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Thursday, April 28th

4/28/2016

BLOCK CLASSES:
Today in class we:
1. Discussed the Electoral College documents, looking at evidence that supported both maintaining and changing the Electoral College.
2. Took notes on Electoral College Reform Plans. If you were absent, get the notes from a friend.
3. Identified potential weaknesses of the reform plans.
4. Completed the following in class writing:
Should the Electoral College be reformed?

If yes, provide at least two reasons of support (evidence) explaining WHY it should be reformed AND explain HOW it should be reformed. Defend your answer, including a defense of your reform plan.

If no, provide at least three reasons of support (evidence) that it should not be reformed. Defend your answer.
5. Read Article II.

SKINNY:
Today in class we took notes on the criticisms and regulations of interest groups. We also identified similarities and differences between parties and interest groups.
The test is MONDAY.

Wednesday, April 27th

4/27/2016

BLOCK:
Today in class we watched a video about the executive branch, completed an assignment for Chapter 8, Section 1, and identified pros and cons of the Electoral College. If you were absent, be sure to get the video notes from a friend and complete the 8.1 assignment, which is in the Wednesday folder.

SKINNY:
If you were absent you missed a video about voting. Be sure to get the notes from a friend.
The test will be either Friday or Monday.

Tuesday, April 26th

4/26/2016

BLOCK:
Today in class we started our study of the executive branch. If you were absent get the introductory notes and the notes about the Electoral College from a friend. Also, get a set of Electoral College documents from the Tuesday folder. Read and analyze each document, looking for evidence that both supports keeping and supports eliminating the Electoral College.

SKINNY:
Today in class we talked about the important elements of a political campaign and we started our study of interest groups.

If you were absent, get the notes from a friend. Also, read Chapter 18, section 2 and identify the methods used by interest groups to get support for their issues.

The test is tentatively scheduled for Friday.

Monday, April 25th

4/25/2016

BLOCK:
Today in class we completed the Legislative Branch test and started our study of the Executive Branch. There is no homework. If you were absent, please make arrangements to make up the test.

SKINNY:
Today in class we finished our study of political parties and voting. If you were absent, complete the Chapter 17, Section 1 worksheet (in the Monday folder). Tomorrow we will start our study of interest groups. The test will be after we finish studying interest groups.

Friday, April 22nd

4/22/2016

BLOCK:
Today in class we:
1. 5/6 Block only - finished the Chapter 7 notes.
2. Identified the difference between "term of office" and "term limit".
3. Read an article about term limits.
4. Identified pros and cons of term limits.
5. Reviewed learning targets.

Homework: Study for Monday's test.

SKINNY:
Today in class we completed the political party vocabulary quiz. We also finished the notes (influences on voters) from yesterday AND identified other influences on voters.
There is no homework.

Thursday, April 21st

4/21/2016

BLOCK:
Today in class we completed the legislative branch vocabulary quiz. We also watched two video clips about How a Bill Becomes a Law AND completed the notes for Chapter 7.

The test is on Monday.

SKINNY:
Today in class we reviewed our study of political parties. We also took notes on the characteristics of voters and non-voters. If you were absent, be sure to get the notes from a friend.

The political party vocabulary quiz is tomorrow. We are 10 learning questions away from the next test. It should be at the end of next week or early the following week.

Wednesday, April 20th

4/20/2016

BLOCK:
Today in class we reviewed How a Bill Becomes a Law. We also reviewed notes on the non-legislative powers of Congress, and took notes on the special powers of the House/Senate, Legislative Oversight, and staff and support agencies.

If you were absent, you will want to:
1. Get the notes from a friend.
2. Answer Question #7 on the Chapter 5 Questions (in your binder).
3. Complete Questions 1, 3, and 5 on the Chapter 7 Questions.

Reminder: The Legislative Branch Quiz is Thursday; The test is tentatively scheduled for Monday.

SKINNY:
Today in class we finished our study of political parties. If you were absent, be sure to get the political party organization notes from a friend. We also started our study of voting. If you were absent, get the notes from a friend.

The homework is to study for Friday's vocabulary quiz.

Tuesday, April 19

4/19/2016

BLOCK:
Today in class we discussed Article I, including the enumerated powers of Congress and the denied powers of Congress.
We also took notes on How a Bill Becomes a Law and reviewed the non-legislative powers of Congress.

The homework is to study for Thursday's quiz.

SKINNY:
Today in class we completed the test corrections for the judicial branch test. We also completed our notes on the nomination process. Be sure to get the notes from a friend.
The homework is to identify the problems of the presidential nomination process AND to study for Friday's quiz.

Friday, April 15th

4/15/2016

BLOCK CLASSES:
Today in class we finished our notes on Congressional Leadership, and then completed an assignment for Chapter 5. If you were absent, please get a copy of the assignment from the Friday folder and complete.

We also read Article I of the Constitution. If you were absent, read Article I and identify the significance of each section.

There is no homework.

The SKINNY class didn't meet today due to a Senior Class Meeting.

Thursday, April 14th

4/14/2016

BLOCK:
Today in class we watched a video about redistricting, reviewed the different types of Congressional committees, and took notes on congressional leadership. If you were absent, get the notes from a friend.

There is no homework.

The legislative branch vocabulary quiz is Thursday 4.21

SKINNY:
Today we reviewed judicial branch concepts and party nomination procedures.
We also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of open primaries.

Test Corrections will take place in class on Tuesday, April 19th.
The Political Party Quiz will be on Friday, April 22nd.

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