USG+Final+Project+Options

**For all projects:**
 * __US Government FInal Project__**
 * We will work in class all of next week and have M-W the following week in class to work on projects.
 * Half-way checkpoint is Friday, May 18. You must be 1/2 way complete with your project by this date - be prepared to show your progress before the end of class on Friday, May 18.
 * Due date for the project is Thursday, May 24. No late work will be accepted. If the project is not complete, you submit whatever is complete and your grade will reflect that.

__**Option 1**__ Create three digital books, one on each branch of the federal government. One of the books must be an ABC book (26 pages), the other two are counting books 1-10 (10 pages each). To create this book, use either: Keynote, Pages or PowerPoint.
 * Here is a template to fill out for brainstorming and prep. Print 4 of them, 2 for the ABC branch, one per counting book - they must be completed as the "1/2 way" check.
 * Below is a sample of a 1-10 book (incomplete, but you will get the idea)

//**Each book must include:**//
 * Where the branch is located in the Constitution and its duty with laws.
 * Each branch's powers in the system of checks and balances and how they limit the powers of the other branches
 * The titles of the people that serve in the branch (not their names, the book becomes dated) and what they do
 * The buildings important to each branch
 * Other key vocabulary or concepts important to/specific to each branch
 * Images **without watermarks** and **not pixelated/blurry** from the **public domain, site:.gov, one of these sites, clikr, Ms Wolfe's collection (part 1 is here, part 2 is here),** **or Creative Commons** (and if from the Commons, appropriate citation is required), Wikipedia, or clker (use sparingly, clip art is rarely as good as photos) - how about a works cited page as the last?
 * Turn in to this drop box (password = tgeagles) or give to Ms Wolfe on a flash drive by due date - NO PRINTING.

__**Option 2**__ US Government Film Fest - Complete the trifecta (all 3) of research and related films listed below. Submit all research and film write-ups stapled together, digitally by turning it in to this drop box(password = tgeagles), or sharing a digital copy through Google docs with Ms Wolfe (leave her permission level as "can edit" - not only "can view").
 * Legislative Branch
 * Research: Filibusters. What are the 4 longest filibusters? Who held them? What were the topics about which they were filibustering? Type your information and cite all sources.
 * Research: What happens if a Minnesota senator dies while in office? How would s/he be replaced? Type your answers and cite all sources.
 * Watch: //Mr. Smith Goes to Washington// (2 h, 20 min) - it may or may not be there (copyright...)
 * While you watch, what parts of a bill becoming a law are evident throughout the film? Keep track.
 * Write a summary of the film, how the research you did fit with the film, identify your two favorite parts or lines in the film or 2 important parts key to the film (if you didn't have 2 favorites), and your own raking on a scale of 1-10, then justify your ranking.
 * Executive Branch
 * Research: What is a lobbyist? Type your answer and cite your sources (NOT Wikipedia)
 * Research: Polling and the Presidency. What kinds of things are polled? What is President Obama's current job approval rating? What can you learn about polls and the upcoming election? Using Gallop will be helpful. Type your answers and cite your sources.
 * Watch: //The American President// (114 minutes) [Watch after school when available, rent for $2.99 on iTunes or Amazon or find on your own]
 * While you watch: identify the 8 Roles of the president as they happen in the film. Complete this chart as you go.
 * Write a summary of the film, how the research you did fit with the film, identify your two favorite parts or lines in the film or 2 important parts key to the film (if you didn't have 2 favorites), and your own raking on a scale of 1-10, then justify your ranking.
 * Judicial Branch
 * Research: What were four major cases which went to the Supreme Court this year? Have their opinions been released yet? What was decided? Do you think any of them will become "Landmark Cases" and stand out in history? Why or why not? Write your answers, cite all sources.
 * Research: What has happened in the past 10 years at the Supreme Court in cases about effective counsel? Find at least two examples. Write the case names, a summary of each, and the cases and cite all sources.
 * Watch: //Gideon's Trumpet// (after school watch TG's copy, borrow Ms. Wolfe's copy, //maybe// watch via YouTube if it is still there)
 * While you watch: What is the case? How does the Supreme Court get it? Who argues the case? What is the decision of the Court? Do you agree with it?
 * Write a summary of the film, how the research you did fit with the film, identify your two favorite parts/lines in the film or important parts to the film (if you didn't have 2 favorites), and your own raking on a scale of 1-10, then justify your ranking.

__**Option 3**__
 * Read a book; either __Transfer of Power__ by Vince Flynn (note: there is some violence in this book) or __Return with Honor__by Captain Scott O'Grady (note: this book is about military action). FYI: Ms Wolfe has multiple copies of each, they are available through the library if she's not in school. You can also borrow them from your public library, purchase via Kindle, Nook...
 * Turn in your written work completed by the due date.
 * If you choose, __Transfer of Power:__
 * While you read, keep a character list specifically focused on government officials (not those who are employees in the White House or visiting e.g. reporters). Identify each person's name, title, and note which branch of government s/he is from. If the branch is not obvious, explain how you made the determination you did.
 * Write a brief summary of the book, your two favorite parts or most important points in the book, and make own raking on a scale of 1-10, then justify your ranking.
 * If you choose __Return with Honor__:
 * Find 2 maps, one world, one a closeup of the area addressed in the book. While you read, note on the maps all relevant locations addressed in the book.
 * Captain O'Grady is a part of the Executive Branch. Make a flowchart showing how he ultimately connects to the President.
 * Write a brief summary of the book, your two favorite parts or most important points in the book, and make own raking on a scale of 1-10, then justify your ranking.
 * Research: How many active soldiers do we have around the world now? Where are they? Note your findings and cite all sources (NOT Wikipedia)