AP Government & Politics Resource page
Units & Chapters
The content below is broken down by unit and chapter. The text for this class is Government in America, 16 Edition, AP Edition.
Below you will find the following:
A Note to the Honorable Outsider: If you are not in my class, but wish to use this resource, you are most welcome! However, you need to know that my units are in a different order than those offered by the College Board under the newly revised version. The breakdown of units is posted below this paragraph for your convenience.
Below you will find the following:
- Basic chapter reading guides
- Crash Course summaries
- Supreme Court cases
- Relevant supplemental materials
A Note to the Honorable Outsider: If you are not in my class, but wish to use this resource, you are most welcome! However, you need to know that my units are in a different order than those offered by the College Board under the newly revised version. The breakdown of units is posted below this paragraph for your convenience.
Peterson's Units
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College Board's Units
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UNIT I: FOUNDATIONS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY
"I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the people. No other sure foundation can be devised, for the preservation of freedom and happiness...Preach, my dear Sir, a crusade against ignorance; establish & improve the law for educating the common people. Let our countrymen know that the people alone can protect us against these evils [tyranny, oppression, etc.] and that the tax which will be paid for this purpose is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance."
- Thomas Jefferson
- Thomas Jefferson
Introduction: Government in America
Origins: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution
Federalism
States as Labs for Reform
The debate below centers on the efficacy of the Affordable Care Act, 2010 (Obamacare) during the run-up to the midterm presidential election between President Obama and MA Governor Mitt Romney. What was the inspiration for the Act according to the video? What was the political ramification of this bit of information?
The debate below centers on the efficacy of the Affordable Care Act, 2010 (Obamacare) during the run-up to the midterm presidential election between President Obama and MA Governor Mitt Romney. What was the inspiration for the Act according to the video? What was the political ramification of this bit of information?
Net Neutrality and Federalism
California passed a net neutrality law after the Trump Administration repealed the Obama-era federal regulations that achieved the same thing. The FCC sought to prevent the California law, and the Justice Department of the federal government immediately pressed a legal challenge in federal court. Should the federal government or the states have control over this increasingly important issue?
California passed a net neutrality law after the Trump Administration repealed the Obama-era federal regulations that achieved the same thing. The FCC sought to prevent the California law, and the Justice Department of the federal government immediately pressed a legal challenge in federal court. Should the federal government or the states have control over this increasingly important issue?
UNIT II: CIVIL LIBERTIES & RIGHTS
Before you begin...
This unit is heavy in required Supreme Court cases. In addition to the resources below, you will want to access actual cases as attached to the side menu adjacent to Gov Resources in the drop-down menu above. Each case is linked to an Oyez brief. For the expanded downloadable versions that we use in class, click this Streetlaw link (the briefs are free).
This unit is heavy in required Supreme Court cases. In addition to the resources below, you will want to access actual cases as attached to the side menu adjacent to Gov Resources in the drop-down menu above. Each case is linked to an Oyez brief. For the expanded downloadable versions that we use in class, click this Streetlaw link (the briefs are free).
Civil Liberties
First Amendment - Speech
Below is a document designed to provide direction to congress as they write laws concerning regulation of speech. It is a guide that outlines the different kinds of protected and unprotected speech as established by the Supreme Court through various cases. The document is two pages in length.
Below is a document designed to provide direction to congress as they write laws concerning regulation of speech. It is a guide that outlines the different kinds of protected and unprotected speech as established by the Supreme Court through various cases. The document is two pages in length.
Eighth Amendment
Below is a series of cases involving Eighth Amendment protections against "cruel and unusual punishment." In those dealing with the death penalty, the challenge is not about method of execution, but rather about application of the penalty. The first case deals with age, the second with intellectual ability. LOR-2.D.1
Below is a series of cases involving Eighth Amendment protections against "cruel and unusual punishment." In those dealing with the death penalty, the challenge is not about method of execution, but rather about application of the penalty. The first case deals with age, the second with intellectual ability. LOR-2.D.1
The case below is not a death penalty case, but rather a criminal justice case. The question for consideration: when dealing with developmentally disabled individuals, what should be the standard by which justice is applied?
