The AP US Government and Politics test requires strong knowledge of fifteen landmark Supreme Court cases considered to offer a range of significant Constitutional questions. This course will involve in-depth study and analysis of those fifteen cases. We will focus on each case by exploring the background, message, and impact of each on American history and government. In addition, we will discuss how these cases might be used on the AP exam to increase students’ confidence in preparing for the test.
Key Information
- The course begins on Thursday, July 7, 2022.
- Classes will occur once a week for six weeks.
- Classes will begin at 5:00 p.m. ET/ 2:00 p.m. PT.
- Weekly classes are 60 minutes in length on Zoom. These sessions will incorporate a combination of lectures, activities conducted on the Zoom chat, polls, Q&As, and discussions.
Intended Audience
This course is for high school students (grades 9–12).
Schedule and Registration
Registration is for the full 6-session course. Students must have a Gilder Lehrman account to register for a History School course. Log in or create a free account here.
Please follow the instructions on the registration page. Once registered, students will be enrolled in the Gilder Lehrman Online Learning Community and have access to course content and materials.
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Week 1 |
Thursday, July 7, 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET “Government Power” - Marbury and McCulloch |
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Week 2 |
Thursday, July 14, 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET “First Amendment - Religion” - Engel and Yoder |
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Week 3 |
Thursday, July 21, 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET “Guns and Limits of National Power” - Lopez and McDonald |
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Week 4 |
Thursday, July 28, 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET “Redistricting” - Shaw + Baker |
| Week 5 |
Thursday, August 4, 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET “Constitutional Protections” - Gideon, Brown, and Roe |
| Week 6 |
Thursday, August 11, 5:00–6:00 p.m. ET “First Amendment Protections” - Schenck, Tinker, NY Times, and Citizens |
Meet Your Teacher
Kevin Cline teaches United States history and government at Frankton High School in Frankton, Indiana. In 2016 he was named the National History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute. Mr. Cline serves as a Master Teacher for the Gilder Lehrman Institute and does work for the National Center for History Education and the National History Club. Mr. Cline’s passions in teaching include fostering active citizenship and lifting up student voices.
Certificate of Completion
Students who attend 5 out of 6 classes can get a certificate from the Gilder Lehrman Institute confirming their participation in this History School course.
Please email historyschool@gilderlehrman.org if you have any questions.