Course Content
Technical Support
1-800-234-5832
M–Th: 8:00A.M.–Midnight EST
F: 8:00A.M.–10:00P.M. EST
Lesson Plans
Out of Many: A History of the American People ©2000
by Faragher, Buhle, Czitrom, and Armitage
Focus Lesson 25
Chapter 30: "The Overextended Society, 1974–1980"
Chapter 31: "The Conservative Ascendancy Since 1980"
AP* Course Description
- Nixon
- New Federalism
- Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade
- The United States Since 1974
- Ford and Rockefeller
- Carter
- DeregulationEnergy and inflation
- Camp David Accords
- Iranian hostage crisis
- Reagan
- Tax cutsDefense buildup
- New disarmament treaties
- Foreign crises: the Persian Gulf and Central America
- Society
- Old and new urban problems
- Asian and Hispanic immigrants
- Resurgent fundamentalism
- African Americans and local, state, and national politics
Key Components
- Instructor's Manual:
Chapter 30, pp. 169–174
Chapter 31, pp. 175–181 - Study Guide, Vol. II:
Chapter 30, pp. 124–132
Chapter 31, pp. 133–140 - Documents Set, Vol. II:
Chapter 30, pp. 463–485
Chapter 31, pp. 486–504 - Test Item File:
Chapter 30, pp. 276–285
Chapter 31, pp. 286–296
Key Web Sites
Given the changing nature of the Internet, you may wish to preview these sites. Always check PHSchool.com for updated links to U.S. history sites.
- National Council for the Social Studies
- Smithsonian Institution
- Afterschool.gov: Web Sites for Kids and Teens
- The History Place
Key Words and Terms
Chapter 30
- stagflation
- Iranian hostage crisis
- election of 1980
Chapter 31
- Iran-Contra Scandal
- collapse of Communism
- Persian Gulf War
- election of 1992
Suggested Pacing
The AP* exam is rapidly approaching. Complete Chapters 30 and 31 in three sessions on a block schedule of 90-minute classes or in six classes on a 45-minute traditional bell schedule.
Test Strategy
In answering the essay questions, remind students to answer the question asked, not the one they think is being asked. In order to be clear about what is being asked, students need to read the question prompt carefully, underlining, bracketing, or in some way highlighting the core components of the question. They should then restate the question in their own words and check this restatement against the original question prompt to be sure they understand what is being asked. A minute or two spent clarifying the question will reap the reward of a focused essay.
Key Concepts
- The effect of immigration on the United States
To help students synthesize and interpret information about immigration in the United States, have them read all the features titled "The Changing Face of Ethnicity in America" at one time. These can be found on pp. 222, 380, 708, and 986–991. In addition to helping students understand the reasons why people immigrated to the United States at any given time, work with students to analyze whether and how these reasons may have changed over time. Also have students note how the "who" of immigration has changed between 1800 and 2000. - Conservative politics
A major point that students should remember about the election of 1980 is the swing in the nation toward conservatism. Ronald Reagan was the first avowedly conservative politician to be elected President since Calvin Coolidge. Reagan came to power through a coalition of the New Right and Christian fundamentalist groups.
Summing Up Student Understanding
Refer students to the Appendix and have them locate pp. A12 to A15. Review with the students the presidential elections and the important issues of the major presidential elections. Point out that the most recent election will not be on the exam since the College Board tests questions before using them on the test for credit. Use this class discussion to encourage students and build up their confidence for the test.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
You might also find these additional readings useful in developing students' background knowledge or for DBQ activities:
- American Issues: Vol. II Since 1865, edited by Unger and Tomes—Chapters 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20
- The Power of Words: Vol. II From 1865, edited by Breen—Chapters 14, 15, and 16
- Constructing the American Past, Vol. II, edited by Gorn, Roberts, and Bilhartz—Chapter 14
- American Experiences: Volume II From 1877, edited by Roberts and Olson (secondary source readings)—Part Seven