Government and Politics 170 Spring 2011 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Professor P Herrnson 3102C Morrill Hall 301 405 4123 pherrnson capc umd edu Hours Tuesday 3 4 Thursday 1 2 and by appointment TAs J Wantz 5119 Tydings 301 405 4397 jwantz gvpt umd edu R Williams 5105 Tydings 301 405 4021 rawilliams gvpt umd edu The people of this country will by their conduct and example decide the important question whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force Alexander Hamilton The Federalist Papers This course is an introduction to the foundations and workings of the American political system The main focus is on the institutions and activities of the national government however there will be some discussion of state local and foreign governments The course has seven major objectives 1 To introduce the theoretical and practical considerations that inspired the founding of the American political system and informed the government s structure 2 To discuss the evolution of fundamental political rights and liberties 3 To examine the factors that support and perpetuate the political system 4 To analyze the structures functions and activities of the major political institutions the Presidency Congress the judiciary the bureaucracy political parties and interest groups 5 To examine different forms of political participation including elections and nonmainstream forms 6 To provide an overview of the policymaking process 7 To inform students of the different ways individuals and groups influence American politics Required Reading Karen O Connor Larry J Sabato and Alixandra B Yanus American Government 2011 Alternate Edition Pearson 2011 Note any format is acceptable including hardcover text binder sheets and e version at www coursesmart com Saul D Alinsky Rules for Radicals Vintage any edition Readings posted under course documents on Elms at https elms umd edu A major newspaper such as the Washington Post or New York Times Course Requirements Students are required to attend the lectures and discussion sections to read the assigned materials and to participate in discussion sections Grades will be based on two in class examinations each worth 20 a 10 page paper worth 20 a final examination worth 30 and performance in discussion sections and on short assignments and quizzes worth a total of 10 The university code of academic integrity will apply to this course see http www studenthonorcouncil umd edu code html Students are instructed to familiarize themselves with it and adhere to it Government and Politics 170 Spring 2011 All papers should be double spaced have one inch margins and be printed in a 12 point font The first essay requires no citations The second is a research paper that should be approximately 10 pages long It should use at least eight sources six must be scholarly books or articles the others can be journalistic reports from newspapers or magazine but not opinion pieces All papers and other assignments are due at the beginning of class Late assignments will be penalized three points for each day they are late A make up will be given only if justified by a university sanctioned excuse and accompanied by appropriate documentation If at all possible students should contact their TA or the professor prior to the scheduled exam date to request a make up exam Copyright Protections and Note Taking The course lectures and all other course matter are copyright protected Written consent from the instructor must be obtained for reproduction and distribution of lecture notes or any other course materials especially for commercial use Copyright 2011 Herrnson Students with Special Needs Students with special needs who are registered with Disability Support Services 301 314 7682 are responsible for notifying the instructor and their TA seven days prior to each exam to arrange appropriate accommodations Assignments Students should complete the readings and projects before class on the assigned dates An asterisk designates major assignments and special events January 25 Introduction January 27 Foundations of American Government O Connor and Sabato ch 1 and Appendix I Government and Politics 170 Study Guide ELMS January 28 2 3 PAGE ESSAY TO BE HANDED IN FIRST DISCUSSION SECTION January 31 Monday 2011 Maryland Politics Summit Charles Carroll Room Stamp Student Union Attend one or more sessions for extra credit Session 1 State of the State 10 30 am 12 00 pm The Republican and Democratic leaders from the Maryland General Assembly discuss the current state of Maryland politics and the legislative agenda for the upcoming 2011 session Session 2 Maryland s Financial Future 1 45 pm 3 00 pm The chairmen and ranking members of key budget and finance committees in the State Senate and House of Delegates discuss Maryland s current financial situation and the future of Maryland s finances Session 3 Transportation in Maryland 3 30 pm 4 30 pm Federal state and local government leaders in transportation discuss current issues related to transportation in Maryland Government and Politics 170 Spring 2011 February 1 The Constitution O Connor and Sabato ch 2 The Federalist Papers Nos 10 47 48 and 51 ELMS February 3 The Constitution continued February 8 The Constitution continued Roche John The Founding Fathers A Reform Caucus in Action ELMS Beard Charles Framing the Constitution ELMS February 10 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights O Connor and Sabato chs 5 6 Mill John Stuart On Liberty ELMS Brown Justice Henry Billings et al Plessy v Ferguson ELMS Warren Chief Justice Earl Brown v Board of Education ELMS February 15 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights continued February 17 FIRST IN CLASS EXAMINATION Long session arrive at 2 00 sharp with a pen and a pencil with an eraser February 22 Political Culture Political Socialization and Public Opinion O Connor and Sabato ch 11 de Tocqueville Alexis Democracy in America ELMS Huntington Samuel One Nation Out of Many ELMS Fiorina Morris Culture War The Myth of a Polarized America ELMS February 24 Political Culture Political Socialization and Public Opinion continued March 1 Political Parties and Elections O Connor and Sabato ch 12 APSA Committee on Political Parties Toward a More Responsible Two Party System ELMS Herrnson Paul The Evolution of National Party Organizations ELMS March 3 Political Parties and Elections