POLS 1101
AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 

ONLINE COURSE
 

COURSE REQUIREMENT: Access to communication between the instructor and students
will require use of CSU email: The instructor will only send information to CSU email messages for
students. Go to: http://thehub.clayton.edu and click "Service" for information on configuring your
laptop computer to comply with CSU IT requirements. You MUST have your laptop computer
configured to access CSU email. You will need to take your laptop computer to The HUB, located
on the ground level of the University Center. You should have your computer configured and set
up for CSU email BEFORE classes begin, or as soon as possible there after. The HUB is located
in the University Center, or contact the HUB at 678-466-4357.    

This syllabus will be updated each semester the course is offered.

See on-campus orientation & on-campus examination meeting dates later in this syllabus.

 Important: Not knowing the four course on-campus meeting dates and times is an unacceptable excuse for missing or being late for orientation or an examination.

NOTE: This course uses GaView, accessible through the CSU SWAN, 
to participate in discussions, complete assignments and view exam scores and grades.

Scantron examination answer sheets:
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-brand answer sheets
for the final examination. 
 

Professor Lawrence (Larry) K. Menter
Clayton State University
Three Semester Credit Hours
Spring Semester 2012

Course Description: American National Government in an international context is an introductory level survey of the American political system, emphasizing a cross-cultural approach to the study of the structure and processes of policy decision-making. The course incorporates a comparison of the American political system and other types of political systems.  This course satisfies the Georgia legislative requirement for the study of the United States and Georgia Constitutions.

Course Communication: Course Communication will be primarily by means of email. Once the course begins we will be connected to each other by a closed email list serve for the exclusive use of the instructor and students in this class.

Course Computer Usage: Students will not be requested to bring a computer to class. Students will make regular remote site use of the Internet to access course related email, and course websites as they study required and supplementary materials in preparation for examinations.

Required Computer Skills:

• Able to use the Windows operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word word processing
• Able to send and receive CSU e-mail using Outlook or Outlook Express
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email and/or GaView
• Able to use a Web browser.

Students must abide by policies in the CSU Catalog & Student Handbook.

Disruption of the Learning Environment:

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated. This includes 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.

Click on this link  to read the Clayton State University
Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities Statement.

The instructor and students will treat each other with the proper respect at all times.

Children are NOT permitted in any CSU classroom under any circumstances,
nor may they be left unattended anywhere on the campus.

Please turn your cell phone to "vibrate" or turn it off during class. 

 If you come to class late, please take the first available seat nearest the door.

If you must leave class early, please inform the instructor before class begins.

There will be no talking among students during an examination.

Cheating will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with the CSU Conduct Code.

CSU Conduct Code and Judicial Procedure

NOTE: I may ask you to produce your CSU Laker Card as proof of identification prior to taking an examination. If you do not have proper I.D., I may ask you to return when you can produce it. Please make an effort to be on time. If you begin late, you will have only the time remaining in the scheduled class period in which to complete your exam. Examination answers will be marked on a Scantron sheet, and will be graded by computer, so bring number 2 pencils to each exam session.

Civic Engagement:

Civic Engagement at Clayton State University is defined as an intentional learning experience that contributes to a student’s understanding of social and civic responsibility, community leadership, and service to a diverse, democratic society. Civic Engagement outcomes are located at the Political Science Program website:
http://a-s.clayton.edu/politicalscience/default.htm

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

Operation Study:

At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for use in the University Bookstore) and other items.
 

Political Science Degree Program Outcomes and Assessments:

Outcomes: 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

Course Expectations (to be considered for a passing grade):
1. Attend the course orientation session;
2. Take at least three examinations including the required final examination;
3. Earn a total number of points equal to a passing course grade.

Grading: 

Course grades will be determined on the basis of a straight 550 point scale, with a distribution of possible points earned as listed below for each grade level. To determine your grade at any point in the course simply subtract all points you have lost from 550; For example, if you have lost more than 55 points you will be in the B grade range, and if you have lost more than 110 points, you will be in the C grade range, etc. Percentages are not used to calculate grades in the class.

Grading Scale

A = 550 - 495 (55 point range)

B = 494 - 440 (55 point range)

C = 439 - 385 (55 point range)

D = 384 - 330 (55 point range)

F = 330 or fewer total points

The three examinations will be curved. There may be extra credit or bonus assignments throughout the term.

Midterm Grades: A course midterm grade will be posted on the DUCK by midterm each semester. The midterm grade will only reflect the results of the first of the three course examinations and in no way is a predictor of future performance or the letter grade a student may earn for the course at the end of the semester

Withdrawals and Incompletes: Students may wish to review college policy regarding course withdrawals and incompletes in the CSU catalog. Do not hesitate to speak with me, or your advisor, if you need information relating to course withdrawals/deadlines or incompletes.

The Spring 2012 Semester deadline to withdraw from a course without possible academic accountability is Friday, March 2, 2012.

Major Examinations and Geography Tests 

NOTE: Specific dates of all assignments, tests and exams are provided at the end of this syllabus.

