AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

POLS: 1101 (CRN:54031)

Course Syllabus - Summer 2010

CLAYTON HALL T220

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 10:15 – 12:20

Dr. Chiazam Okoye

OFFICE PHONE (678) 466-4712

E-MAIL: chiazamokoye@clayton.edu

Office: Arts & Sciences Bldg., 116

Office hours: Monday and Wednesday: Immediately after class and by  appointment only.

I prefer receiving my messages via email. Email is better than voice mail because you may provide a more detailed message on the email.
I will reply to your CSU email message within 24 hours.

Disability Services: Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255 – ADA/504, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

POLS: 1101 (CRN: 54031) - American Government (3-0-3) An introductory level survey of the American political system in an international context, emphasizing across cultural approach to the study of the structure and processes of policy decision-making. The course incorporates comparison of the American political system and other types of political systems. The course also includes the study of world geography, emphasizing a knowledge of the global configuration of nation states. This course satisfies the Georgia legislative requirement for the study of United States and Georgia Constitutions

 REQUIRED TEXTS & MATERIALS:

1.  Kenneth Dautrich & David Yalof, AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CSU CUSTOM ELECTION EDITION. New York: Cengage, 2009

2. Rand McNally Quick Reference World Atlas (most recent edition);

3. Scantron examination answer sheets: (Available in the CSU University Bookstore.)
Purchase six (6) 100 question (1-50 on front side and 51-100 on reverse side), product #882-E; You will use two (2) 100 question Scantron answer sheets per examination. 

4.  "Georgia's Constitution and Government Sixth Edition," a monograph by A. Fleischmann and C. Pierannunzi, University of Georgia Press; 

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CHAPTER OUTLINE:

I.         Chapter 1  - Perspective on American Government

II.        Chapter 2 - The Founding and the Constitution

For some interesting  information about the U.S. Constitution and government: Click on this link

III.       Chapter 3 - Federalism

IV.       Chapter 10 - Public Opinion 

V.        Chapter 12- The Media and Politics

VI.        Chapter 14 - Voting and Participation     

To access opinion poll information and survey results: Click on this website or Click on this website

We will assess all chapters listed above  in examination #1 - 100 questions/200 possible points;

VII.      Chapter 15 - Campaigns and Elections

VIII.     Chapter 6 - Congress

VIII.     Chapter 7 - The Presidency

IX.       Chapter 16 - Economic Policy  

 X.       Chapter 13 - Political Parties

Xl.       Chapter  11 - Interest Groups

We will assess all chapters since examination #1 in examination #2 - 100 questions/200 possible points;

XlI.      Chapter 9 – The Judiciary 

XlII.     Chapter 8 – The Federal Bureaucracy

XIV.     Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties

XV.       Chapter 5 - Civil Rights, Equality, and Social Movements

XVl.  Georgia Constitution & Government: this reading material is included in the required course textbook; sample examination study questions and an answer key are provided at the end of this syllabus.

We will assess all chapters since examination #2 in final Examination - 150 questions/300 possible points;

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COURSE REQUIREMENT:

Current Affairs:

Current events will often be discussed at the beginning of class. Read a major daily newspaper, or NEWSWEEK, TIME or U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. Watch a daily national network news program on a network such as ABC, BBC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, CNN or MSNBC, and/or listen to NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO (6:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.) on WABE FM 90.1. These news sources and more are also accessible on the Internet.

Course Expectations:

1. Attend all class lectures and discussions;
2. Complete all assigned course work;
3. Complete the Internet Congressional Representation assignment;
4. Take all three geography tests and all three major examinations;
5. Earn a total number of points equal to a passing course grade.

           Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

In-class Use of Computers:

Computers will be used in the classroom in this course for note taking only. Students should use computers to check their email, access course materials and to communicate with me.

 Regents Testing:

The University System of Georgia requires that each student receiving a degree must have successfully demonstrated competence in reading comprehension and writing by passing two courses:  Regents Writing Skills RGTE 0199 and Regents’ Reading Skills RGTE 0198.  Students satisfy these course requirements through examination.  The University System of Georgia Regents Tests are administered each semester by the CSU Testing Center. Testing dates and registration procedures are listed each semester in the Class Schedule on the DUCK. Please contact your academic advisory or the Testing Center for more information.  

