Lesson
Federalism AP Government Case Studies
Guiding question
How does this case study illuminate key concepts and processes in government and politics?
Founding Principles
Objective
- Students will analyze and discuss a specific topic within the AP Government framework using a case study approach, primary sources, and structured discussion techniques.
Materials
Student Resources:
- Case study essay
- Case study primary sources
- Writing materials or devices for note taking
Teacher Resources:
- Case study teacher guide
- Discussion Protocols
Case Study Options
Four primary sources that explore how Lyndon Johnson, George Bush, and Barack Obama approached federal education during their presidential terms.
Excerpts of the opinions of Griswold v. Connecticut (1965), Roe v. Wade (1973), and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) that explore what each decision meant for federal abortion rights policies.
Excerpts of the Twenty-First Amendment, 1933, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, 1984, South Dakota v. Dole (1987) and the 2024 Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration budget that explore how the drinking age and federal highways have been connected over the last century.
Lesson plan
More Information
This lesson can be used with any of the following Case Studies.
- Education and Schools
- Abortion Rights
- Drinking Age and Federal Highways