POLS 1101
AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 

CLASSROOM COURSE
 

COURSE REQUIREMENT: Access to communication between the instructor and students
will require use of
CSU email: The instructor will only respond to CSU email messages from
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.

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. 

Prof. J. S. Trachtenberg
Clayton State University
3 Semester Credit Hours
Semester??? 

Dr. Trachtenberg has not been assigned a POLS 1101 classroom section this semester.

Link to All Course Due Dates.

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. 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 the United States and Georgia Constitutions.

Format: Class will meet each regularly scheduled calendar day unless announced otherwise. All dates of assignments, tests and exams are listed later in this syllabus. Scheduled regular class sessions generally will follow a lecture/discussion format. You are expected to have read each assignment by the date set for its consideration in class. 

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

Course Computer Usage: Students will not be requested to bring a computer to class. Students will make regular remote site use of their computers to access course related email, course websites, complete Internet assignments, and as they study for examinations.

Required Computer Skills:

Attendance: Attendance will be taken each class session. All students are expected to attend class each day we meet. If you are unable to attend, obtain information on what has been missed from a fellow student, and then see me with any further questions. 

CSU 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.

  Weather: Tune to WSB AM Radio 750 for school closing information.

Classroom Conduct: students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that evidences respect for students, the instructor and the learning environment.

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.

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

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 keeping with the CSU Conduct Code.

CSU Conduct Code and Judicial Procedure

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

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

Grading

Course grades will be determined on the basis of a straight 500 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 500; For example, if you have lost more than  45 points you will be in the B grade range, and if you have lost more than 90 points, you will be in the C grade range, etc. Percentages are not used to calculate grades in the class. At the end of the class if you are within 3 points of a higher letter grade, I will assign you that higher grade for the course.

Grading Scale

A = 500 - 456 (45 point range)

B = 455 - 411 (45 point range)

C = 410 - 366 (45 point range)

D = 365 - 321 (45 point range)

F = 320 or fewer total points

Midterm Grades: A course 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. 

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 Fall Semester 2009 deadline to withdraw from a course without possible academic accountability is Friday, October 9th.

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.

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.  

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 important which interests you. This assignment can be found following the GA Constitution and Government materials further on in this syllabus. The assignment will be further discussed in class.

Major Examinations: (350 possible course points)
There will be three examinations. The first and second examinations are comprised of 100 multiple choice style questions covering assigned materials from the textbook. The final examination is comprised of 150 one point multiple choice and true or false style questions, covering materials assigned since the second examination, and the Georgia Constitution & government monograph. Each examination question is worth one possible point. You will have the class period for examinations one and two, and two hours for the final examination. The final examination is NOT cumulative.

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.

Note: There are no extra credit assignments in the course. I do curve examinations and return a point for any test question missed by 75% or more of those taking the examination.

Missed Examination Policy: 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. There will be no make up examinations; If you miss the first examination, ask the instructor for a random ID number when you take the second examination.

NOTE: STUDENTS MAY REVIEW A SCORED EXAMINATION THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN IN MY OFFICE; DO NOT REMOVE AN EXAMINATION OR A SCANTRON ANSWER SHEET FROM THE CLASSROOM; YOU MAY NOT GET CREDIT FOR YOUR EXAMINATION.

Geography Tests: (100 possible course points) You also will be given three geography tests worth 35, 30 and 35 points respectively, or a possible total of 100 points altogether. Use the links provided below to study for these tests. The three tests will be spaced out over the weeks of the course. A missed geography test may not be made up.

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.

TEST AND EXAMINATION INFORMATION
All test and examination dates are listed in the due dates section of this syllabus.

BRING A #2 PENCIL FOR EACH EXAMINATION & TEST.

lst Geography Test and lst Major Examination 

The 1st Geography 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 lower 48 U.S. states and the countries in the Western Hemisphere (No other states, no other nation's states, provinces, national capitals or geological formations are on the test.). There are a total of 70 items - each worth 1/2 point, with the test worth a possible 35 points.

The 1st Major Exam is over Ch. 1, 2, 3, 10, 14 in the textbook - 100 one point multiple choice questions; Study the text, study guide, and your  notes.
Note: Chapter 1 is not included in the Summer semester course syllabus or first examination.
 

____________________________________________________________________

2nd Geography Test and 2nd Major Examination

The 2nd Geography 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 1/2 point (No national capitals, states, provinces or geological formations are on the test.). There are a total of 60 items - each worth 1/2 point, with the test worth a possible 30 points.

The 2nd Major Exam is over Ch. 6, 7, 11, 13, 15 in the textbook - 100 one point multiple choice questions; Study the text, study guide, and your notes.

