Class+Log


 * Friday, 1/4, Monday 1/7 & Tuesday 1/8 -** Continue work on projects. Options are listed on the link for Thursday 1/3


 * Thursday, 1/3** - [|Select projects, work on getting started with them].


 * Thursday, 12/18 -**

C lick here for review activities. Also see the earlier review activities on the Assignments page for the Legislative & Executive Branches.
 * Tuesday, 12/16 & Wednesday -** Review time, either working on the packet (answer keys available tomorrow) or online


 * Monday, 12/15 -** Review packet preparing for Branch Exam


 * Friday, 12/14 -** Worked on Landmark Cases, please see "Assignments."


 * Thursday, 12/13 -** Finished Wednesday's presentation.

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 * Wednesday, 12/12/12** (the last day this century to have all of the same numbers :)


 * Tuesday, 12/11-** With a sub: received packet introducing the Judicial Branch, completed the activities related to it


 * Monday, 12/10** - With a sub: took a quiz, received Judicial Branch readers' guide and reading (due Weds)


 * Friday, 12/7 -** Finished the West Wing episode, discussed executive privilege.

We watched most of the West Wing episode, "Take This Sabbath Day" focusing on the topics of clemency and the workings of the White House/the President's staff. If you were absent, there is nothing to make up - this is a reinforcement activity.
 * Thursday, 12/6**

We completed 6 learning stations on:
 * Tuesday & Wednesday 12/4 & 5**
 * Impeachment
 * Foreign policy
 * Line of Succession
 * Appointment
 * Vetoes/Pocket Vetoes
 * Clemency
 * //If you were absent or did not// finish**: The folders and a textbook for reference are on reserve in the library. Be sure to finish things up before Monday's quiz.

If you would like to check your answers, click here.

[|Explore Members of the Executive Branch (The President, Vice President, Cabinet & Staff/EOP)]
 * Monday, December 3**

Looked at videos and artifacts from presidents of the past. Determined which of the 8 roles the president was acting in as represented by the artifact or in the video. Video #1 - President Reagan's speech at the Berlin Wall Role: Chief Diplomat Reason: He is speaking to the Soviet Leader (Gorbachev) and presenting the official policy of the US (at the time) toward another country. The answer key to the in-class artifact activity of today is here.
 * Friday, November 30**
 * If you were absent,
 * Be sure you understand the roles of the president from the Executive Branch reading (this site will help review though they only look at 7 roles, not 8)
 * Click here to practice categorizing the artifacts.
 * Click here for the videos. Watch at least 6 videos. Determine for each one which role the president is acting in and why. See the following example for video #1 (which then isn't an option for you ;):

1. Took Legislative Branch Quiz 2. Received Executive Branch reading & readers' guide (due tomorrow)
 * Thursday, November 29 -**

Watched classmates' podcasts on expressed & implied powers. If you were absent, click on our US Government link for this wiki, then on the individual names of each student. View at least 10 podcasts posted by your peers. Reminder: quiz tomorrow. Review materials are posted under "Assignments."
 * Wednesday, Nov. 28**

Checked in on Congress' current activities. If you were absent, click here for many Congressional news headlines. Understand what they are doing now.
 * Tuesday, Nov. 27**

To the computer lab. Worked on our podcasts which are due on Wednesday.
 * Monday, November 26**

Learned about filibusters and watched the "Stackhouse Filibuster" West Wing episode
 * Tuesday & Wednesday Nov. 20 & 21**


 * Monday, November 19**

Went to the computer lab. Started working on our expressed/implied powers podcasts.

2. Play LawCraft - you are encouraged to use your TG username & password to set up an account to save your progress in case you run out of time in class. You are expected to complete this game. 3. If time allows, work through the Dynamic Legislative Process 4. If time allows, read this article on Expressed Powers of Congress and this article on Implied Powers of Congress, then complete this activity.
 * Wednesday, November 14**
 * 1. Stamped legislative process homework.**

1. Finished the paper gerrymandering activity from yesterday. 2. Played the Redistricting Game
 * Tuesday, November 13**

1. Watched video lesson plan on apportionment and redistricting Click here for video lesson part 1 Click here for the redistricting song Click here for video lesson part 2 Click here for Florida's video
 * Monday, November 12**

2. Handout on gerrymandering - complete

3. If time allowed, Explored the 2012 Census interactive website and wrote the answers to these questions into the notes we took while watching the video lesson. Click here for the link. a. Explore what happens each year in the census process - it isn't just redistricting! Note the highlights in your notes b. View at least one set of data, note what you learn (click an event, then the icon which allows you to view the data)