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COURSE POLICIES:

General Policy
Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

University Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy
There will be a roll call each class period. Attendance is required for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority.  Students who have poor attendance records often perform poorly in the course.

Academic Dishonesty
Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at

http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not be tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at:   

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm
   http://a-s.clayton.edu/english/Writers'%20Studio/index.html
 

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Political Science Degree Program Outcomes and Assessments:

Graduating political science majors should

       Apply concepts related to the structures and principles of the U.S. Constitution to historical and current politics.

       Explain and criticize U.S. political institutions and processes.

       Define and distinguish how aspects of the Georgia Constitution and government differ from the U.S. Constitution and government.

       Assess and compare how other national political systems and   international political organizations differ from the U.S. political system and recognize the importance of political geography.

       Research and compose a project report in a subfield of political science.

       Successfully complete a political science related internship.    

Assessments:

       POLS 1101 pre and post assessment surveys & geography tests
 

       POLS 4490/POLS 4491 Internship/Practicum Site Supervisor Evaluation
 

       POLS 4500 Senior Seminar research paper
 

       POLS 4500 Senior Political Science Program Exit Survey
 

       ETS Political Science Field Test taken by graduating seniors

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GRADING:

Grading Scale (points)

A = 900 - 1000

B = 800 - 899

C = 700 - 799

D = 600 - 699

F = Below 600

Students Activities                                                 Points

Internet Research…………………………………….80

1^st Geography Test…………………………………..70

2^nd Geography Test………………………………….60

3^rd Geography Test………………………………….70

1^st Exam…………………………………………….200

2^nd Exam……………………………………………200

3^rd Exam……………………………………………300

Class Participation & attendance………………….....20

TOTAL POINTS…………………………………1000

Midterm Grades:

A midterm grade will be posted on the DUCK by midterm each semester. The midterm grade will only reflect work completed to the middle of the semester, approximately 30% of information included in scored assignments and examinations. If you have questions, please contact the instructor. 

Internet Research on Congressional Representation: (80 possible course points).

Students are required to conduct Internet research to identify their U.S, Representative and two U.S. Senators.  Email the three members of Congress regarding an issue of current important which interests you. The internet assignment can be found in this syllabus. We will discussed the assignment further in class.

Without a valid excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed assignment. 

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EXAMINATIONS: (700 possible course points)

 BRING A #2 PENCIL FOR EACH EXAMINATION & TEST.

There will be three examinations. The first and second examinations are comprised of 100 multiple choice questions. The final examination is comprised of 150 multiple choice questions, covering materials assigned since the second examination, and the Georgia Constitution & government monograph. Each examination question is worth two possible points. The final examination is NOT cumulative.

Geography Tests: (200 possible course points)

There will be three geography tests worth 70, 60 and 70 points respectively, a total of 200 points. Use the required Rand McNally Quick Reference World Atlas to study for these tests.

Makeup Exams: (There may be no makeup examinations)

If you miss the first or second examination, your final examination score will be adjusted to compensate for the missed examination. If you miss the final examination you will receive an F for the course.

DO NOT REMOVE AN EXAMINATION OR A SCANTRON ANSWER SHEET FROM THE CLASSROOM; YOU MAY NOT GET CREDIT FOR YOUR EXAMINATION.

Click on this link to access printable geography test study maps. 

Link to this website to test your geography knowledge as you study for each geography test.

1st Geography Test (No national capitals, provinces or geological formations are on all geography test.).

This test will cover North, South, Central (Middle) America and two of the larger island nations of the Caribbean Sea - Cuba and the Dominican Republic only. Study maps showing the 50 U.S. states and the countries in the Western Hemisphere.  There are a total of 70 questions - each worth 1 point, with the test worth a possible 70 points.

1st Major Exam

This is over Ch. 1, 2, 3, 10, 12 in the textbook - 200 points multiple choice questions; Study the text, study guide, and your  notes. 

The 2nd Geography Test

This test will cover Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. There will be 60 nations on this test. Be able to locate the small, but significant nations of the Persian Gulf region. Each answer is worth 1 point. There are a total of 60 questions - each worth 1 point, with the test worth a possible 60 points.

The 2nd Major Exam

This is over Ch. 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15 in the textbook - 200 one point multiple choice questions; Study the text, study guide, and your notes.

