DVD : The Standard Deviants - American Government 2-pack
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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9781581983470
Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
ISBN: 1581983476
Label: Cerebellum Corporation
Manufacturer: Cerebellum Corporation
Number Of Items: 2
Publisher: Cerebellum Corporation
Region Code: 1
Release Date: July 01, 2003
Running Time: 242 minutes
Sales Rank: 46519
Studio: Cerebellum Corporation
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
Our government has evolved over the years, from the First Constitutional Congress to recent case law. Reserved powers are tested, expanded and limited. This series will explain the history and divisions of our government, including their responsibilities and powers. The American Government DVD 2-Pack includes American Government Part 1 and Part 2 at a discounted price.
Amazon.com:
The Standard Deviants: American Government Part 1
An unorthodox lesson in civics is presented by the Standard Deviants, a cast of energetic young performers, in this video, which is designed as an extensive review guide for a course in American civics. Starting with the ethics of Aristotle and quickly jumping forward to philosophical concepts espoused by Locke and Hobbes, the performers present the basic background of American democracy in skits and recitations that are often oddball mnemonic devices. Topics covered include the theories behind democracy, the grievances the American colonists had against the British, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, and the eventual drafting and ratification of the Constitution. The landmark legal cases and the principles of civil rights are also covered. The approach to the subject matter may not be to everyone's liking, and at times the performers do seem to trivialize matters that are generally approached with some solemnity. However, this video has academic advisers, including professor Larry Sabato (a name familiar to viewers of public affairs programs). If the presentation is sometimes off the wall, the actual material is very solid, and even then it comes with disclaimer that it is intended as a review guide and is not a substitute for attending class. --Robert J. McNamara
The Standard Deviants: American Government 2
Continuing their unusual review course in civics, the Standard Deviants, a group of ebullient and youthful performers, forge ahead to explain via skits and various performance routines the venerable institutions of American democracy. This video begins with an explanation of the legislative branch, covering its history, powers, and the procedures by which it operates. The roles played by the Speaker of the House and other central figures are portrayed with purposely weird computer graphics and skits (complete with a congressional whip wielding, of course, a bullwhip). The powers of the president and the executive branch are also covered in detail, and an in-depth review of the judicial branch and its workings concludes the lessons. The approach to the material is never solemn and at times verges on the bizarre, and this won't be to everyone's liking. However, the academic advisers to this production have ensured that the material itself is solid, and it should be noted that the attempts at comedy are designed as mnemonic devices on the principle that something presented in an off-the-wall manner is easier to remember than the boring lectures that students endure and forget. --Robert J. McNamara
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
This DVD set is geared towards older high school students or college students wanting a review. It moves quickly through a lot of excellent information. It would be good for an individual review where frequent pausing is possible. It is also dated. It doesn't mention the Bush/Gore election in its examples of a candidate winning the popular vote but not the electoral college vote. It also uses Geralidine Ferraro as its only example of a woman running for an executive office. And there's no mention of any minority candidates.
Rating:  -
The Standard Deviants American Government DVD set is a useful tool. It presents the basics of American government without stuffiness or bookishness. The refreshing and humorous approach taken in the DVDs appeals to kids and makes the concepts easier to grasp. The treatment of the subject is, for the most part, fair and unbiased (there are a few moments where the producers let their political leanings slide through). Overall, this is a useful tool and I recommend it highly.
Rating: -
This seller was very prompt. They must have shipped my order as soon as they received it. Highly recommended.
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