The course will focus on the established institutions of American government (the Constitution, Congress, the Executive, the courts, the bureaucracy, etc.) and the formal and informal means by which citizens exercise control over the institutions of government (elections, public opinion, interest groups, the media). Although this class is a lecture course, we will devote substantial time to debate and class discussion.

Assignments and Grade Distribution

Exam #1 (20%), Exam #2 (25%), Exam #3(25%), Final Exam (30%)

There will be three in-class exams and one final exam in this course. The final exam will be cumulative but will focus heavily on material from the second half of the course.

Expectations

In addition to arriving punctually at all class meetings, students are expected to read the assigned reading before class and to be able to discuss the readings when called upon. I also recommend that you read one or two of the national newspapers daily (The New York Times or The Washington Post are the best), because I will draw heavily on current events in lectures and class discussions.

Cheating on exams will be dealt with according to university policies. Attendance will be taken. Unexcused absences and tardiness will count against your final grade.

Students who have a disabling condition that might interfere with their ability to complete this course successfully are encouraged to speak with me, confidentially, or to contact the Office of Disability Services (x3558, 210 Swetman).

Required Texts

1) Kernell and Jacobson, The Logic of American Politics, 2nd edition, CQ Press, 2003 (Logic)
2) Kernell and Smith, Principles and Practices of American Politics, 2nd edition, CQ Press, 2004 (Principles)

Class schedule:

Wk.1, 1/26-1/30: Logic, Chapter 1: "The Logic of American Politics"; Principles: Olson, Jehl, Putnam. (Recommended, Principles: Hardin, Skocpol)
Wk. 2, 2/2-2/6: Logic, Chapter 2: "The Constitution"; Principles: James Madison Federalist #10 and Federalist #51
Wk. 3, 2/9-2/13: Logic, Chapter 3: "Federalism"; Principles: Kettl, Wald. (Note: 2/13: Final day to drop) EXAM #1, Friday, 2/13
Wk. 4, 2/16-2/20: Logic, Chapter 4: "Civil Rights"; Principles: Hajnal and Gerber, Glazer
Wk. 5, 2/23-2/27: Logic, Chapter 5: "Civil Liberties"; Principles: Scardaville and Levy, Roe v. Wade. (Recommended: Principles, Rosenberg)
Wk. 6, 3/1-3/5: Logic, Chapter 6: "Congress"; Principles: Mayhew, Smith. (Recommended: Principles, Fenno).
Wk. 7, 3/8-3/12: Logic, Chapter 7: "The Presidency"; Principles: Kernell. (Recommended: Principles, Neustadt) -- EXAM #2, Friday, 3/12
Wk. 8, 3/22- 3/26: Logic, Chapter 8: "The Bureaucracy"; Principles: Moe, Daalder
Wk. 9, 3/29-4/2: Logic, Chapter 9: "The Federal Judiciary"; Principles: Lazarus, Hamilton, Sontag. (Recommended: Principles: Epstein and Knight)
Wk. 10, 4/5-4/9: Logic, Chapter 10: "Public Opinion"; Principles: Asher.
Wk. 11, 4/12-4/16: Logic, Chapter 11: "Voting, Campaigns, and Elections"; Principles: Popkin, Jacobson -- EXAM #3, Friday, 4/16
Wk. 12, 4/19-4/23: Logic, Chapter 12: "Political Parties"; Principles: Aldrich
Wk. 13, 4/26-4/30: Logic, Chapter 13: "Interest Groups"; Principles: Wright, Godwin and Seldon. (Recommended: Principles: Schattschneider)
Wk. 14, 5/3-5/7: Logic, Chapter 14: "The News Media"; Principles: Schudson, Edsall, Althaus
Final Exam: Wednesday, May 12, 8:00am - 10:00am