HANDOUT-- OUTLINE FORMAT, ACE GLOBAL When you are assigned to outline a particular section of a text book follow the steps provided for you below: 1. First, read the entire section assigned. By reading the entire selection you will better understand the material and your outline will be meaningful. 2. When you have finished reading the selection, head your paper with the following information: a. Chapter Title, pages covered. b. BIG IDEA of the sections assigned i. You will have to determine the big idea. This will be apparent as you spend more time practicing the outline exercise. 3. Pay attention to the colored headings. These are designed to help you navigate the BIG IDEAS of the material. a. In your American Government text, the RED HEADINGS indicate one BIG IDEA. b. In your American Government text, the BLUE HEADINGS indicate a secondary idea or follow up on the big idea. 4. As you outline, look for parts of the material that you have questions about and make side notes to yourself. This will help you remember discussion points for the future. SEE EXAMPLE FOR CHAPTER ONE, SECTION 1: Chapter One: Government and the State, pp. 4-10 Big Idea: This section talks about the purposes of government and important to terms to understand that relate to how government functions. I. What is Government (RED HEADING) a. Begin by writing in the main ideas discussed under this heading The State a. Continue with the same process; if there happen to be BLUE HEADINGS this is where you would fit them into your outline (see examples below) i. Population ii. Territory iii. Sovereignty iv. Government Major Political Ideas a. main ideas go here… The Purpose of Government a. main ideas go here… i. Form a more perfect union ii. Establish justice iii. Insure Domestic Tranquility iv. Provide for the Common Defense v. Promote the general welfare vi. Secure the blessings of our liberty
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CHAPTER ONE, SECTION 1: Chapter One: Government and the State, pp. 4-10 Big Idea: This section talks about the purposes of government and important to terms to understand that relate to how government functions. V. What is Government a. Government is an institution that exercises authority and power of a society b. Every government makes public policy decisions, or things that need to get done c. Every government has three basic powers: legislative, executive and judicial (found in Constitution) d. Different types of government will change how people are governed and their relationship with those in power e. Government dates back to early civilizations, adaptations have occurred throughout history to meet the changing needs of society. The State a. State = a body of people living in a particular territory, who are organized politically b. Many states exist throughout the world, each varies c. Not every state is legal—difference between state and nation i. Population 1. every state has to have a population of people, either large or small ii. Territory 1. every state must have land in order for the people to exist in that state iii. Sovereignty 1. sovereign= supreme and absolute power within a territory; every state is recognized as being sovereign (difference between a state and nation) iv. Government 1. Every state is politically organized by some form of order 2. Government necessary (Hobbes- “war of every man against every man” Major Political Ideas a. The Force Theory b. The Evolutionary Theory c. The Divine Right Theory d. The Social Contract Theory The Purpose of Government a. Look to the Constitution! i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. Form a more perfect union Establish justice Insure Domestic Tranquility Provide for the Common Defense Promote the general welfare Secure the blessings of our liberty
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