[How to Think about] American Government[s]

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Political Science 110, Spring 2002

CRN 48521, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 to 11:50 p.m., Natural Resources 101
Professor JeDon Emenhiser
Department of Government & Politics
Humboldt State University, Arcata, California 95521

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Introduction

As you no doubt know American Government , Political Science 110, is designed to satisfy the requirement of the Official California Code of Regulations:

To qualify for graduation [from a California State University] each student shall demonstrate competence [in the Constitution of the United States and the operation of representative democratic government under the Constitution, and the processes of state and local government] by completing courses . . . or by passing comprehensive examinations. Title 5, California Code of Regulations,section 40404.

Further, the Code states that the purpose of this requirement is

. . . . to ensure that students acquire knowledge and skills that will help them to comprehend the workings of American democracy and of the society in which they live to enable them to contribute to that society as responsible and constructive citizens.

We shall define "responsible and constructive citizens" as those who work to solve the classic civic problemof how individuals can live in proximity with others and maintain their human dignity. We shall examine the current manifestations of this problemand their "solutions."

The general civic problem produces a number of lesser public problems, or issues that affect people as a whole. When solutions to public problems require people to act in ways that are crucial, that must be done even under coercion rather than not done at all, then the people use the power of government. People use American governments when they believe needs are so great that they justify compulsion, often in the form of taxation and regulations. Thus the political process is essentially a debate about whether someting is a public problem, whether it is crucial, and, if it is, what means should be used to meet it.

To be a thinking, active participant in governmental affairs and the political process, which is the essence of democratic citizenship, you must understand the range of competing values for public policies, the tensions among various political and governmental institutions, and the methods used to resolve the competition and the tensions.

We shall read and discuss the following:

• January 21--Read the course homepage and explore its links. Send me an email commenting on at least one link from the following sources.
  
  • Auxiliary Materials
  • Pertinent Information
  • Important Names
  • Approrpiate Terms

• January 28--Read Himmelfarb, Preface and Ch. I.
• February 4--Read Himmelfarb, Chs. II and III.
• February 11--Read Himmelfarb, Chs. IV and V.
• February 18--Read Himmelfarb, Chs. VI, Epilogue, and Afterword
• February 22--Essay Examination on Himmelbarb.
• February 25--Read the following:
  • Declaration of Independence
  • Articles of Confederation
  • U.S. Constitution with Amendments
  • Outline of the California State Constitution.
• March 4--Read Schrag, Introduction, Prologue, and Ch. 1.
• March 11--Read Schrag, Chs. 2 and 3.
• March 18--Spring Break
• March 25--Read Schrag, Chs. 4 and 5.
• April 1--Read Schrag, Chs. 6 and 37.
• April 8--Read Schrag, Chs. 8 and 9.
• April 15--Read Schrag, Chs. 10 and 11.
• April 22--Read Schrag, Chs. 12 and 13.
• April 29--Read Schrag, Chs. 14 and 15.
• May 3--Essay Examination on Schrag.
• May 6--Review for Final Exam.
• May 15, Wednesday, 10:20 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.--Comprehensive Short Answer Final Examination

Class periods will consist of lectures, discussion, and various group exercises.

• (15 percent) Participation in discussion and exercises.
• (25 percent) Essay Mid-Term Examination on Himmelfarb, February 22.
• (30 percent) Essay Mid-Term Examination on Schrag, May 3.
• (30 percent) Comprehensive Short-Answer Final Examination, May 15, Wednesday, 10:20 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

If you have a documented disability and would like to discuss academic accommodations, please contact me as soon as possible. Our campus Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) can assist you with the accommodation process and can be reached at (707) 826-4678, (707) 826-5392 (TDD). The SCRC is located in House 71 (Little Apartments) off Library Circle.

Whenever you want to consult with me outside class, please see me in FH 148 at my regular office hours, MWF 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., call me at 826-4117, or send an email