COURSE OUTLINE
 

Ideally, students should complete reading assignments before class and be prepared to discuss the material
Students are encouraged to bring newspaper articles to class for discussion, especially articles relevant to the topics being covered.

A. INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW & POLITICAL MODELS  (Jan 27, 29, Feb 3)
                        -why do we have government?
                        - what should government do?
                        -tension between freedom and control
                        -models for analyzing political systems

          Readings: O’Connor & Sabato: Chs.1

           
B. STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK  (Feb 3, 5, 10, 12)

              The Constitution and The States
                    - federalism
                    -unintended consequences of a weak government
                    -extended republicanism
                    -compromises to the constitution
                    - two views of the founders
                    -amending the Constitution
                    - the changing role of the states
                    -from dual federalism to cooperative federalism to devolution 

        Readings: O’Connor & Sabato: Chs.2, 3, 4 Appendix I, II
        Video:  Federalism

 C. LIBERTY, EQUALITY & JUSTICE FOR ALL, SOME, or NONE?
           CIVIL LIBERTIES & CIVIL RIGHTS    (Feb 17, 19)

   -balancing rights -- individuals vs society
                        -from separate but equal to affirmative action 
                        -new groups under the civil rights umbrella
                        - political challenges to economic inequality

        Readings: O’Connor & Sabato: Chs. 5, 6 

   Tuesday, February 24, No Class Study for Exam       
   Thursday, February 26,           Exam I 

D. POLITICAL PARTICIPATION & BELIEFS  CAMPAIGNS & ELECTIONS  
           (March 2, 4)
                        - to vote or not to vote
                        - who votes/ who doesn't
                        -other ways to participate
                        - political beliefs and attitudes
                        - election 2000 - is reform needed
                        -election 2004 - is reform needed? 

            Readings: O’Connor & Sabato: Chs. 11, 14           

E. INTEREST GROUPS, PARTIES & THE MEDIA (March 9, 11, 16, 18)

                    - how interest groups influence policy decisions
                    - the power of lobbies & PAC's
                    - responsible parties?
                    - two party system -- weak, fragmented but crucial 
                    - 3rd parties
                    - the fourth branch?
                    - growth & independence of national media

            Readings: O’Connor & Sabato: Chs. 16, 12, 15
            
            Video: Media   

March 21 - 27        Spring Break

F. THE POLICY PROCESS (March 30, April 1)
            
                        -the policy agenda
                        -issue triangles
                        -types of policies
                        -actors in the policy process

            Readings: O’Connor & Sabato: Chs. 17, 18 (skim)
           

G. THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS‑GOVERNMENT BY COMMITTEE (April 1, 6, 8, 13)
    - constitutional powers 
    - structure, leadership & operation
    - tension between representation & public policy  
    - size & complexity 
    - incumbent advantage vs term limits  
    - the legislative function 
    - the investigative function   
    -  the era of bi-partisanship or more gridlock

Readings: O’Connor & Sabato: Chs 7
Video:  Congress


Thursday, April 15               Exam II  

H. THE EXECUTIVE PROCESS  (April 20, 22, 27, 29)  

                        -presidential power
                        - the man & the institution
                        - getting elected 
                        - primaries, conventions, campaigns
                        - running the government
                        - fun, games & obstacles
                        - passing the buck vs. the buck stops here