12th Grade Summer Reading 2008
U.S. Government, Regular, Honors & AP

U.S. GOVERNMENT, REGULAR

Read The Ugly American by Lederer and Burdick; ISBN 0-393-318767-2

Prepare a paper of at least 500 words following these instructions:

The authors issue a warning for the United States foreign policy in 1959.

Using information from the novel, discuss one of the fictional examples the authors give of positive foreign policy and discuss one fictional example of negative foreign policy.

Close with your analysis that should include one true incidence of positive United States foreign policy and one true incidence of negative of United States foreign policy since 1959.

All work must be cited according to MLA standards. A bibliography and copies of sources must be included.

Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable source for this assignment.

All papers must be typed and are due the first day of classes, Monday, August 25, 2006. The late penalty is on letter grade per day.

AP Government and Honors Government Students

In addition to the Gideon’s Trumpet assignment, all students enrolled in AP Government must complete one political current event over the summer. You must read an article from a national newspaper such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, The Wall Street Journal, or the magazine, The Economist. You may access these publications on-line using ProQuest or the publication web site. Evaluate the article using the following format:

1. Give the title, source, and date.
2. State the main idea of the article.
3. Give three supporting ideas in the article.
4. Does the author indicate any bias on the topic? If so, describe.
5. List and define any new terms related to politics.

AP students, submit your evaluation and a copy of the article to Mrs. Williams by August 1. If this is not possible, please send her an explanation and submit the assignment on the first day of school. You may email the current event to msw132002@yahoo.com or mail it to 144 General Early Dr., Suffolk, VA 23434 or leave it in the Upper School office.

Gideon’s Trumpet Assignment—AP and Honors Government

1. Read Gideon’s Trumpet by Anthony Lewis. (ISBN 0-679-72312-9). This is a classic book for American government students. You can probably purchase the book from a previous AP Government student.
2. Complete the study guide Parts A and B.

• Do not submit quotes from the book. I want your analysis in your own words.
• Any information obtained from other sources must be cited according to MLA standards.
• You should be able to complete this assignment with this novel and your textbook.

3. The assignment must be typed. It is due the first day of school August 25, 2008. The late penalty is 50% credit within 24 hours.

Part A—Gideon’s Trumpet Study Guide

1. Write a brief (3-5 paragraph) plot summary.
2. Why, considering that Gideon’s case was heard in Florida, might the Supreme Court review evidence?
3. In what circumstances does the Supreme Court grant writs of certiorari? Was it surprising or unsurprising that Gideon’s writ was granted? Why?
4. When is the Supreme Court in session? Describe what takes place at a Supreme Court conference and at oral arguments before the Supreme Court. Describe the oral arguments made by Fortas and Jacob.
5. How do Fortas and his assistants use federalism to help argue his side of the case?
6. How does Bruce Jacob, representing the state of Florida, attempt to use federalism to help argue his side of the case?
7. Discuss, using specific examples, the problems Jacob has in proving his case.
8. Describe the process by which the Supreme Court writes an opinion.
9. What did the court decide in Gideon v. Wainwright and what were the consequences of the decision?
10. Why was Gideon’s second case NOT dismissed on the grounds of double jeopardy?

Required definitions
Part B—Definitions. Define each term within the context of the novel. Underline each word and note a page number(s) where you found the term discussed in the book. Definitions should be as long as five sentences (or sentence fragments) as appropriate. Definitions for many of these terms are in your Sabato textbook. Do not use Wikipdeia.

1. American Civil liberties Union (ACLU)
2. Amicus curiae
3. Article III
4. Barron v. Baltimore
5. Betts v. Brady
6. Due process of law
7. Double jeopardy
8. Federalism
9. Fifth amendment
10. Fourteenth amendment
11. Habeas corpus
12. Judicial restraint
13. In forma pauperis
14. Judicial review
15. Mapp v. Ohio
16. Powell v. Alabama
17. Rule of four
18. Sixth amendment
19. Solicitor general
20. Stare decisis
21. Writ of certiorari

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