Witness to an Execution: Daryl Holton
This is an eyewitness account of the execution of Daryl Holton in Tennessee's electric chair. The author served as Holton's final attorney and gives you an insider's view of the pageantry of death row executions. As of the time of this writing, Tennessee has reintroduced electrocution as a legal means of executing as an alternative to lethal injection.
This is an eyewitness account of the execution of Daryl Holton in Tennessee's electric chair. The author served as Holton's final attorney and gives you an insider's view of the pageantry of death row executions. As of the time of this writing, Tennessee has reintroduced electrocution as a legal means of executing as an alternative to lethal injection.
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Civil Rights
UNIT III: AMERICAN POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES & BELIEFS
Public Opinion and Political Action
Economic & Social Welfare Policymaking
UNIT IV: POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
The Mass Media and the Political Agenda
The chart above is designed to rate news bias in the media as well as the reliability of the reporting. Can this chart be trusted? Click the link below to read about the organization that put the chart together. On it, you will find a statement of purpose, and if you scroll the very bottom, you can access the "about" page which offers the biographical profiles of the founder, the key contributors, and the advisory board - in a word: transparency. Remember, transparency is the key to truth.
Political Parties
Voting Models (MPA-3.A.1)
The Khan Academy video below will walk you through the four different models that explain voting behavior.
The Khan Academy video below will walk you through the four different models that explain voting behavior.
Party-in-Organization
The Big Two: Democrats & Republicans
- Click the images below to access the official political party websites.
- Look up the party platform for each party so see what they stand for. (If you cannot find it, look under the about section at the bottom of the web page.
America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump (Frontline Video)
The link below will take you to the Frontline video which explores America's growing political and cultural divide. As you watch, consider the impacts of the institutionalized two-party system and the primary system of candidate selection on this phenomenon. Is this a mere pendulum swing, or is the country facing an existential crisis for the soul of the United States?
The link below will take you to the Frontline video which explores America's growing political and cultural divide. As you watch, consider the impacts of the institutionalized two-party system and the primary system of candidate selection on this phenomenon. Is this a mere pendulum swing, or is the country facing an existential crisis for the soul of the United States?
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Campaigns and Voting Behavior
Slideshow: Follow the Money: The Role of Money in the American Electoral System
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President Obama's Response to Citizens United v. FEC, 2010 (Forward to 45:10)
Khan Academy on Campaigns and Voting
Interest Groups
Interest Groups
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Lobbying
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UNIT V: INTERACTIONS AMONG THE BRANCHES
A Primer Resource on the Three Branches of Government
This resource is actually compiled by the Joslyn Law Firm of Cincinnati. It includes a list of resources divided by branch and will serve as yet another aid in your search for relevant material for this class. A BIG thanks to New Jersey Girl Scout Troop #1407 for not only using my website, but also for letting me know about the Joslyn resource! (If you ever move to Trenton, Ohio, you MUST sign up for my AP Government and Politics class!!!)
This resource is actually compiled by the Joslyn Law Firm of Cincinnati. It includes a list of resources divided by branch and will serve as yet another aid in your search for relevant material for this class. A BIG thanks to New Jersey Girl Scout Troop #1407 for not only using my website, but also for letting me know about the Joslyn resource! (If you ever move to Trenton, Ohio, you MUST sign up for my AP Government and Politics class!!!)
Federalist No. 51
Below you will find what is often seen as the second most important writing in American political philosophy. Federalist No. 51, written by James Madison, details the Separation of Powers Doctrine. It rests on the initial assumptions laid out in Federalist No. 10 which outlines the problem of faction in democracy.
Below you will find what is often seen as the second most important writing in American political philosophy. Federalist No. 51, written by James Madison, details the Separation of Powers Doctrine. It rests on the initial assumptions laid out in Federalist No. 10 which outlines the problem of faction in democracy.
Congress
Crash Course Videos on Congress...
Following Today's Legislation: Govtrac
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Senate Filibuster
Click the links below to see how the filibuster works, and some famous examples to boot!
Click the links below to see how the filibuster works, and some famous examples to boot!
Ted Cruz Filibustering funding for the Affordable Care Act/"Obamacare" (lasted more than 21 hours!)
Top 5 Filibusters (Mental Floss)
Read through and enjoy!
Read through and enjoy!
