Mount Spotlight: AP U.S. Gov. & Politics with Mrs. Cadigan-Peters

Michelle H. Daino
This week, Joanne Cadigan-Peters’ Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics students applied course concepts to real-world political issues, processes, institutions, and policymaking by participating in a Mock Congress.

“Students assumed the roles of members of the House of Representatives seeking to enact a legislative agenda,” she said. “They researched an issue, wrote a draft of a bill, and presented their proposed legislation on the floor of the House. This is my favorite project of the year because this activity allows students to think of actual national issues that need to be addressed and changed. The topics vary from gun safety, to bicycle friendly roads, mental health, food allergies, the environment, etc.”

“One bill that stands out is the HSR – High Speed Rail Bill,” explained Mrs. Cadigan-Peters. “I used to ride the Bullet Train in Japan 30 years ago when I was a teacher for the JET program, and I cannot believe our passenger trains are not competing at this level yet.”  Which bills will resonate with the GOPO student congress is anyone’s guess and whether President Cadigan-Peters will sign the bill or veto it - that is to be determined.

Throughout a typical week of AP U.S. Government and Politics or “GOPO”, students cultivate their understanding of the concepts through analysis of data, text-based sources, and SCOTUS cases. We explore topics like constitutionalism, liberty and order, civic participation in a representative democracy, competing policy-making interests, and methods of political analysis in lectures, discussions, and application.

“Taking this class has taught me so much about the systems that govern our nation and influence our daily lives -- from students’ rights to environmental policy,” shared Zoe Schack '24.

“Something unique is the way we can draw parallels between the material and current events and analyzing policies within the classroom has enhanced my ability to think critically about politics outside of school,” she said. “Projects that allowed us to propose our own legislation reminded me of my peers’ different values, teaching me that the key to effective problem-solving is being receptive to viewpoints different from your own.” 

“AP U.S. Government and Politics has helped me solidify my decision to major in political science in college,” added Erin Geib '22. “The course and Ms. Cadigan-Peters provide critical insight on the workings of the U.S. government, while also preparing us students for the real world by giving us the space for open, productive dialogue with one another.”
 
“This course has enabled me to learn in-depth knowledge about the history, makeup, and impact of our country’s governmental system. I think that the engaging lessons and activities have created an invaluable opportunity to think critically about factors that affect us all every day, making me a more politically active and informed citizen,” shared Diana Neste '22.

Cornelia Rovito '24 added, “This course has allowed me to gain insight into the history and inner workings of each branch of government. In class we discuss both historical and current political events and how they shape our country. This class has made a significant impact on how I view the politics of the United States and how they impact our lives.”

“My goal for my students,” Mrs. Cadigan-Peters stated, “is to promote civil discourse, involvement in our political system and voter participation. I want my students to be active citizens in our government and someday run for office, regardless of the level.” 
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