A.P. U.S. Government and Politics

Mr. Howell

Westlake High School

Summer Assignment/suggestions for success





Purchase or borrow the book Hardball by Christopher Matthews (HarperPerrenial – ISBN 0-06-097233-5).



Before you read the book, pick a modern day—within the last 30-50 years—American politician. The more well known the politician, the better!



As you read the book, compare and contrast the ways in which your politician has gained and/or lost political power. Write a well developed essay (no more than two pages typed, 12 point font, double spaced) that examines and analyzes your politician’s political successes and/or failures according to the writings of Christopher Matthews. You can watch Chris Matthews on the show “Hardball” which appears nightly at 9:00 on MSNBC.)



Please have your completed essay in my box at school no later than August 15, 2008.



Other suggestions:



Keep current with the news. Read and collect newspaper, magazine, and Internet articles on the following topics: legislative branch, executive branch, judicial branch, campaigns, bureaucracy, interest groups, Britain, Iran, Mexico, China, Nigeria, Russia (the last six deal with spring term). These may come in handy when articles are due with summaries!



Become an avid watcher of several new talk shows like “Meet the Press”, “Fox News Sunday”, “Inside Washington”, or “Washington Week”. Watch C-Span I, II, and III. Listen to WCSP 90.1 FM radio. Preset one of those buttons on the car radio. Every time you watch or listen, you’re giving yourself more examples and supportive material that could be used in upcoming assignments and eventually help you on the A.P. Test at the end of the year.