COURSE SYLLABUS - Spring 1997

Political Science 110
American National Government

INSTRUCTOR:  Prof. Paul Petterson
OFFICE:  015 Diloreto Hall
OFFICE PHONE:  832-2969
E-MAIL:  PETTERSONP
OFFICE HOURS:  Monday      2:00-4:00 PM
                               Tuesday      3:15-4:30 PM
                               Wednesday 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
                               Thursday     11:00 AM-12:15 PM, 3:15-4:00 PM
                               And by appointment
 
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will center its examination of the American political system on the Constitution and how its framework of ideas and institutional structures has shaped American politics. We will begin by considering the purposes of politics, discussing the perennial political dilemmas faced by the authors of the Constitution and the "solutions" they constructed. We will then consider the main institutions created by the Constitution -- Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court -- and how each has evolved from the original "design." We will then examine the process of making public policy, with particular attention to how well -- or badly -- the constitutional system performs this critical task, and the role of "extraconstitutional" forces in the policy process, particularly political parties and interest groups. The course will conclude with some consideration of the future of American democracy. It is my hope that you will find this course enlightening, empowering, and enjoyable.
 
 

TEXTS  (Available at The Other Bookstore and Campus Bookstore)

Thomas Patterson. The American Democracy, 3rd edition (McGraw-Hill, 1996). The major overview text for the semester.

Arthur W. Biddle\Kenneth W. Holland. Writer's Guide: Political Science (Heath, 1987). A writing\analysis guide.

Steven Waldman. The Bill (Penguin, 1996). An examination of the process of passing a law in Congress, focusing on the creation of President Clinton's "Americorps" program.
 
 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
 

Quizzes will be multiple choice and will cover assigned readings for the week. Exams will be essay style, supplemented by short answer identifications, and will cover both lecture material and assigned readings. The analytic essay paper will involve defending a position on an issue of your choice, and will include some library research; a list of suggested topics will be provided.

ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED ON TIME - ANY LATE WORK MUST BE JUSTIFIED BY EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Lectures and discussions will draw on current events, so reading news sources like The New York Times is encouraged.

Please also note the following:

1. I expect and encourage class participation. Students should complete assigned readings on time and be prepared to discuss them. All questions and opinions are welcomed; please be courteous to all viewpoints presented. Don't hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear.
2. ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance is expected and will be taken. Please arrive for class on time, as a courtesy to the instructor and your fellow students.
3. SPECIAL NEEDS: Students who need course adaptations or accommodations because of documented disability, or who have emergency medical needs, or who need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated should see me as soon as possible.

OUTLINE OF LECTURES AND READING ASSIGNMENTS
 

1/27, 29	Introduction and Overview of Course         The Nature of Politics\Political Culture  Readings: Patterson, Chapter 1
1/31; 2/3, 5	The U.S. Constitution          Roots of American Democracy         The Convention\Debates Readings: Patterson, Chapter 3
2/7, 10, 12	The U.S. Constitution        Restraints on Power and Democracy        The Evolution of Federalism Studying Politics: Readings and Notes Readings: Patterson, Chapter 2; review Ch. 3                  Biddle, Ch. 1-3 QUIZ: 2/10
2/14, 17	NO CLASS - Lincoln, Washington Birthday Holidays
2/19, 21, 24	The Congress:        Development and Structure Readings: Patterson, Chapter 12
2/26, 28; 3/3, 5	How Congress Makes and Shapes Government Policy Readings: Patterson, Chapter 13
3/7	IN CLASS EXAM
3/10, 12, 14	The Presidency: Development and Structure Readings: Patterson, Chapter 14
3/17, 19, 21	The Presidency: Foreign Policy Making        The Role of Public Support Readings: Patterson, Chapter 6, 20 QUIZ: 3/19
3/24, 26, 28	NO CLASS - Spring Break
3/31; 4/2, 4	The Presidency: Economic Policy Making        Roles and Powers of Bureaucracy Readings: Patterson, Chapters 16, 18
4/7, 9, 11	The Judiciary/The Supreme Court        History and Structure Readings: Patterson, Chapter 17
4/14, 16, 18	Social Welfare Policy Issues A Case Study In Policymaking:        The Creation of Americorps Readings: Waldman, The Bill                   Patterson, Chapter 19                   Biddle, Chapters 4-5 QUIZ ON WALDMAN BOOK: 4/16
4/21, 23, 25	Extraconstitutional Forces and Policy:        Political Parties, Interest Groups, Media Readings: Patterson, Chapters 9-11 ANALYTIC ESSAY DUE 4/25
4/28, 30; 5/2	Civil Rights and Public Policy Readings: Patterson, Chapter 5
5/5, 7, 9, 12	Civil Liberties and Public Policy The Future of Democracy:        Who Votes? Who Is Heard? Readings: Patterson, Chapter 5, 7, 8 QUIZ: 5/7
5/14	NO CLASS - Reading Day
5/19	FINAL EXAM