At the start of each unit you will receive a set of learning objectives which covers the material you will be expected to learn in that unit. Each objective starts with a requirement that you do something - define, analyze, explain, etc. The terms used in the learning objectives are defined and explain below. Sometimes a learning object may have two requirements, e.g. "define and explain" or "list and analyze."

Analyze

! Definition: Break down the topic into its parts, and explain how the parts relate to each other and to the whole topic.

! Example: Analyze the roles of committees in the legislative process.

Committees have a number of functions in shaping and passing laws. The goal of the objective is for you to be able to list and explain each function, why it is important, and how that function contributes to the overall goal of shaping and passing legislation.

! Definition: List the similarities between things (compare) and list the differences between things (contrast).

! Example: Compare and contrast the various models of federalism, including dual federalism, national supremacy federalism, marble cake federalism, picket fence federalism, and new federalism.

! Definition: Definition of the term: a "dictionary" definition will rarely suffice. Instead, you'll want to define your terms according to a specific context, in this case a "government" definition. Almost all government textbooks define terms on the page where the term is used or at the back in a glossary; some definitions come from the instructor.

! Example: Define constitutionalism.

Most dictionaries do not even define this term. Common government textbook definitions of constitutionalism are "how power is granted, dispersed, and limited," or "an approach to legitimacy in which the rulers give up a certain amount of power in return for their right to utilize the remaining power." Not exactly something from a standard dictionary.

! Definition: Give a detailed account; list characteristics, qualities, and parts. State the characteristics so that the image is clear and concise.

! Example: Describe two ways in which judges exercise policymaking roles.

The requirement is that you be able to identify the two ways judges exercise policymaking roles and then go beyond just the identification. Be able to explain those roles, what they involve, and how judges use them.

! Definition: To show and explain differences.

! Example: Differentiate between regular and special sessions of the Texas legislature.

This requires you to show the differences between a regular session and a special session of the Texas Legislature. Some examples that would show the differences between the two would be the length of each, who calls the sessions, and who sets the agendas - each of these is different for a regular session than for a special session.

Discuss

! Definition: Define the issue and elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages; compare and contrast.

! Example: Discuss the extraconstitutional rights created by the Supreme Court’s interpretations of the Constitution.

The extraconstitutional rights (rights that are not actually written in the Constitution, but instead are inferred) that have been created by the Supreme Court are controversial. Some think these rights are made up by a judges in order to advance a particular viewpoint, while others believe they are simply a natural extension of the rights in the Constitution. This objective asks you to identify extraconstitutional rights, explain them, and list the arguments for and against the creation of extraconstitutional rights.

Enumerate/List

! Definition: List ideas, concepts, aspects, or events in order.

! Example: List the four principles of procedural democracy.

Listing does not require any analysis, explanation, or evaluation; just list the information requested by naming the four principles.

Evaluate

! Definition: State positive and negative views (either your own or those of an expert) and make a judgment. Include evidence to support the evaluation.

! Example: Evaluate the major advantages and disadvantages of America’s federal system.

To accomplish this you must list the advantages and disadvantages of federalism, then explain the advantages and disadvantages, and offer supporting evidence for your explanation. As an example, one advantage of federalism is that it allows states to experiment with different social and economic policies to find which works the best. However, the opposing view is that fifty different welfare or tax policies is wasteful and harms workers and businesses.

Explain

! Definition: An extension of definition, you must make an idea clear. Show logically how a concept is developed and give reasons or examples that help increase understanding.

! Example: Explain the formal amendment process for the Constitution.

To complete this objective you must first list the steps involved in formally amending the Constitution, then clearly and logically describe the process of each of those steps in the amendment process.

Outline

! Definition: Provide a brief overview of the main ideas, characteristics, or events and the significant supporting details. This is not a formal outline with Roman numerals, letters, and numbers.

! Example: Outline the Supreme Court’s evolution of the clear and present danger test.

There were several major events that lead to the clear and present danger test. This objective requires you to list the events with a short note of important or relevant details - the issues that led to the Supreme Court cases, the main arguments in those cases, and a summary of the results.

Summarize

! Definition: Give a brief review, including conclusions. Focus on the main points and avoid unnecessary details.

! Example: Summarize the salient reasons and events behind the evolution of American federalism

List the main points and concentrate on the conclusions. There were several events that helped change the nature of American federalism; provide a short review of each event, why they occurred, and then explain how they changed the nature of American federalism.

Trace

! Definition: Explain the development or progress of events or ideas; show the order of events.

! Example: Trace the historical roots and development of interest groups in America from the days of James Madison and the Federalist Papers until today with the AARP and NRA

This objective requires that you list, in order, the development of interest groups, through the various eras (federalist period, industrial revolution, modern era, etc.) and show how one led to another.