President Obama's Education Reform Message

""Education is the key to economic success."

President Obama recently issued this quote to the nation and proposed a thorough examination of America's educational system.

In two-three paragraphs explain some of the President's proposals for educational reform and what, in your opinion, do you think he meant by the quote. Factors to consider are competition in a changing, global economy and the realities of limited resources to deal with this issue.

Remembering Sept. 11th

On September 11th, 2010 the United States will mark the 9th Anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in our nation's history. Over 3,000 Americans lost their lives that day and the United States, and the world, still are dealing the reprocussions of that attack.

Your task is to comment on September 11th from a perspective on what it has done to the United States economy. What are some of the economic issues directly, or indirectly, related to the attacks? Spend some time reflecting and researching your response. Your entry should be two-three paragraphs long and try to comment on your peers' blog entries as well.

AP US History- Summer Assignment

Hopefully all of you had a great, and relaxing, summer. As part of your first homework assignment I would like for you to reflect on the textbook reading assignment. Please keep your comments brief (a paragraph or two at most) and discuss what you thought were some of the pros and cons of the assignment. What did you like, or dislike, about THE AMERICAN PAGEANT?

Be sure to read and hopefully comment on your classmates' blog entries. Finally, welcome back to school and I look forward to a great year with all of you.

Local Community Issue

The Town of Schodack, like other small communities throughout NY State, is facing tough economic times and issues. Your group's task is to specifically identify a pressing local issue and a provide a detailed plan about how you would propose to solve it.

Local Government Issues- May, 2010

Participation in Government makes it necessary to be aware and informed of local issues that may impact your community. It has been said that local govt. has more of a direct impact on citizens than any other level of government.

Your task is to research the proposed Schodack Central Schools 2010 Budget and the proposed work furlough for NY State Workers and comment on how both the local and NY State issues impact you or your family. Why is it important and what measures can be taken to deal with these pressing issues?

History of Federalism

The United States established a system of Federalism in order to set up a dual form of government where powers are shared between the federal and state governments. Throughout United States history there has been a constant struggle over that delicate balance of power.

Your task is to work together as a class and generate a timeline of US Federalism and how it has evolved since its inception. Chapter Three in your textbook outlines some of the key terms and event associated with this struggle for power. Use your textbook and other AP Review materials / books (on the heating unit) to list, in chronological order, the major shifts / terms/ transitions/philosophies in the relationship between the federal and state governments.

Your timeline should include Pre-Civil War court cases, the Civil War, late 19th-early 20th century, FDR's New Deal ( a dramatic fundamental shift in philosophy), LBJ's Great Society, Nixon's and Reagan's "NEW" Federalism, and the basic philosophical differences between the Republicans and Democrats over the role of the federal govt (as evidenced by the Health Care debate).

You may work together on this and with about 30 minutes left in class the timeline can be generated up front on the board and you should take notes on it.

Compare and Contrast the United States involvement in World War I and World War II. Do the in class assignment differentiating American involvement in both wars and answer collectively as a class on the blog. Be specific and be sure to take notes and generate a chart of similarities and differences between the wars.

American Imperialism became the next step in US Foreign Policy in the late 19th and early 20th Century. This policy was promoted by numerous factors including economic, political, military, and social factors. In class on Monday you outlined two essays dealing with imperialism.

Your assignment today is to examine this cartoon "Declined, with thanks" and explain why Uncle Sam would have to "politely" decline the Anti-Imperialists anecdote. Who were the Anti- Imperialists and why were they against US expansionism? Split the class into 2 groups- Imperialist and Anti-Imperialists and use this cartoon and your work from the other day and your reading notes and textbook to debate the following:

" Resolved: The United States was justified in their imperialistic policies during the late 19th/early 20th century."

Eventually, with the advent of WW One in Europe in 1914, the United States would divert from their traditional foreign policy of isolationism and neutrality and turn to interventionism. After the debate, trace the steps that the US took from the early 20th century, how they remained neutral, and then eventually joined into the conflict in Europe in 1917.

Health Care Reform- A Bi-Partisan Effort

Health Care Reform is a classic example of checks and balances and the struggles between the Congress and The Executive Branch. This heated debate has taken some recent turns and President Obama, in conjunction with other Democrats, has had to make some significant concessions in order to move forward.

Your task is to research the most recent chain of events and compromises proposed on both sides of this debate. As individuals, list and briefly explain some of these changes. Why has the President moved more "to the center" with some of his proposals and what are the implications of this move.

Try to search video clips on cnbc, cbs, abcnews, or any of the other major news agencies to help you become informed. You will be graded on the content of your blog and use of resources and websites.

Political Party Identification

In class we have researched and taken numerous political spectrum surveys. As you being your young adult life, you are starting to identify yourself intellectually, financially, and politically. These surveys, while entertaining and a good topic of conversation, are not a totally accurate snapshot of who you are politically.
Your task is to list and explain 4-5 factors that may help to shape your own political views. What institutional factors exist that influence you personally and your contemporaries throughout the United States? What have you learned about your own views on specific issues and topics through these in class discussions and surveys? Be sure to express your own views and reflect about where you may be heading with your own political voice.