Welcome!

Welcome to AP Gov! This year we will spend much of our time discussing controversial issues. You will try to make the best arguments you can for your points of view, and you will listen respectfully to the opinions of those who disagree with you. But, to what extent will the arguments and facts presented by others change your mind? We all like to think that we have arrived at our points of view by a rational process of fact-gathering and analysis, but perhaps we flatter ourselves. Some political scientists now believe that people's views can actually become more firmly entrenched when they are presented with facts that contradict their beliefs. What do you think? Read the following and share your ideas.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/07/11/how_facts_backfire/

Please make your comments by Tues Sep 21.