Vacation Assignment:

Hello WJPS:

I know you've all been waiting desperately for me to post the vacation assignment, so here goes.

The assignment must be HANDED in. That means you need to print it out and give it to me when we get back to school on the 2nd. It must be AT LEAST 350 words (about 1 page). Here's what you have to do:

As a student in a brand new, small Hgh School, besides "doing my work," and "not talking in class" what can YOU do to positively contribute to building your school's culture, and community?

See you on the 2nd! Enjoy the vacation.

CHANGE TO THE SS EXAM 12/21/06-12/22/06

Hello, Everyone:

Because of our lengthy discussions the last couple of days, I have made an adjustment to our SS exam calendar.

The DBQ/Essay section will take place on THURSDAY 12/21/06. You will only need to bring a pen for that section. You will be allowed to bring one (1) post-it with information that you think will help you do well on that section.

The MULTIPLE CHOICE section will take place on FRIDAY 12/22/06. A study sheet will be posted below for the MC section. Additionally, a handout will be given in class for this part of the exam. Therefore, on FRIDAY, you will need to bring your PENCILS! You will also be allowed to bring one (1) post-it with the information that you think will help you do well on that section.

MULTIPLE CHOICE STUDY GUIDE

What are the parts of the Unwritten Constitution? GIVE EXAMPLES!
What were the problems under the AOC?
Why was the BOR was added to the Cons.?
What are: delegated powers, reserved powers, concurrent powers (KNOW THAT THEY ARE PART OF FEDERALISM!)?
Checks and Balances: Know examples
Results of the 14th and 15th Amendments
State that benefited most from the three-fifth’s compromise (VA)
What is Federalism?
Why was a Federal form of government created?
What was the result of Marbury v. Madison (Supreme Court Case)?
How are the DOI and BOR similar?
Why was Checks and Balances included in the Constitution?
Why is the Amendment process included in the Constitution?
Why was the Great Compromise adopted?
How can a Supreme Court decision be over-ruled?
What is the Elastic Clause?
What idea about gov’t is included in the DOI?
What were the Federalist Papers, and why were they important?
What was John Locke’s influence on the US gov’t?
What were the major problems at the Const. Convention?
How did the Supreme Court get the power of Judicial Review?
Why is the US Gov’t Considered a Federal System?
What can the President do, as Commander in Chief of the armed forces?
What is the Elastic Clause?
What do LOBBYISTS do?

Student Survey!

What do you think?

In an effort to help us both out with homework, I have a suggestion. I'd like your feedback on it. I will base my decision on your responses to the survey.

Would you rather:

1. Have a list of assignments at the beginning of the week (Monday). Those assignments would be turned in that Friday (similar to Mr. Saltz's class).

2. Keep the current system of homework, where you get a different assignment each day, or every other day.

Let me know what you think. What you say will determine where we go with this. Thanks!

SHHH! Don't tell anyone about this website!

http://regentsprep.org/Regents/core/questions/question.cfm?Course=USHG&TopicCode=2b&QNum=1&Wrong=0

Multiple choice questions for the exam. Mr. T's going to pick from questions like these. Know 'em. Learn 'em. Live 'em. WORD!

DBQ Essay Topic -

Hello!

Here's the topic of your DBQ essay.

1. Describe how the system of checks and balances works.
2. Show how the system of checks and balances has been applied in specific circumstances in US History.

Good Luck!

REGENTS-STYLE EXAM: Thursday and Friday (Dec. 21st and 22nd)

Topic: Constitutional Principles

We will be taking a regents style exam on Thursday and Friday of this week. Review will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The test will consist of:

1. Fifty (50) multiple choice questions (Thu.)

2. 7 Document Based Questions (Friday)

3. 1 Essay. The essay will be based on the Document Based Questions (DBQ'S). (Friday)

Make sure you are on time. You will be required to bring a SHARPENED #2 Pencil with you on Thursday, as we'll be using Scantrons to take the test.