Internet Assignment on Congressional Representation: (50 possible course points). You will conduct Internet research to identify your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators, providing information required in the assignment. You will then email these three members of Congress regarding an issue of current importance which interests you. You may send the same or different letters to your members of Congress.  This assignment can be found following the GA Constitution and Government materials further on in this syllabus. The assignment will be turned in through GaView. It is due by March 23, 2012.

Major Examinations: (450 possible points)
There will be a first and second examination comprised of  multiple choice style questions. Questions on the first and second examinations will come from material in the assigned textbook chapters. The final examination will be comprised of multiple choice and true or false style questions. Final examination questions will come from material in the assigned textbook chapters and (in the instance of the final examination) the Georgia Constitution and Government Monograph. The final examination is NOT cumulative. The location for all four on-campus meeting dates is provided at end of this syllabus. (See the course outline in this syllabus.).

Participation: (50 possible points) There will be posted throughout the semester discussions and other assignments on GaView.  Completion of the tasks will earn credit towards this portion.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Examination Dates and Times: CSU policy regarding MORE than two final exams scheduled for the same day allows a student to request an alternate exam schedule, BUT the University will NOT allow a change for most other reasons - see the CSU Catalog, or the instructor, if you have questions.

Missed Examination Policy: If you miss the first or second examination, a makeup exam will be discussed if notice of your absence is made in advance of the exam, if possible. If you miss the final examination you will receive a zero for that exam.  

TEST AND EXAMINATION INFORMATION
All examination dates are listed further in this syllabus.

BRING A #2 PENCIL FOR EACH EXAMINATION.

Examination #1
 

The 1st Exam is over Chapters 1-5 in the textbook - multiple choice questions worth a possible 125 points. Study the text readings and study guide.

____________________________________________________________________

Examination #2

The 2nd Exam is over Chapters 6-9 in the textbook - multiple choice questions worth a possible 125 points. Study the text readings and study guide.

 ____________________________________________________________________

Examination #3/Final
 

The 3rd/Final Exam is over Chapters 10-15 in the textbook and the Georgia Constitution and Government Monograph. The examination is comprised of multiple choice questions and true or false questions (The last 50 examination questions cover the Georgia Constitution and government.) with the entire test worth a possible 200 points. Study the text, study guide and fundamental facts presented in the Georgia Constitution & Government Monograph. The final examination is NOT cumulative.

 ____________________________________________________________________

COURSE OUTCOMES & COURSE OUTLINE

The three required objective course examinations, geography tests and Congressional Representation Assignment
serve as the assessment instruments for the course outcomes and will be reflected in each student's final course grade.

Examination Study Suggestions

(Link to Important Course Due Dates section for all text and Internet assignment due dates, test and exam dates.)

NOTE: For information on the federal government that may be of personal interest to you: Click on this link.

KEEP INFORMED:  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.

NOTE: This syllabus is subject to revision where necessary to achieve course goals - please give me your suggestions.

Please feel free to come by my office any time you have any questions concerning this class. I would prefer to talk with you before you get behind in the course. You will find my office hours listed on page one of this syllabus and on my office door. I will be happy to meet with you by appointment at other mutually agreeable times as well. If you feel that a course related matter requires further discussion, contact Dr. Rafik Mohamed, Chair, Department of Social Sciences, Clayton Hall, Room 111, 678-466-4605.

Required Textbook Materials: (Available in the CSU University Bookstore.) 

1. The POLS 1101 classroom course required textbook: Dautrich & Yalof, American Government: Historical, Popular and Global Perspectives, Clayton State University Edition, Cengage, 2011 includes all of the following three required components within one binding:

•  Dautrich & Yalof, American Government: Historical, Popular and Global Perspectives, Cengage, 2011; 
   
• American Democracy Custom Reader for Use In An American Government Classroom, Cengage, 2006;
   
•  "Georgia's Constitution and Government Sixth Edition," a monograph by A. Fleischmann and C. Pierannunzi, University of Georgia Press, 2010; 

2. 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 100-question Scantron-brand answer sheets per examination. 

For Your Information: (Library or CSU Office of Student Services)

"Clayton State University Student Handbook".
 

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

Lawrence (Larry) K. Menter, J.D.

Professor (Lecturer) of Business Ethics, Law & Social Sciences

Course Web Site: http://www.a-s.clayton.edu/lmenter

OFFICE TELEPHONE (voice mail): (678) 466-4535 (mostly unattended so please leave message)

PROFESSOR'S E-MAIL ADDRESS: lmenter@clayton.edu
(Use this email address to communicate only with the instructor.)

COURSE LISTSERVE ADDRESS: pols1101-91spring12@lists.clayton.edu

EMAIL COURTESY

            In an effort to help guard against computer viruses and junk email, please include the phrase “student question” in the reference line of any email message. It is also helpful for you to include what section (class) you are in when sending email messages. Please be sure to include your name on all student emails. You would be amazed by how many people don’t do this.

I prefer email to voice mail as you may provide me with a more detailed message;
I check my email regularly Monday through Friday.

Generally, I will respond to your message within one business day.

For campus closing information due to weather or an electrical outage - tune to WSB-AM 750.
 

