American National
Government and Politics examines the features of American politics with
the goal of preparing you for lifelong political participation and
observation... whether or not you're a political science major or plan
to become a politician!
First, we will
explain the process of presidential election, and discuss issues
related to the 2012 presidential election. Then we'll go back in time
to examine why American political institutions were set up the way they
were. We revisit some of the Framers' key decisions at the
Constitutional Convention. We are aided by a simulation package that
allows us to play the parts of actual Framers, and to debate and decide
the issues that they decided.
Each student prepares a variety of writing and speech assignments. Recent assignments have included comparisons of candidate web sites, research on contemporary issues using key politics sources, and letters to newspapers and members of Congress. The goal is to have students practice the types of research, speaking and writing they might be doing in the rest of their political lives. There are also three exams during the semester, one on each section of the course. Students are further credited for participation in classroom discussion.
American National Government and Politics is a prerequisite for advanced American politics courses needed for the Political Science major or minor. It counts in the "Social Science" category for fulfilling general education requirements.
TEXTS (FALL 2012)
Bruce F. Nesmith, Simulating the U.S. Constitutional Convention (online at coemoodle.coe.edu)
Stephen J. Wayne, The Road to the White House 2012 (Wadsworth, 9th ed, 2012)
COURSE OUTLINE
Course introduction
I. PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS
Overview of presidential selection: Wayne ch 1
Political environment of presidential campaigns: Wayne ch 3
Strategy and tactics: Wayne ch 7
Campaign financing: Wayne ch 2
Media in presidential elections: Wayne ch 8
EXAM I
II. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Delegate selection rules: Wayne ch 4
The nomination campaign: Wayne ch 5
National party conventions: Wayne ch 6
The vote and its meaning: Wayne ch 9
Reform proposals: Wayne ch 10
EXAM II
III. THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Constitution--Theory: Simulating the Convention, ch. 1
Constitution--History: Simulating the Convention, ch. 2
Constitution--Setting: Simulating the Convention, ch. 3
Constitution--Issues: Simulating the Convention, ch. 4
QUIZ I
Debate 1--Powers of the national government: Simulating the Convention, ch. 5
Debate 2--Representation in Congress: Simulating the Convention, ch. 6
Debate 3--Voting and elections: Simulating the Convention, ch. 7
Debate 4--Powers of the president: Simulating the Convention, ch. 8
Debate 5--Individual rights: Simulating the Convention, ch. 9
The Constitution--The Final Product: Simulating the Convention, ch. 10
The Constitution--Ratification and Amendments: Simulating the Convention, ch. 11
QUIZ II
Last course: Introduction to Politics
Next course: Religion and U.S. Politics
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updated 5/23/13