The Exam will include (but is not limited to)

Constitutional Convention

Bill of Rights

Checks and Balances

Amendments to the Constitution

3 Branches

Use the info on the blog, as well as the sites I've listed in previous posts. DON'T WAIT TILL WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO STUDY!

Here's a good place to look http://regentsprep.org/Regents/ushisgov/studymaterials/US11Rchecklist/index.htm

If you can identify ALL of the information in box #2 and #3 (Early Gov't and The Constitution) you're going to ACE this exam!

Blog Assignment #4: Due Wednesday

What do you think?

Of the 10 amendments to the Bill of Rights, half of them (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th) all deal with the rights of criminals, or people accused of committing a crime.

In a brief composition of 98 words or more...Discuss the following question.

Does the Bill of Rights provide too many privileges and freedoms for people accused, or convicted of crimes?

HW Assignment Blog Essay #3:
Point Value: 30 Points
Due Date: Monday 12:00 AM

Think about the rights you are guaranteed as an American citizen under the Bill of Rights. In a composition of at least 147 words, discuss:

• 1. In what ways the Bill of Rights affects your own life.
• 2. In what ways your lives would be different.

Separation of Power/Checks and Balances: A Review

What do you think?

http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/georgia-school-board-says-harry-potter/20061214163109990003

Extra Credit Blog Post

Hello, Everyone:

Interested in picking up a few extra points for the 2nd Trimester? Answer the question below in a minimum of 77 words, but no more than 119, and you can earn up to 20 free points toward your 2nd Trimester mark (total points, not points on your report card).

Background: The 18th Amendment to the Constitution banned the sale and use of Alcoholic Beverages in the US.

The Question

Do you think the government should have passed an amendment dealing with the consumption of Alcohol?

2nd Trimester Assignment #2:

Think of an amendment you would like to have added to the Constitution. In your post, describe the amendment and the reasons why you believe it should be made a part of the Constitution. Your post must be at least 74, but no more 117 words.

HW Assignment: 2nd Trimester Assignment #1

Reflect on the recent changes to our program, and classes. How do you think these changes will affect the 9th grade students. What's good about them? What are some things you are worried about?

Post your answers here. Write at least 65 words. Remember that posts are moderated, so you won't see your post right away.

Thanks for checking in. See you tomorrow!

A word about posts

Hello, Everyone:

Please be advised that your posts are moderated. This means that I have to approve them before they are published.

Additionally, if you would like clarification of an assignment, please email me at MTessler@schools.nyc.gov. It's the only way you can make sure I will respond. If you post on the blog "I don't understand," it will not really be helpful to me or you, because by the time I see it, it will probably be too late for me to explain it.

HW Blog 12/6/06

Question: Do you think the balance of power is fair to the states and to the Federal Government? Explain your answer.

Publishing Comments:

Hello!

Just an FYI...The comments that are posted to the blog are MODERATED. This means that before you post, they have to be approved for posting (by me). We have to make sure that no one is posting anything inappropriate, and we also have to keep people from posting that shouldn't be here. Therefore, if you don't see your post right away, don't worry about it.

HW Post:

I apologize again for the late post.

Anyway, for the night-owls...

The Constitution was written over 200 years ago...What, if anything would you do to change the balance of power between the state and federal gov't?

Federalism Notes:

Federalism:

• Explains how power is shared between state/federal govt's
• Foundation of US Gov't
• Divides Power

How is power divided?

• "DR. CID"
• Delegated: Specifically given to the FG
• Reserved: Anything not delegated to the FG, goes to the STATES
• Concurrent: Shared by BOTH
• Implied: Not delegated, but allowed b/c they're necessary
• Denied: Neither state, nor fed can do it

Click http://regentsprep.org/Regents/ushisgov/themes/government/federalism.htm for more info.

Preamble Post

Hello, Everyone!

Sorry for the late post. Howver, if you are still up...

Based on what we learned in class today, please rewrite the preamble to the Constitution IN YOUR OWN WORDS!

See you tomorrow!

Notes on the Ratification of the Constitution:

Hope this helps!
(Taken from regentsprep.org)