The 3rd Geography Test

This will cover Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. The test is worth 70 possible points, with 70 nations to identify for 1 point each. Be able to locate Singapore and Brunei - both of which are relatively small and yet quite significant to the region's economy.

The 3rd/Final Exam

This is over Ch. 4, 5, 8, 9, in the textbook, and the Georgia Constitution and Government Monograph. The examination is comprised of 300 one point multiple choice questions and true or false questions (The last 50 examination questions cover the Georgia Constitution and government.); Study the text, study guide, your notes, and fundamental facts presented in the Georgia Constitution & government monograph.

The final examination is NOT cumulative.

Class Participation and Attendance

Students are required to attend class and participate in every class meetings. Class participation and attendance will constitute 20 points of the total points for the course.

COURSE SCEDULE:

Summer Semester 2010

Monday, May 24th: Class begins; Review course syllabus and make first assignments; Chapter 1 – Perspectives on American Government;

Wednesday, May 26th: Chapter 2, The Constitution; 

Monday, May 31st: MEMORIAL DAY

Wednesday, June 2nd: Chapter 3 - Federalism; 

Friday, June 4^th: Chapter 10 - Public Opinion;  

Monday, June 7th: Chapter 12 – The Media and Politics;

Wednesday, June 9th: Internet Assignment

Monday, June 14th:  1^st Geography test, and Exam #1 Review;

Wednesday, June 16th: Exam#1 - Chapters 1, 2, 3, 10, 12;and chapter 11 - Interest Groups;

Monday, June 21st: Assignment is due today at the beginning of class; and Chapter 13 - Political Parties; 

Wednesday, June 23rd: Chapter 14 Voting & Participation;

Monday, June 28th: Chapter 15 - Campaigns and Elections;

Wednesday, June 30th: Chapter 6 - The Congress;  

Monday, July 5^th: Independence Day  

Wednesday, July 7th: Chapter 7 - The Presidency; 

Friday, July 9^th: Second Geography Test; and Exam #2 Review

Monday, July 12th: Second Examination - Chapters 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 15; and Chapter 8 - The Federal Bureaucracy;  

Wednesday, July 14th: Chapter 9 - The Judiciary;

Monday, July 19^th: Chapter 4 – Civil Liberties;

Wednesday, July 21st:  Chapter 5 - Civil Rights;

Monday, July 26th: Third Geography Test and Exam #3 Review

Wednesday, July 28th: Final Examination - Chapters. 4, 5, 8, 9, and the Georgia Constitution & government monograph;

 

Click on this link to access printable geography test study maps. 

Link to this website to test your geography knowledge as you study for each geography test.

Part One 

Click here to access PDF document:
 

To locate an email address for your U.S. Representative and/or your two U.S. Senators go to: www.congress.org.

 2.      The United States can best be described as a/an __________________ system.

  a. unitary b. federalist c. confederation

5. The constitutions, laws and policies of the 50 states cannot contradict the United
States Constitution.

6.      The ______ amendment to the United States Constitution often is called the "states’ rights" amendment.

  a. 1^st b. 5^th c. 10^th d. 12^th

 7.      The longest of the state constitutions in total words is the __________ Constitution.

  a. Alabama b. California c. Georgia d. Mississippi

 8.      Georgia has had ________ constitutions.

  a. one b. four c. ten d. thirteen

True – False

10. Both the United States Congress and the Georgia General Assembly are bicameral.

True - False

True - False

True – False

a. 89 b. 100 c. 123 d. 159 e. no set number

a. 1723 b. 1777 c. 1789 d. 1801

  True – False

 22. The first Georgia constitution established a state supreme court.

  True – False

23.  Georgia was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.

  True – False

 24.  In the second Georgia constitution slaves were counted for representation purposes
as _________ of a person.

  a. not counted at all b. ½ c. 3/5 d. one whole

 25.  Georgia’s constitutions made no provision for public education until the 20^th century.

  True – False

 26.  At one point the Georgia legislature elected the governor.

  True – False

 27.  The main author of the Confederate Constitution was also the author of the Georgia
constitution under the confederacy.