4. Explore the videos of your choice - note what you learn in your notes.

Gerrymandering vocab - click here

>>> Under "Legislation and Records," select a day under "Recent Floor Activity" and then click "Last Major Action" and "Bills Introduced." What is happening in the Senate? >>> As time allows, explore two aspects of the "Art and History" section. Note what you learn. >>> >>> >>>
 * Thursday, November 8**
 * Explored "The Impact of Congress." (If you were absent, click on the image next to the title and explore the interactive activity.) While you explore the interactive, write in your notes 5 areas you learn about in which the government is involved in your every day life.
 * Learn about Congress!
 * Go to the House of Representatives website. While there, learn about and answer the following:
 * Who is your representative and what legislative district do you live in?
 * Under "House Explained," learn about four different aspects of the House of Representatives. Note them in your notes.
 * Who is the Speaker of the House and what is the role of the Speaker? (Hint: Look at Leadership)
 * What are two committees in the House and what are they doing right now?
 * What is the "Student Artist Program?" List some details
 * Go to the Senate's website. While there, learn about and answer the following:
 * Who are Minnesota's two senators?
 * What are two committees in the Senate and what are they doing right now?

1. Went over election results (quickly) 2. Took exam on the introduction to the Constitution
 * Wednesday, November 7 -**
 * 3. Received Legislative Branch reading & readers' guide (Due Monday)**

http://wwolfe.wikispaces.com/Election+2012
 * Tuesday, November 6**

1. Be sure your video is posted to your wiki page. If it is not, this is your first task. 2. From our government page, watch everyone's videos. Make a copy of this comment sheet. Fill it out after you watch each video. When you are finished, make the document public with the link, copy the link, and turn it in here. 3. Note we are taking our exam on this unit on Thursday (tomorrow and Wednesday will be focused on the elections again). The format: You must know by memory the principles of the Constitution. There is a section where you match the principles to the documents and philosophers. You may have a notes page for that section if you like. If you finish #2, you may: a. Check PowerSchool if you need to. b. Pick up a review crossword from Ms Wolfe if you would like c. Check the polls and related election news.
 * Monday, November 5**
 * This is not a time to poke around with YouTube, random websites, or work on material for other classes.**

Friday, November 2
 * 1. Finished PSA Videos on the Principles of the Constitution (click here for finalizing tips and see example below)**
 * 2. Check revised due dates for next week.**

Thursday, November 1
 * 1. Performed "Quick Skits"**
 * 2. Went to computer lab and did prep work on the following:**
 * Your concept, a one-sentence definition, one example of it in action, two philosophers that contributed to the formation of this idea and what they believed that did so, and one document which inspired the concept and how. Have ideas and media collected before arriving to class tomorrow.**
 * Basic Example is here.**

Wednesday, October 31 1. Funny look at predicting elections. 2. Quick review of key points on philosophers (see/print the presentation here) 3. Prep for "quick skits" 4. Turned in notebooks for notebook check

Tuesday, October 30 - Finished stations. Received unit calendars and notebook check forms.

Friday, October 26 - Stations connecting the documents and **philosophers to the principles of the Constitution.**

Thursday, October 25 1. Finished Declaration of Independence video 2. Returned corrected work 3. Organized notebook. Please click here for the list and get your notebook into shape! We have a notebook check next Monday.

Tuesday, October 23 & Wednesday, October 24 1. Learned about colonial life leading to the Declaration of Independence. If you were absent, view to see full screen, then select "Print" and include notes pages for details that accompany each slide. 2. Watched video on the Declaration of Independence If you were absent, read the information on the links below and take notes - title your page "Declaration of Independence" [|1. http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_history.html] [|2. Read this information also if you were absent.] 3. Discussed upcoming notebook check (click here for preview of reqs) and status of PowerSchool (election projects graded)

Monday, October 22 - **Philosopher Day! Please click here for detailed instructions.** This activity is to be completed as homework for Wednesday's class if you do not finish it during today's class hour.

1. Finished Tuesday's activity 2. Collected readers' guides from reading (which was handed out on Monday) 3. Worked on crossword puzzle review if time allowed (if absent, no worries on this one :)
 * Thursday, October 18 -**

Tuesday, October 16 - **Introduction to the Constitution** 1. Created a 5-fold brochure following these instructions. 2. On the front, the long edge of the brochure, we wrote "The Five Principles of the Constitution." 3. On each flap of the 5, we wrote one of the 5 principles of the Constitution (see the Constitution reading handed out 2/14) See example of both 3 & 4 here. 4. On the inside top flap (the other side of where the principles were written), we wrote the definitions of each principle. 5. On the space above the words, we created an illustration for each one using the clipart from this page. 6. We received this handout on the Constitution and used [|the text of the Constitution]to complete the first page, Articles I-VII

