Calendar, Week of 2/20

2/20 2/21 2/22 2/23 2/24

Bureaucratic Bureaucracy vs. FRQ #11 Test: E-Branch
Policy Making the Private Sector
Q & A: E-Branch Homework:
Presidents Homework: RING SSB, p. 453-467
Day Wilson OF
FIRE
No School

NOTE: If school is cancelled for any reason, you still are responsible for keeping up with the
readings and assignments for that day. If Ms. Ward is unexpectedly absent, continue following your
calendar as is until she revises it for you.

Calendar, Week of 2/20

As you complete the readings for each week, you should be taking thorough notes to help you
remember the material, sort out complex ideas, make connections to other class content and
keep track of any questions you may have.

Use the questions below as a GUIDE to help you complete your readings and notes these
questions are NOT all-inclusive! Almost all non-textbook readings will be eligible for the Hot
Seat; remember that when you turn in notes about Ring of Fire articles, at a MINIMUM, your
notes must address these reading questions.

Be prepared to take A QUIZ about any and ALL readings from SSB and elsewhere!!!

Handout: James Q. Wilson, What Government Agencies Do and Why They

Do It (Wednesday 2/22 RING OF FIRE)
As you read the Wilson article, annotate the text and answer the questions below.

1. Wilson argues that McDonalds and the Department of Motor Vehicles operate differently
because of inherent differences between public and private organizations. Identify & explain
the major differences.
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages to of trying to run government more like a
business?
3. Should bureaucracies become more businesslike?
SSB, p. 453 467 (Friday, 2/24)
1. Considering the What If? feature on page 454, do you think Supreme Court justices should
be influenced by public opinion when making their decisions? Explain.
2. Explain the relationship between the terms common law, precedent, and stare decisis.
3. What does it mean to say that our system is a dual court system?
4. Define jurisdiction in your own words. Explain what is required in order for federal courts to
have jurisdiction in a case.
5. Explain the rules governing standing in your own words.
6. Describe the three-tiered structure of the federal court system, including the types of cases
heard at each level.
7. Define an amicus curiae brief in your own words. What do you think is one benefit of
allowing amicus curiae briefs, and what is one disadvantage of allowing such briefs?
8. Who is the solicitor general and why is this official so important in the court system?
9. Explain the rule of four in your own words.
10. Explain the differences between majority, concurring, dissenting, and pur curiam opinions.
11. Explain the importance of senatorial courtesy in the appointment of federal judge.