AP Government · 2025–2026 · Unit 3

In class

Quiz (20 min): Essential Amendments for AP Exam

1st Amendment (religion, speech, press, assembly, petition)

2nd Amendment (bear arms)

4th Amendment (search and seizure)

5th Amendment (due process, self-incrimination, double jeopardy, eminent domain)

6th Amendment (right to counsel, speedy trial)

8th Amendment (cruel and unusual punishment)

14th Amendment (equal protection, due process clause)

Mini-lecture: Selective incorporation + 14th Amendment Due Process Clause

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 8, pp. 320-345 (Bill of Rights, incorporation, First Amendment)

In class

Bell Ringer: Discuss reading (20 min)

Venn diagram: Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) - student speech

Watch Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. (2021) video + Jigsaw opinions

Complete second half of Venn diagram with Mahanoy case

Take-a-Stand activity on student speech issues + Cases

Venn diagram: Schenck v. United States (1919) vs. Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)

Venn diagram: New York Times v. United States (1971) - Pentagon Papers/prior restraint

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 8, pp. 333-354 (Second Amendment, rights of the accused)

In class

Bell Ringer: KWL Chart on Second Amendment (5 min)

Watch Khan Academy video "The Second Amendment" (10 min)

Discuss McDonald v. Chicago (2010) - 2nd Amendment incorporation

Review Table 8.1 "Selective Incorporation" (textbook p. 323)

Answer SCOTUS Comparison FRQ (AP Study Guide p. 369)

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 8, pp. 345-357 (rights of the accused & privacy)

In class

Take a position on the balance between liberty and order and explain the reasoning.

In groups, connect a constitutional amendment with a Supreme Court case. Prepare an infographic explaining the case, decision, and real-world impact.

Share the infographics in a gallery walk, then revisit the original position using case evidence.

Homework / preparation

Complete AP Study Guide questions 6 & 8, p. 366 (if not finished)

In class

Bell Ringer: Review homework questions together (5 min)

Three-station rotation (15 min each):

Station 1:4th Amendment timeline - plot cases, answer reflection questions on exclusionary rule

Station 2:5th Amendment - define each part (grand jury, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, due process, eminent domain) + Miranda v. Arizona case + public safety exception

Station 3:6th Amendment & 7th Amendments - identify pretrial rights + complete Venn diagram on Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 8, pp. 354-357 (right to privacy)

In class

Bell Ringer: Review maps + AP Study Guide questions 9-10, p. 367 (5 min)

Read Justice Brandeis dissent in Olmstead v. U.S. (1928) on privacy

Jigsaw activity (5 groups):

Group 1: Substantive due process (Ballotpedia website)

Group 2: Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

Group 3: Roe v. Wade (1973)

Group 4: Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)

Group 5: Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022)

Create timeline of abortion cases + answer reflection questions on substantive due process

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 9, pp. 372-388 (civil rights movement & inequality)

In class

Bell Ringer: AP Study Guide question 1, p. 424 (5 min)

Complete Analytical Reading Activity for Topic 3.10: "Social Movements and Equal Protection"

Read "Letter from Birmingham Jail" excerpt

Read about Standing Rock protests

Apply Dr. King's process to current social movements

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 9, pp. 381-411 (civil rights policy change)

In class

Bell Ringer: Discuss reading (5 min)

Complete Venn diagram: Brown v. Board of Education (1954) vs. Hernandez v. Texas (1954)

Answer 2019 Exam SCOTUS FRQ parts A & B (AP Study Guide)

Partner research (in class, 20 min):

Partner 1: Title IX (1972)

Partner 2: Voting Rights Act (1965)

Create visual together: How government responds to social movements (use Brown, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, VRA)

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 9, pp. 411-417 (minority rights & equal protection)

In class

(COMPLETE AT HOME VIA ZOOM)

Bell Ringer: Gallery Walk of visuals from yesterday (5 min)

Write thesis/claim: "Which branch of government best provides civil rights protections for individuals or groups?"

Small groups (3 students): Match foundational documents to each branch's role:

Article I of U.S. Constitution

Amendments to U.S. Constitution

"Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Individually answer Argument Essay FRQ (AP Study Guide p. 427) - 20 min

Review Scoring Guidelines together

Homework / preparation

Read Chapter 9, pp. 411-417 (affirmative action)

In class

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES, NO CLASS:

Bell Ringer: Watch PBS video "Affirmative Action: Should Race Be a Factor in College Admissions?" (10 min)

Small group debate activity (groups of 5, 20 min):

Person 1: Choose side + provide evidence

Person 2: Provide second piece of evidence for same side

Person 3: Choose alternative perspective + provide evidence

Person 4: Provide second piece of evidence for alternative side

Person 5: Final judge - "I have heard evidence from both sides. My final ruling is _____ because _____."

Partner discussion: Identify foundational documents that match potential claims for Argument Essay (AP Study Guide p. 427)

Homework / preparation

Review all Unit 3 notes - be prepared for comprehensive review

In class

Bell Ringer: Q&A on confusing topics (5 min)

Review stations (students rotate, 12 min each):

Station 1: 9 required SCOTUS cases - match case to holding + constitutional issue

Station 2:Civil liberties vs. civil rights - categorize 15 scenarios

Station 3: Selective incorporation - analyze Table 8.1, answer questions on 14th Amendment

Station 4: Foundational documents - match quotes to documents (Constitution, Bill of Rights, 14th Amendment, "Letter from Birmingham Jail")

Final Q&A (10 min)

Homework / preparation

Study for Unit Test Thursday/Friday - review all 9 required SCOTUS cases, 14th Amendment, civil liberties vs. civil rights, foundational documents

In class

Open Q&A session (20 min) - students ask questions on any topic

Kahoot or Quizizz review game (20 min) - all Unit 3 content

Individual study time (15 min) - students review notes, flashcards, Venn diagrams

Homework / preparation

Final review for test tomorrow

In class

Format:

35 multiple-choice questions (full class period)

Content Coverage:

Topics 3.1-3.13: Civil Liberties & Civil Rights (Chapters 8 & 9)

All 9 required SCOTUS cases

Foundational documents: Constitution, Bill of Rights, 14th Amendment, "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Selective incorporation

Civil liberties vs. civil rights distinction

Homework / preparation

Review FRQ strategies and your Venn diagrams for tomorrow

In class

Format:

2 Free-Response Essays (FRQs) (full class period)

FRQ #1: SCOTUS Comparison (25 min)

FRQ #2: Argument Essay (25 min)

Content Coverage:

Same as Day 1 - focus on applying knowledge through written analysis

SCOTUS Comparison: Compare/contrast two required cases

Argument Essay: Develop claim about civil liberties or civil rights with evidence from foundational documents

Homework / preparation

No separate homework directions retained in this public reading edition.