6: Voters and Voter BehaviorThe Right to VoteGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Voter QualificationsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Voter Registration ReformGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Suffrage and Civil RightsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Seneca Falls DeclarationClose Up on Primary Sources: Lucy Stone's Letter to the New Jersey Tax CollectorClose Up on Primary Sources: Martin Luther King, Jr.: I Have a Dream SpeechClose Up on Primary Sources: Civil Rights ActClose Up on Primary Sources: Voting Rights ActThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Voter BehaviorGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Oregon v. MitchellClose Up on Participation: Fighting for Teenager's RightsThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 7: The Electoral ProcessThe Nominating ProcessGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Reforming the Electoral CollegeThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

ElectionsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Money and ElectionsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Nixon v. Shrink Missouri Government PACThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 8: Mass Media and Public OpinionThe Formation of Public OpinionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Call-In GovernmentClose Up on Primary Sources: The Star Spangled BannerClose Up on Primary Sources: Pledge of Allegiance, American's Creed, Oath of CitizenshipGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Measuring Public OpinionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Mass MediaGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Miami Herald Publishing Co. v. TornilloClose Up on the Supreme Court: New York Times v. United StatesThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 9: Interest GroupsThe Nature of Interest GroupsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose up on Primary Sources: Democracy in AmericaGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Types of Interest GroupsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Destination: The American DreamClose Up on Primary Sources: Organizing Farm WorkersClose up on Participation: Helping the HomelessThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Interest Groups at WorkGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Flast v. CohenGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 3: The Legislative BranchCh. 10: CongressThe National LegislatureGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The House of RepresentativesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The SenateGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Redistricting and RaceGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Members of CongressGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Hutchinson v. ProxmireGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 11: Powers of CongressThe Scope of Congressional PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Expressed Powers of Money and CommerceGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Gibbons v. OgdenThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Other Expressed PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Northwest OrdinanceSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Implied PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Nonlegislative PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Reigning in CongressClose Up on the Supreme Court: Heart of Atlanta Motel, Inc. v. U.S.Close Up on the Supreme Court: United States v. NixonGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 12: Congress in ActionCongress OrganizesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Organizing Congressional CommitteesGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Committees in CongressGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

How a Bill Becomes a Law: The HouseGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsClose Up on Participation: Kicking the HabitGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Bill in the SenateGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Watkins v. U.S.Simulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 4: The Executive BranchCh. 13: The PresidencyThe President's Job DescriptionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The FederalistGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Presidential Succession and the Vice PresidencyGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Choosing the Vice PresidentClose Up on Primary Sources: George Washington, Farewell AddressThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Presidential Selection: The Framers' PlanGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Presidential NominationsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Barbara Jordan: Keynote Address to the Democratic National ConventionThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The ElectionGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Nixon v. FitzgeraldSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 14: The Presidency in ActionThe Growth of Presidential PowerGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The President's Executive PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Diplomatic and Military PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Monroe DoctrineClose Up on Primary Sources: John F. Kennedy, Inaugural AddressClose Up on Primary Sources: War Powers ResolutionSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Legislative and Judicial PowersGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Korematsu v. U.S.The Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 15: Government at Work: The BureaucracyThe Federal BureaucracyGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Executive Office of the PresidentGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Making of the Modern PresidencySimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Executive DepartmentsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Participation: Raising AIDS AwarenessGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Independent AgenciesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonThe Living ConstitutionGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Civil ServiceGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Goldberg v. KellyGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 16: Financing GovernmentTaxesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Nontax Revenues and BorrowingGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: The Meaning of a Balanced BudgetGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Spending and the BudgetGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on the Supreme Court: Agostini v. FeltonGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Ch. 17: Foreign Policy and National DefenseForeign Affairs and National SecurityGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Role of Congress in Foreign PolicyThe Living ConstitutionSimulations and DebatesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Other Foreign Defense AgenciesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

American Foreign Policy OverviewGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: The Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe DoctrineClose Up on Primary Sources: Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" SpeechClose Up on Primary Sources: George Bush on the Fall of the Berlin WallThe Living ConstitutionGovernment Assessment RubricGovernment Assessment Evaluation FormsGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

Foreign Aid and Defense AlliancesGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on the Supreme Court: Rostker v. GoldbergClose Up on Participation: Reducing ConflictGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)


Unit 5: The Judicial BranchCh. 18: The Federal Court SystemThe National JudiciaryGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonBlock SchedulingClose Up on Primary Sources: Franklin D. Roosevelt: Fireside ChatGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Inferior CourtsGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical CartoonClose Up on Primary Sources: Choosing Federal JudgesGuide to the EssentialsGuide to the Essentials (Spanish)

The Supreme CourtGuided ReadingQuizLesson PlanPolitical Carto

Documents

Political Parties 5 - SmarterTexas.orgsmartertexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Gov-chapters-5-9.pdf · tion caused two sides—the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists—to form