The Great Recession of 2008
In 2008 the central pillar of the American economy collapsed, the banking and finance sector. America's largest banks were all threatening to follow the financial giant, Lehman Brothers. Shares in all sectors were in free fall, the nation plummeted into a severe and deep recession. The banks in question were well known household names: Citigroup (Citibank), Wells Fargo, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs, among others. They were also considered "too big to fail," which means allowing them to collapse could lead the entire American economy in ruins. Congress responded by authorizing a $700 billion bailout of the big banks. Below is the congressional hearing that took place on February 11, 2009 as an attempt at accountability.
In 2008 the central pillar of the American economy collapsed, the banking and finance sector. America's largest banks were all threatening to follow the financial giant, Lehman Brothers. Shares in all sectors were in free fall, the nation plummeted into a severe and deep recession. The banks in question were well known household names: Citigroup (Citibank), Wells Fargo, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs, among others. They were also considered "too big to fail," which means allowing them to collapse could lead the entire American economy in ruins. Congress responded by authorizing a $700 billion bailout of the big banks. Below is the congressional hearing that took place on February 11, 2009 as an attempt at accountability.
- Remember: in a recession, consumers stop spending money, which leads to falling prices and layoffs
- Part of the intention of congress in passing the bailout package - financed, of course, at taxpayer expense - was that banks would start lending money to consumer at low interest rates to stimulate spending.
- Banks happily received the payments, but they failed to deliver the expected low-interest loans to consumers.
- Several CEOs did resign, but did so with "golden parachutes" - severance packages that amounted to $1.6 billion. Again, these were financed at taxpayer expense.
Below: Rep. Mike Capuano (D-MA) and Rep. Allan Grayson (D-FL) question bank CEOs on their involvement in the financial market crash that led to the Great Recession of 2008...
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Another attempt at regulating the finance industry...
The video below is a great example of legislative oversight of the financial industry. The CEO of Wells Fargo is answering for the corruption that occurred under his leadership and his response to it. Question to ponder: By what authority or means does Congress have the power to question the CEO of a private entity like Wells Fargo? (Consider legal vs. financial imperatives.)
The video below is a great example of legislative oversight of the financial industry. The CEO of Wells Fargo is answering for the corruption that occurred under his leadership and his response to it. Question to ponder: By what authority or means does Congress have the power to question the CEO of a private entity like Wells Fargo? (Consider legal vs. financial imperatives.)
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The two stories below refers to standard Con-3.C.1: Congressional behavior and governing effectiveness are influenced by: Elections that have led to a divided government, including partisan votes against presidential initiatives and congressional refusal to confirm appointments of "lame-duck" presidents of the opposite party.
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...or click below for the article:
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The Dubious Case of Merrick Garland: a Case Study in Divided Government
Click the link below to access the short article. Question for Consideration:
Was the Constitution respected by this incident? |
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The Presidency
Informal Powers: Executive Orders
The executive order is the tool by which the president is able to direct how he/she wants laws to be executed. They are executed under the framework of existing laws only. In other words, the president may not use the executive order to essentially create new laws. As this executive tool is found nowhere in the Constitution, it is an informal power of the president.
The executive order is the tool by which the president is able to direct how he/she wants laws to be executed. They are executed under the framework of existing laws only. In other words, the president may not use the executive order to essentially create new laws. As this executive tool is found nowhere in the Constitution, it is an informal power of the president.
State of the Union Address: Article II, Sec. 3
What is the Bully Pulpit? Ask Teddy!
Teddy Roosevelt's presidency marked a transition away from passive presidential leadership. It was he who first coined the term "Bully Pulpit." Saying "Bully!" was a colloquialism of the time much like saying "Awesome!" today. As you read the link below, you will see
Teddy Roosevelt's presidency marked a transition away from passive presidential leadership. It was he who first coined the term "Bully Pulpit." Saying "Bully!" was a colloquialism of the time much like saying "Awesome!" today. As you read the link below, you will see
The Budget: The Politics of Taxing and Spending
If you want to understand the relationship between the president and congress, then you must understand the central place of of the budget in that relationship. Let's start with the basics:
Important Terminology
Click the button below to access a Prezi on the Federal Budget Calendar. Read through it to get an idea of what it looks like in action.