Monday, October 15 - **Took Voting & Elections Quiz. Received unit reading (due Thursday, attached below), work on it for time remaining.**

Friday, October 12 - **Worked in computer lab on anything relating to our unit on voting & elections.**

Wednesday, October 10 & Thursday, October 11
 * Campaign Finance with this handout.**

Tuesday, October 9 -


 * 1. Be sure yesterday's activity is finished, printed, 3-hole punched, stamped, and in your notebooks.**
 * 2. Pick up your headphones**
 * 3. Play Win the White House**


 * Do you have an iPhone, Android Phone, or iPad? Check out the free Election Game 2012! :)**
 * If you finish "Win the White House" with time to spare (or are having fun with this!), try one of these! :) Game Changer - Fantasy Election**

Monday, October 8 - Campaign Finance

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 * 1. Watched this video from CBS News**
 * 2. Went to the computer lab, log into your TG Google account, then click here, and select "Make a copy" of the document and explore away!)**
 * 3. If you finish with time to spare, explore this great collection of election polls!**

Friday, October 5 -


 * 1. Finished the presentation started yesterday.**
 * 2. Went to the computer lab and explored 270 to win.**

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Wednesday, October 3
 * Presidential Debates. Tonight is the first, what effect do debates have? How do they live in history? How do candidates prepare? These are the questions we explore today through this presentation and the cartoons, links, videos, and related articles.**


 * Would you like to explore more? Click here and learn on!**

Tuesday, October 2
 * Go to lab 106 and, with a partner, working on one computer, complete this activity as directed.**
 * If you complete it with time to spare, explore and discuss with your partner this website.**

Monday, October 1
 * 1. Received this handout about propaganda techniques **
 * 2. We watched the following video clips and identified two things: #1: is it a liberal or conservative ad and #2: What types of propaganda are evident in each ad? **
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 * Famous: **
 * [] **


 * 3. Exams were returned.**

Friday, September 28 1. **Discuss slides 1-6 as a class.** media type="custom" key="20981930"


 * 2. Learn about key concepts relating to polls.**
 * 3. Go to computer lab. Explore Gallup and Pew polls relating to the current election cycle. Take notes on what you find.**

Thursday, September 27 - The Internet went dark. **We tried to work on Voting activity from 9/26 and the voting assignment with limited success.**

Wednesday, September 26 Learned about personal voting by completing the following. ** [|Using this link], answer this question in your notes: To which website were you directed? Then use the buttons to learn about the following. Under "Register to Vote" Under "Vote Absentee" Under "Find Your Polling Place" Under "My Ballot"
 * Who is eligible to vote in Minnesota?
 * How does one register to vote in Minnesota?
 * Where can you get a voter registration card?
 * How can one register on Election Day in Minnesota?
 * What is absentee voting?
 * Who does it?/Why?
 * What is the process to obtain and return an absentee ballot?
 * Where would you vote? (Many places changed this summer - go through the process to verify if you think you already know)
 * Enter your zip code and it will create a list for you.
 * What races are being decided this year in your area?
 * How many people are running for president? What are their parties?
 * Research two candidates for office other than Presidential candidates Obama and Romney. Who are they? What is their background?

Go back to the[| front page], find where it says "Voting for Students." What are the special circumstances for students voting in MN? What are the steps students should be aware of when the want to vote?


 * Tuesday, September 25 -** Started voting
 * Handed out unit calendar and first reading (linked under "Assignments)
 * Worked through the presentation and handout below.

A peek at political cartoonists. Because we are doing so much with political cartoons, I thought you might find these interviews interesting. If you are absent, watch the video segments below and take notes of your thoughts/reactions. 1. Watched from :25 seconds to 1:06 and 3:-8:00 of this interview with an editorial cartoonist. 2. Watched the first 22 minutes of this video with a second editorial cartoonist. (Pay close attention to his drawing of the presidents). 3. Watched this interview in its entirety.
 * Monday, September 24**

If you were absent, see Ms Wolfe upon your return to schedule your time to take this exam. Unless special circumstances exist, this exam needs to be completed no later than 3pm Wednesday, Sept 26.
 * Thursday, September 20 - Exam #1 on Political Ideology & Cartoon Analysis**

