PLSC 1: Introduction to American Government

U.S. Capitol West Front. Public Domain.

Download my Fall 2019 Syllabus

Course Description

This course examines the American democracy by looking at the dynamic interaction between the founding ideals of the United States government, the institutions established by the Constitution, and the ongoing contest for power within and through those institutions. Students will learn how Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court shape law and public policy; how the electoral process influences the decisions of voters and political parties; and how the media, interest groups, political action committees, and public opinion impact political outcomes. Through these topics the course takes up questions such as, Who has a voice in American politics and why are some political actors more influential than others? Do the electoral and policy making processes uphold democratic values? How responsive is the United States government to public wants? How does the media influence citizens’ political preferences and behavior? The course both provides a foundation for further study of politics and equips students with the capacity to act politically on their own behalf and in concert with their communities. Students are empowered to interpret and pursue their interests, rights, and opportunities within the US political system in relation to the values of democratic equality and liberty the system was organized to secure, and to influence the process through which policies that shape their lives in critical ways are made.

Course Schedule

Week 1: Introduction to American Government

  • August 26: Introduction to the class and each other (Slides)
  • August 28: What is Government and Who Governs? (Slides)
  • August 30: Democratic Engagement

    • Krutz Chapter 1
    • Syllabus Quiz Due
  • August 31: Regular Drop Deadline

Week 2: The Constitution

  • September 2: Labor Day
    • No Class
  • September 4: The Revolution and Articles (Slides)

    • Krutz Chapter 2
  • September 6: The Constitution

    • Krutz Chapter 2

Week 3: Federalism

  • September 9: Why Federalism? (Slides)

    • Krutz Chapter 3
  • September 11: Intergovernmental Relationships

    • Krutz Chapter 3
  • September 13: Competitive Federalism

    • KrutzChapter 3

Week 4: Civil Liberties

Week 5: Civil Rights

Week 6: Public Opinion

  • September 30: What Does It Tell Is? (Slides)
    • Krutz Chapter 6
  • October 2: How Do We Measure It?
    • Krutz Chapter 6
  • October 4: Does It Matter?
    • Krutz Chapter 6

Week 7: Voting and Elections

Week 8: The Media

Week 9: Political Parties

  • October 21: Where did they come from? (Slides)
    • Krutz Chapter 9
    • Voting Assignment Due
  • October 23: What purpose do they serve?
    • Krutz Chapter 9
  • October 25: Polarization
    • Krutz Chapter 9
  • October 26: Extra Credit
    • Genocide, Justice, and Hope event at Dickinson College, free ticket required (flyer)

Week 10: Interest Groups and Lobbying

  • October 28: Types of Groups and Formation (Slides)

    • Krutz Chapter 10
    • Op-Ed Assignment Due
  • October 30: Tactics

    • Krutz Chapter 10
  • November 1: Do they have an effect?

    • Krutz Chapter 10

Week 11: Congress

  • November 4: Design and Powers (Slides)
    • Krutz Chapter 11
    • Quiz 3 Due
  • November 6: Legislative Process
    • Krutz Chapter 11
  • November 8: Mapping Day
    • No Class Meeting – Work on your Gerrymandering Assignment

Week 12: The Presidency

Week 13: The Courts

  • November 18: Design and Powers (Slides)
    • Krutz Chapter 13
  • November 20: The Supreme Court
    • Krutz Chapter 13
  • November 22: Judicial Decision-making
    • Krutz Chapter 13

Week 14: Thanksgiving Break

  • No Class

Week 15: State and Local Government

  • December 2: Differences (Slides)
    • Krutz Chapter 14
  • December 4: Preemption and Conflict
    • Krutz Chapter 14
  • December 6: Attorneys General
    • Krutz Chapter 14

Week 16: Hot Topics

Week 17: Finals Week

  • No assignments due