- Taxing and allocation of funds are the domain of Congress according to Article I, Sec. 8
- All revenue bills begin with the House of Representatives.
- The executive branch does the actual spending through the various cabinet department in coordination with the Treasury Department
- Each department is subdivided into agencies, bureaus, and administrations. Each of them requires a certain amount of money to be able to do their jobs. So every year, the President calls for budgets.
- The Office of Management & Budget (OMB) takes all the agency budgets and combines them into one massive federal budget. The President then asks congress to fund the government.
- That's when the fight begins!
- Once upon a time, congress had to take the President's budget without question. They created the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) as a counterpart to the OMB, allowing them to check the OMB's figures thereby giving congress greater control over the budgetary process.
Important Terminology
- Outlay: Money that is earmarked for spending by the federal government
- Receipts: Money that is collected via taxes by the federal Government
Click the button below to access a Prezi on the Federal Budget Calendar. Read through it to get an idea of what it looks like in action.
(Be patient with this one...it takes a minute to load.)
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They Byrd Rule for Budget Reconciliation
In its simplest form, the Byrd Rule is a Senate rule that prohibits amendments from being added to budget reconciliation bills with the aim of reducing budget deficits.
In its simplest form, the Byrd Rule is a Senate rule that prohibits amendments from being added to budget reconciliation bills with the aim of reducing budget deficits.
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Remember: Americans are ideologically conservative, but operationally liberal - meaning that they will hate big government and the spending that comes with it, but refuse any suggestion that existing programs might be cut. This leads to some uncomfortable realities with numbers. Consider the following questions as you look at the items below:
- What happens when what we demand outstrips our willingness to pay in a democracy?
- Who should pay for all the programs and priorities that we demand?
- Who actually pays for all the programs and priorities that we demand?
- Who owns what in the United States in terms of total wealth?
The links above give you a general glimpse of the United States as a nation of unequal wealth with progressive taxation. Whereas this is part of any capitalist system, one must ask several questions regarding our particular take on capitalism.
The link below will take you to an article written by Matthew Stewart that appeared in The Atlantic in May of 2018. Read and consider: is Mr. Stewart correct in his assumptions and conclusions? How would you respond?
- Is it natural?
- Is it just?
- Is it fair?
- Should it be allowed to continue?
The link below will take you to an article written by Matthew Stewart that appeared in The Atlantic in May of 2018. Read and consider: is Mr. Stewart correct in his assumptions and conclusions? How would you respond?
Terminology (you can find them on Ch. 13 of the text as well):
- Sixteenth Amendment (Federal Income Taxes allowed)
- Progressive tax: the more you make, the more you pay (e.g. our current income tax system)
- Regressive tax: the less you make, the more you pay; paying higher percentage of tax on income or wealth than those who have more (e.g. cutting income taxes at the top end and replacing them with an equivalent sales tax)
- Flat tax: everyone pays the same percentage in taxes, but the burden is felt more as you make less (Consider: 15% hits harder if you make $40,000 per year than if you make $400,000 per year)
- Dividend tax: taxes on dividends (think of a company like a giant pizza. Each slice represents a single "stock" or "share." You can buy these stocks on one of the major stock exchanges. So when that company generates a profit at the end of the year, it is divided among the stocks/shares. That's a dividend.)
- Capital Gains tax: a capital gain is money that is made when you sell stock on the stock market.
- Entitlements: rules or policies that guarantee benefits to certain classes of people (e.g. the elderly); as more people enter the class, the expenditure increases - e.g. Social Security Act of 1935 is an entitlement
- Uncontrollable expenditures: the result of entitlements
- Incrementalism: the official methodology on predicting how much money will be needed for the next year. It goes like this: take this year's budget and add a little bit more. (Seriously.)
The Federal Bureaucracy
The bureaucracy is the President's army. On his behalf, they implement law by writing and enforcing regulations, keep others accountable to following law (often through the threat of fines for noncompliance), and serving as the main point of contact between the law and the public. The four short videos below will get you started...
The bureaucracy is the President's army. On his behalf, they implement law by writing and enforcing regulations, keep others accountable to following law (often through the threat of fines for noncompliance), and serving as the main point of contact between the law and the public. The four short videos below will get you started...