Be sure your homework & cartoon analysis for this unit is complete and stamped. Then: 1. In your notebook: Draw a political spectrum. Put on it: Left, right, liberal, conservative, moderate, radical, reactionary. 2. In your notebook: Onto a political spectrum: Place onto it: Democrats, Republicans, communists, Greens, Libertarians, the additional party you studied for the internet party activity. 3. Check your political spectrums against your notes. 4. Go to QuizStar. Login with your TG Username & Password (unless a transfer student, then use your TG email as your username). Find the class: "USG 2012" Wendy Wolfe - instructor 5. Take the practice quiz. 6. You could check your answers to the cartoon analysis activity we did in class here. 7. Be sure you can identify statements and positions as liberal or conservative
 * Wednesday, September 19 - Review for tomorrow's exam**
 * BEFORE YOU BEGIN:**
 * Read this article if you would like to review the content and ask any questions you have to clarify as needed.
 * You could also c heck out this infographic

All were present, ask Ms Wolfe if you need an extra copy.
 * Tuesday, September 18 - Newspaper headline activity**

1. Became members of this wiki. 2. Work together to turn in Google presentations and adjust the sizes of those already turned in. 3. Played the Constitutional Convention game. 4. If you finish the Constitutional Convention game, play the Branches of Government and/or explore this Prezi on Creating the Constitution (both if time allows)
 * Monday, September 17 - Constitution Day!**

1. Be sure you have 5 cartoons analyzed from yesterday's class. 2. We went over the cartoons - have yours stamped before leaving the library. 3. Follow the directions below. We will discuss next week how to post your Google presentation onto the wiki - your task is to be sure you have the presentation finished :) media type="custom" key="20822410"
 * Friday, September 14** - Individual political cartoon analysis


 * Thursday, September 13 -**


 * Finished exploring the cartoons from yesterday.
 * Worked on this political cartoon introductory activity with a partner.
 * **Went to the library and completed this activity with a partner. (If not done in class, finish on own for tomorrow)**
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1. Went over the political parties from 9/10 2. Introduced the idea of political cartoons 3. Worked on this political cartoon introductory activity with a partner. 4. As time allowed, we did the following with our partner:
 * Wednesday, September 12 -**

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 * Tuesday, September 11 -**
 * Went to the computer lab and worked on the political parties activity. If it is not completed during class, it is due tomorrow.
 * 1) [|Read this article and answer the questions] at the end about the political party platforms.
 * 2) Using headphones, w[|atch this video clip]to see what happened last week at the DNC to amend (change) the Democratic platform.
 * 3) Work on this activity focusing on political parties. It is homework for tomorrow if it is not finished.


 * Monday, September 10 -**
 * Went over the answers for the list of 22 things.
 * With a partner, worked through these political party platforms. Determined their degree of liberal/conservative and placed them on the spectrum. Everyone was present. All were present. A copy of the platforms will be posted soon.
 * Stamped homework ("Where I Stand")


 * Friday, September 7 -**
 * Finished the presentation from Thursday, 9/7
 * Determined if the statements on a list of 22 things were liberal or conservative. All were present, a copy of the 22 will be posted soon.

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 * Thursday, September 6 -**
 * Started learning about the political spectrum.
 * Received unit calendar.
 * Worked through the first 8 slides of the presentation below


 * Wednesday, September 5** -
 * Begin by competing the CIA World Factbook activity listed under Tuesday's class log. Then...
 * Find a news article about each of the leaders or government activity happening in each of the 5 or 6 countries you created slides for. Make a new slide for each of those
 * When you finish with your slide show, click "Share" then "Change" the Private access to "Public with the Link" then, click "Done" and click "File" select "Publish to the Web" then "Start Publishing" - copy the **entire** embed code and then [|click here to paste the code] and turn in your work.


 * T****uesday, September 4** -
 * Finish types of government cube
 * Go to the computer lab. Open a Google docs presentation.
 * Using this [|link to the CIA World Factbook], find countries which represent three of four of the five types of government represented on your cube.
 * On your Google presentation, add:
 * The type of government and the country name
 * A map of the country
 * The name and title of the country's leader and his/her image
 * Study the other typs of government listed on the Factbook link. Select two you are not familiar with, create a slide for each one with the definition and an image which represents each of them. Then, find countries which use those types of government and create a slide for each of them with the same topics as those you did for the first types above.


 * September 1 -** Power/Types of Government Cube


 * August 30, 2012**
 * Group wrap of homework
 * Reflection on power quotations, answer the following questions about the power quotes.




 * August 29, 2012 -**
 * Played "Chip" game (nothing to make up)
 * Discussed role of power and purpose of government (nothing to make up)
 * Assignment for tomorrow is posted in the Assignments page, if you were absent, email Ms Wolfe asap


 * August 28, 2012 -**
 * Received Unit 1 Calendar, read it and the course expectations.
 * Completed the first activity focused on power.
 * If absent, print both of the above handouts. Read the first, complete the second and put it in your 3-ring notebook.