Lawrence E. Elkins High School

Legal Disclaimer for Political Neutrality in AP Government 

As a teacher, I am committed to presenting all political topics from a neutral and objective stance, as required by Texas law (SB 3). According to Section 28.002(h-3) of the Texas Education Code, a teacher who chooses to discuss political or social issues “shall, to the best of the teacher’s ability, strive to explore that topic from diverse and contending perspectives without giving deference to any one perspective.”

In alignment with this requirement, I will:

1. Present all political issues and topics neutrally, without favoring one perspective over another.
2. Encourage students to conduct their own research into political topics and engage critically with differing viewpoints.
3. Facilitate civil discourse in the classroom, promoting discussions that allow students to explore and understand various political ideologies.
4. Ensure that classroom discussions focus on AP standards, using critical analysis to explore how these standards relate to contemporary political issues.

This approach ensures that students develop the ability to think critically, analyze information from multiple sources, and form their own reasoned opinions based on facts, in accordance with the educational standards set forth in the AP curriculum and the legal requirements of the State of Texas.

AP Curriculum Content: 

Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

• Description:
  In this unit, students explore the philosophical foundations of American government, including the development of democratic ideals and principles such as popular sovereignty, natural rights, and the social contract. The unit also covers key historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, as well as the challenges and compromises that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
• Key Topics:
  • Constitutional principles (separation of powers, federalism)
  • Theories of democracy (pluralism, elitism)
  • The Constitution’s design and the debates during its ratification

Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

• Description:
  This unit examines the three branches of the U.S. government; legislative, executive, and judicial and their interactions through systems of checks and balances. Students learn how Congress, the president, and the courts work together and sometimes conflict to implement public policy. The unit also covers the role of the bureaucracy.
• Key Topics:
  • Powers of Congress, the presidency, and the courts
  • Checks and balances
  • The bureaucracy’s role in policy implementation

Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

• Description:
  In Unit 3, students analyze how the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, protects individual rights and liberties. The unit explores landmark Supreme Court cases and the evolving interpretation of civil liberties and civil rights, including issues of freedom of speech, privacy rights, and equal protection.
• Key Topics:
  • Civil liberties (e.g., free speech, due process)
  • Civil rights (e.g., equality under the law, anti-discrimination policies)
  • Landmark Supreme Court decisions (e.g., Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v. Wade)

Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

• Description:
  This unit delves into the diverse political beliefs and values that shape the U.S. political system. Students learn about how political ideologies, socialization, and public opinion affect policy debates and elections. Topics include the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in shaping public opinion.
• Key Topics:
  • Political socialization and public opinion
  • Ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, libertarianism)
  • The influence of political parties and the media on public policy

Unit 5: Political Participation

• Description:
  Unit 5 focuses on how individuals and groups participate in the U.S. political system, examining voter behavior, elections, and the role of political parties, interest groups, and social movements. The unit covers the mechanisms of U.S. elections, including the electoral process, campaign strategies, and the influence of the media.
• Key Topics:
  • Voting behavior and elections
  • Political parties and interest groups
  • The role of the media in politics