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Departments and Agencies to Know
Click on each link below and read about the basic functions they perform for the federal government.
Click on each link below and read about the basic functions they perform for the federal government.
Crash Course Videos on Federal Bureaucracy
Federal Courts
Alexander Hamilton's Federalist No. 78 on Lifetime Tenure of Judicial Appointees
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Supreme Court News
Below is a link to the Supreme Court page offered by C-SPAN. On it you will find the latest news on pending cases, cases in review, and the latest decisions by the Supreme Court. Consider it your news source for the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court News
Below is a link to the Supreme Court page offered by C-SPAN. On it you will find the latest news on pending cases, cases in review, and the latest decisions by the Supreme Court. Consider it your news source for the Supreme Court.
I. What is legitimacy? ...FDR's Take on the Limits of Judicial Review
One might think of it as authentic in the minds of the people. Certainly in a democracy, one might justifiably ask, "why should I respect what people calling themselves 'the government' have to say?" Or further: "this group of people calling themselves 'the government' wish to make rules that are directly impacting my life! Why should have to obey them?" A reasonably justification rests on the majority rule principle of democracy: "they rule because the majority says that they do!"
But what of the federal courts - especially the Supreme Court? Its justices and judges are not elected, and there is no limit on their term of office. By what justification do they have the right or authority to pronounce judgement on you or I or anyone else? Is there any limit to the power of Judicial Review - especially since it is found nowhere in the Constitution, but rather established by the Supreme Court's own ruling in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
These are questions that arise from time to time throughout the history of the United States. A great example is from the New Deal Era, in which Supreme Court seemed to strike down New Deal legislation with reckless abandon. President Roosevelt himself challenged the legitimacy of the Supreme Court in his fireside chat on March 9, 1937 in which he floated the idea of packing the Court as a means of overriding their future rulings on New Deal legislation. That speech is linked below along with the Supreme Court decision that caused it: Schechter Poultry Corporation v. United States (1935). Consider the following questions as you listen:
One might think of it as authentic in the minds of the people. Certainly in a democracy, one might justifiably ask, "why should I respect what people calling themselves 'the government' have to say?" Or further: "this group of people calling themselves 'the government' wish to make rules that are directly impacting my life! Why should have to obey them?" A reasonably justification rests on the majority rule principle of democracy: "they rule because the majority says that they do!"
But what of the federal courts - especially the Supreme Court? Its justices and judges are not elected, and there is no limit on their term of office. By what justification do they have the right or authority to pronounce judgement on you or I or anyone else? Is there any limit to the power of Judicial Review - especially since it is found nowhere in the Constitution, but rather established by the Supreme Court's own ruling in Marbury v. Madison (1803)?
These are questions that arise from time to time throughout the history of the United States. A great example is from the New Deal Era, in which Supreme Court seemed to strike down New Deal legislation with reckless abandon. President Roosevelt himself challenged the legitimacy of the Supreme Court in his fireside chat on March 9, 1937 in which he floated the idea of packing the Court as a means of overriding their future rulings on New Deal legislation. That speech is linked below along with the Supreme Court decision that caused it: Schechter Poultry Corporation v. United States (1935). Consider the following questions as you listen:
- Why is judicial review a necessary component to the power of the federal courts?
- What does the Constitution say about how many members the Supreme Court (or any other lower court) has on the bench?
- What impact would term limits have on the power of judicial review? As proposed by FDR, how would that change the relationship between the federal courts and the other branches of government? Why does this matter?
- Are the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts legitimate?
- Are lifetime tenure and judicial review necessary for the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts to maintain legitimacy?
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II. Senate Confirmation Hearings of Justice Brett Kavanaugh (2018)
The following videos from the Kavanaugh hearings are instructive in terms of the Senate confirmation process. Recall that Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 78 wrote, "The standard of good behavior of the continuance in office of the judicial magistracy, is certainly one of the most valuable of the modern improvements in the practice of government." One must infer that his assumption was that the confirmation process would filter undesirable candidates from the Supreme Court in the first place, leaving the good behavior standard as the only necessary requirement for continuance on the bench. The videos below capture the divisive political nature surrounding the nation's highest court, the candidate confirmation process, and the importance of judicial review. The first video is Kavanaugh facing questions on the issue of abortion. The second video is a highlight of Christine Blasey-Ford's accusations of sexual assault against Kavanaugh. The third video is Kavanaugh's questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee over the allegations by Blasey-Ford as well as his defense.
Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 50 to 48, with Vice-President Pence presiding.
The final video covers the speech by Senator Susan Collins as she cast her vote in favor of confirming Kavanaugh as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. As the theme of justice is central to this particular confirmation, it is worth listening to - especially in an age where the court of public opinion seems to reign with impunity.
Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 50 to 48, with Vice-President Pence presiding.
The final video covers the speech by Senator Susan Collins as she cast her vote in favor of confirming Kavanaugh as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. As the theme of justice is central to this particular confirmation, it is worth listening to - especially in an age where the court of public opinion seems to reign with impunity.
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Questions for Consideration
- Outside the directives of the Constitution, what should be the qualifications and qualities that open the door for an individual to be confirmed to the Supreme Court?
- What do Kavanaugh's statements on abortion law suggest for the future of abortion in this country?
- Regarding the allegations of sexual misconduct or other behavior not directly related to the duties of a justice, what should be the standard for deciding whether a candidate is no longer qualified to serve?
- Was the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh an example of justice as Susan Collins argues, or was it a miscarriage of justice many strongly feel?
- Consider the implications of Kavanaugh's confirmation under the circumstances. What does this suggest for the future of America's societal values and its people as you understand it?
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III. The Question of John Roberts on a Conservative Court
The link below, published November 21, 2016 - shortly after the election of Donald Trump, brings up several issues of judicial philosophy. Consider it in light of what you have read from the chapter.
The link below, published November 21, 2016 - shortly after the election of Donald Trump, brings up several issues of judicial philosophy. Consider it in light of what you have read from the chapter.
Questions for Consideration
- What does the article suggest about how Supreme Court Justices construct their opinions on political "hot-topic" cases?
- How does this impact the legitimacy of the courts in your eyes?
- How would you respond to someone who insisted that John Roberts was a traitor to conservative values?
Judicial Philosophy in the Supreme Court: Originalism vs. Living Constitution
Below are two articles assessing originalism and offering an argument for Living Constitution jurisprudence. Some historical context of the last few decades is important to this discussion. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the rise of neoconservative politics and the strengthening of originalism as a judicial philosophy. The early 2000s was marked by a delicate balance between so-called liberal and conservative factions of the Supreme Court with Justice Anthony Kennedy playing the role as the deciding swing voter. Throughout the last three four decades, original intent jurisprudence has played a defining role for the court in spite of some notable exceptions. President Donald Trump's contributions to the court have assured that it will continue to dominate the character of future decisions for years to come.
The first of the two articles offers an assessment so far of the originalism and its impact on society. The second offers an argument for Living Constitution Jurisprudence as an alternative to originalism. It is a discussion of ideas which is designed to serve as a starting point for further discussion. Consider both philosophies and decide where you fall in the debate.
Below are two articles assessing originalism and offering an argument for Living Constitution jurisprudence. Some historical context of the last few decades is important to this discussion. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the rise of neoconservative politics and the strengthening of originalism as a judicial philosophy. The early 2000s was marked by a delicate balance between so-called liberal and conservative factions of the Supreme Court with Justice Anthony Kennedy playing the role as the deciding swing voter. Throughout the last three four decades, original intent jurisprudence has played a defining role for the court in spite of some notable exceptions. President Donald Trump's contributions to the court have assured that it will continue to dominate the character of future decisions for years to come.
The first of the two articles offers an assessment so far of the originalism and its impact on society. The second offers an argument for Living Constitution Jurisprudence as an alternative to originalism. It is a discussion of ideas which is designed to serve as a starting point for further discussion. Consider both philosophies and decide where you fall in the debate.
Below is a clear example of Original Intent Jurisprudence. Consider how the opinion might differ had Anthony Kennedy sided with the other side as you read through the summary of dissenting opinions. The link following offers a debate between two law professors who cotaught a class on originalism. It takes the form of a blog as they both challenge the other's assumptions and examples. The discussion begins with references to the Heller case.
Ch. 15 Reading Guide
Crash Course Videos
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Policy!!!