Required Texts:

Steven Kelman, American Democracy and the Public Good, brief ed. (New York: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1996)

 David Canon, Anne Khademian and Kenneth Mayer, The Enduring Debate: Classic and Contemporary Readings in American Politics (New York: WWNorton & Co., 1997)

 Valerie Sulfaro, GPOS 225A U.S. Government Computer Exercises

This is an introduction to American Government. We will examine and analyze the basic governmental institutions and processes. As such, we will cover the following major topics: The American founding; federalism; Congress; the Presidency; the Judiciary; political parties and interest groups; public opinion, the media and political participation; the Bill of Rights and the reconstruction Amendments; the bureaucracy; the formation of public policy; campaigns and elections. The aim of the course is to familiarize the student with basic terms and concepts used in discussing American Government, to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, and to develop research skills. Overall, the course theme will be to address developing a standard for thinking about the public good.

 Objectives

Know basic terms and facts relating to kinds of governments

Know the functions and development of Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court, federal agencies, and of non-governmental bodies such as parties and interest groups.

Develop a basic understanding of the dynamics of American government

Microcase computer exercises to be discussed in class.

Outlines for Federalist Nos. 10 and 23

Identify the main point.

Organize according to the logic, the hierarchy, of the essay.

Be complete. Cover the topics covered in the essay.

(In addition to the substantive content relevant for American Government, The Federalist also provides a model for writing and, like all good writing, is worthy of emulating as a means of developing and improving one’s own writing skills. Outlining assists in developing good writing skills.)

Class attendance: 10%

Outlines: 10%

Computer Exercises: 15%

Midterm one: 20%

Midterm two: 20%

Final exam: 25%

September 2, 4

Introduction

Read Kelman, pp. 517-23

Read Canon et al. 291-97

September 7, 9, 11

Introduction to American Government

Read Kelman, Declaration of Independence in Appendix, and Chapter 1

September 14, 16, 18

The American Founding

Read Kelman, Chapter 2, Federalist No. 10; Canon et al., 454-61

Computer Exercises, Representation due 18 September

Outline of No. 10 due September 18

September 21, 23, 25

Organized Groups

Read Kelman, Chapter 7; Canon et al., 424-26

Computer Exercises, Political Participation due September 25

September 28, 30, October 2

Foreign Policy and World Politics

Read Canon et al., pp. 600-607

Read Federalist No. 23 at www.constitution.org

Outline of No. 23 due October 2

October 5, 7

Federalism

Read Kelman, Chapter 5, Canon et al., pp. 12-16, 43-51 and McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Computer Exercises, Federalism due 7 October

October 12

Midterm Exam

October 14, 16

Public Opinion

Read Kelman, Chapter 6; Federalist No. 46 in Canon et al., pp. 38-42

Computer Exercises, Public Opinion due 16 October

October 19, 21, 23

Political Parties

Read Kelman, Chapter 8, Federalist No. 51 in Appendix

Computer Exercises, Political Parties due October 19

October 26, 28, 30

Congress

Read Kelman, Chapter 11; Federalist Nos. 52 and 57 at www.constitution.org

November 2, 4, 6

The Presidency

Read Kelman, Chapter 12; Federalist 70 at www.constitution.org

Computer Exercises, Factors influencing Vote in Pres Elections due Nov. 6

November 9, 11, 13

The Judiciary

Read Kelman, Chapter 15, Canon, et al., pp. 240-53 and Marbury v. Madison (1803)

November 16

Midterm exam

November 18, 20

Amendments and Interpretation

Read Kelman, Chapter 3; Canon, et al., 77-91

November 23, 24

The First Amendment

Read Kelman, Chapter 4

November 30, December 2, 4

Government Agencies

Read Kelman, Chapter 14

December 7, 9, 11

The Media

Read Kelman, Chapter 10

Is there a problem? Talk to me. Do you have to miss class? Let me know in advance.

Honor code. Be familiar and comply with the JMU honor code.

Conduct. Classroom civility is to be observed at all times. Be polite to your fellow classmates and instructors. Be punctual. Late arrivals and early departures are distracting.

Assignments. Late assignments will not be accepted.