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OFFICE HOURS

Office: College of Business (connected to Clayton Hall), Room T-232

 Spring Semester 2012

 Mon & Wed: 10:30am to 12:45pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm, other times by appointment

______________________________________________

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Spring Semester 2012

IMPORTANT REQUIRED COURSE MEETING DATES

MANDATORY ON-CAMPUS

 ORIENTATION SESSION:
 

A STUDENT NOT PRESENT FOR ORIENTATION MAY BE DROPPED FROM THIS CLASS AS A "NO SHOW" BY THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE - only the College of A&S Dean can reinstate a No Show!
(Please email the instructor if you have questions regarding this CSU policy.)

Course Orientation: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 8:00pm to 9:00pm; Location: Natural & Behavioral Sciences Building, Room 126;

ON-CAMPUS EXAMINATION DATES:

(See the Missed Examination Policy elsewhere in this syllabus.)

Scantron examination answer sheets:
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;
we use ONLY this Scanton sheet printed in green.

First Examination: Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Location: Natural & Behavioral Sciences Building, Room 126;

Second Examination: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Location: Natural & Behavioral Sciences Building, Room 126;

Third/Final Examination: Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Location: Natural & Behavioral Sciences Building, Room 126;

_________________________________________


Internet Assignment on Congressional Representation

(DUE MARCH 23, 2012)

Please do NOT email assignments to the instructor.  Submit on GaView through the SWAN portal.

Part One 

Click here to access document:
(This assignment is worth 50 possible points.)   

Part Two 

E-mail your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators (Do NOT e mail any state legislators - this assignment is on the U.S. Congress NOT the Georgia General Assembly); Also, do NOT include any information on your members of Congress regarding their previous careers; Only include information regarding their present elected office. expressing your opinion regarding a current national or international political issue or problem of your choosing.  Explain to the members of Congress the action you are asking the government to take concerning this issue or problem. Be as detailed as necessary to make clear your position and concerns. Generally, members of Congress limit email messages from constituents to 200 words. Mention in the opening of your email letter who you are and that you are a political science student attending Clayton State University. I do not require that you include replies in your completed assignment, as replies may arrive later than the assignment due date. Include the text of one of the three email letters in the assignment you submit through GaView.

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

In the upper left-hand corner of the email type this information as you would for a business letter:

Your full name
POLS 1101 - American Government
Clayton State University
College of Arts & Sciences
Morrow, Georgia

Date

 ____________________________________________________________________
 

EXAMINATION STUDY SUGGESTIONS

One, Read an assigned chapter (read only one chapter at a time ).

Two: Review the study guide chapter/s relating to each textbook chapter and your lecture notes (do not rely too heavily on sample multiple choice questions, as they may not be the same as those on the actual exam) - focus on the outline and other study aids.

Three: Quiz yourself on the material in the textbook by opening to the first page of the assigned chapter, cover the page and see if you can correctly summary each key point, one at a time, on a sheet of paper (in a sentence or so - if you have the time flash cards are even better, but more time consuming to prepare).

Four: Continue to quiz yourself until you have covered all of the major points emphasized in that chapter. Depending upon time available, go back and review more minor facts such as less important names and dates.

Five: As you go through the chapter a second or third time, only quiz yourself on those points that you did not know - could not put into your own words previously. Each time you go through the chapter it will take less time - why keep reviewing what you have shown yourself you know? Review what you still do not know.

Six: If you have unanswered questions, please email the instructor.

Seven: Do not go on to study another chapter until you have mastered the initial one.

Of course, these are only suggestions, if you have another effective method of preparing for exams, please continue to use it.

________________________________________________________________________________

Georgia Constitution & Government Study Questions

1.      State and local governments today employ more people than the national government.
                                          
             True - False

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

        a.  unitary       b.  federalist    c.  confederation

3.      Article  ________  of the United States Constitution lists the powers of Congress.

       a. One  b.  Two   c.  Three  d.  Four

4.      Article _______ of the United States Constitution is the federal supremacy clause.

  a.  One  b. Three  c.  Five  d.  Six 

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

         True - False

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

9.      The United States Constitution has a Bill of Rights, but the Georgia Constitution does not.

               True – False

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

11.  Both the United States Constitution and Georgia Constitution permit judicial review.

               True - False

12.  The United States Constitution has more articles than the Georgia Constitution.

               True – False

13.  Georgia voters must approve all amendments to the state constitution.

         True - False

14.  The Georgia Constitution requires the state to have a balanced budget.

         True - False

15.  The Governor of Georgia does not possess the power of the line-item veto.

         True – False

16.  Georgia elects almost all its judges on a nonpartisan ballot.

         True - False

17.  All legislators in Georgia (both House and Senate) serve two-year terms.

        True - False

18.  Georgia has a cabinet system like the executive branch of the federal government.

        True – False

19.  The Georgia Constitution limits the number of counties at  __________.

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

20.  Georgia’s first constitution became effective in ________.

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

21.  The first Georgia constitution disestablished the Anglican Church.

                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.

         a. 20  b.  30  c.  40  d.  50

 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

Answer Key

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