  True - False

 28.  After the Civil War northern troops remained in Georgia until _________.

  a. 1865 b. 1868 c. 1876 d. 1899

 29.  The county-unit system in Georgia tended to give disproportionate strength to urban areas such as Atlanta.

  True – False

30. In 1963 the United States Supreme Court declared the Georgia county-unit system
unconstitutional.

True - False

 31.  The current Georgia constitution was implemented in _______.

  a. 1945 b. 1961 c. 1983 d. 1994

 32.  The Georgia Constitution can be amended in a two-step process. The first step is the
proposal of an amendment by 2/3’s of both houses of the General Assembly.

  True - False

 33.  The second step is ratification (approval) by 2/3’s of the electorate voting on the
proposed amendment.

  True – False

 34.  The Governor of Georgia can veto a constitutional amendment.

  True – False

 35.  In Georgia voters can get an issue on the ballot through the initiative process.

  True – False

 36.  The majority of proposed constitutional amendments considered by state legislatures
are approved for a vote by the people of that state.

  True - False

 37.  The presiding officer of the Georgia House of Representatives is called the ______.

  a. Chairperson b. Speaker c. Majority Leader

 38.  The Leader of the Georgia Senate is _____________________.

  a. chosen by the Senators in a vote b. the Leader of the majority party
c. the Lt. Governor of the state d. appointed by the Governor

 39.  The Georgia General Assembly meets every other year.

  True – False

40.  The Georgia General Assembly is limited to a ________ day session.

 41.  There are no age or residency requirements for election to the Georgia General
Assembly other than being a registered voter.

  True – False

  42.  The Governor may call the Georgia General Assembly into special session.

  True - False

 43.  If the Georgia legislature wished to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of an
individual or an organization, the General Assembly would pass a _______________
describing their achievements.

  a. resolution b. statute c. law d. general motion

 44.  Only members of the General Assembly may introduce legislation.

  True - False

 45.  The Georgia Constitution requires that legislation dealing with public revenues be
first introduced in the Senate, and then later in the House.

  True – False

 46.  Bills in the Georgia General Assembly are constitutionally restricted to one purpose.

  True - False

 47.  The legislature may approve tax legislation by a simple majority vote of both houses
of the legislature.

  True - False

 48.  A 2/3’s vote of both houses of the General Assembly is required to override the
Governor’s veto of legislation.

  True – False

49. The Georgia Constitution requires the Governor to prepare the state’s budget and
submit it to the legislature.

  True – False

50. Georgia voters elect more officials who serve in the Georgia executive branch than is
the case in the executive branch at the federal level.

  True - False

51. The Governor of Georgia can only serve two consecutive terms.

True - False

52.  Other statewide elected officials (e.g., Agriculture Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner) are limited to two consecutive terms.

True – False

53. As with the federal government, Georgia’s fiscal year begins on October 1^st each
year.

True – False

54. If a bill is passed by the General Assembly and the Governor takes no action (i.e.,
neither signs nor vetoes it), the bill automatically dies.

True – False

55. The Georgia Governor may exercise power over college-level education in the state
by serving on the Board of Regents.

True – False

56. In Georgia the __________________________ regulates telephone services and
utilities such as natural gas and electricity.

                a.   General Assembly b. Public Service Commission
               c. Department of Transportation d. Attorney General

 57. There are no constitutional qualifications to be a judge in Georgia.

  True – False

58. Members of the Georgia Supreme Court, like the United States Supreme Court, serve
life terms.

True – False

59. Traffic violation cases (e.g., a speeding ticket) are tried in Superior
Court.

True – False

60. The Georgia Supreme Court is required by the state constitution to grant the request
of a Georgia resident for an appeal of their conviction in a Superior Court felony case.

True – False

1. T
2. B
3. A
4. D
5. T
6. C
7. A
8. C
9. F
10. T
11. T
12. F
13. T
14. T
15. F
16. T
17. T
18. F
19. D
20. B
21. T
22. F
23. F
24. C
25. F
26. T
27. T
28. C
29. F
30. T
31. C
32. T
33. F
34. F
35. F
36. T
37. B
38. C
39. F
40. C
41. F
42. T
43. A
44. T
45. F
46. T
47. F
48. T
49. T
50. T
51. T
52. F
53. F
54. F
55. F
56. B
57. F
58. F
59. F
60. F

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