 ____________________________________________________________________

3rd Geography Test and 3rd/Final Examination

The 3rd Geography Test
will cover Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. The test is worth 35 possible points, with 70 nations to identify for 1/2 point each (No national capitals, states, provinces or geological formations are on the test.)  Be able to locate Singapore and Brunei - both of which are relatively small and yet quite significant to the region's economy. There are a total of 70 items - each worth 1/2 point, with the test worth a possible 35 pts.

The 3rd/Final Exam is over Ch. 4, 5, 9 in the textbook, and the Georgia Constitution and Government Monograph. The examination is comprised of 150 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 included in your course textbook. 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 TEXTBOOK CHAPTER SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

LINK TO TEXTBOOK CHAPTER POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS

(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.

Course Outcomes Chapter Outline - Textbook Assigned Readings:
(Some chapters are not assigned due to the number of class meeting sessions during the semester.)


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 

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

V.     
  Chapter 14 - Voting and Participation     

All Chapter Outcomes Listed Above Are Assessed in Examination One - 150 Questions/150 Possible Points;

VI.       Chapter 15 - Campaigns and Elections

2008 Electoral Vote and Congressional Elections Predictor Website

2008 Election Exit Polling

VII.      Chapter 6 - Congress

VIII.     Chapter 7 - The Presidency

IX.       Chapter 13 - Political Parties

X.        Chapter  11 - Interest Groups

All Chapter Outcomes Listed Above, Since The First Examination, Are Assessed In Examination Two - 150 Questions/150 Possible Points;

XI.      
Chapter 9 - The Judiciary 

XII.    
Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties

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

XIV.  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.

NOTE ALSO: Where time does not permit the review of textbook materials towards the end of the semester, students will still be held responsible to study that material using the textbook and study guide, and should expect that it will be covered on the final examination.

KEEP INFORMED: 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.

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 CSU CUSTOM ELECTION EDITION. New York: Cengage, 2009 includes all of the following four required components within one binding:

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 (2) 100 question Scantron answer sheets per examination. 

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

3.  "Clayton State University Student Handbook".

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

Dr. Joseph S. Trachtenberg

Professor of Political Science

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

OFFICE TELEPHONE (voice mail): (678) 466-4810

E-MAIL ADDRESS: joetrachtenberg@clayton.edu
(Use this personal email address if privacy is desired.)

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 24 hours.

COURSE LISTSERVES: 

List serve messages go to all students who have set up a campus mailbox;
I will not send information to individual student personal email addresses.


Summer Semester 2009

POLS 1101-xxxx; CRN: 

Course list serve address:

(List serve addresses are activated on the first day of each semester.)


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

----------------------------------------------------------------------

OFFICE HOURS

Office: Clayton Hall, Room 105A

Summer Semester 2009

 MTWR: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;
Online course meeting dates: Sat: 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., and immediately following class; 
By prior appointment at other mutually convenient times.

*******************************************************************************

Due Dates

for

All POLS 1101

Assignments, Tests and Examinations

Course Assignment Due Dates

NOTE:

You are responsible for keeping current on all reading assignments in the textbook, turning-in all Internet assignments on their due date, and taking all tests and examinations as scheduled.

You should keep this due dates information close at hand and rely upon it; I will not be very sympathetic with a student who does not know when something is happening in class that is posted on the course schedule below.

It will be VERY unusual for me to allow a student to make-up a missed test or exam.

If there are assignment, test or exam date changes, I will inform you by email and in class.

Due dates for all reading assignments, written assignments, geography tests and examinations:

Summer Semester 2009 1st Session: (MTWR 10:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., A&S Bldg., Room G-101)

Tuesday, May 30th  to Thursday, June 1st: Course Add/Drop Period;

Tuesday, May 30th: Review course syllabus; 

Wednesday, May 31st: Chapter 2 - The Constitution;

Thursday, June 1st: Chapter 3 - Federalism; 

Monday, June 5th: Chapter 6 - Public Opinion;  

Tuesday, June 6th: First Geography Test (one hour time limit);

Wednesday, June 7th: Chapter 7 - Interest Groups;

Thursday, June 8th: Chapter 8 - Political Parties; 

Monday, June 12th: First Examination - Chapters 2, 3, 6;     

Tuesday, June 13th: Chapter 9 -Campaigns, Nominations and Elections; 

The Summer Semester 2005 deadline to withdrawal from a 1st session course without possible academic penalty is Tuesday, June 13th;

Wednesday, June 14th: Chapter 11 - The Congress;

Thursday, June 15th: Second Geography Test (one hour time limit); 

Monday, June 19th: Second Examination - Chapters 7, 8, 9, 11;
 
Tuesday, June 20th: Chapter 12 - The Presidency;

Wednesday, June 21st: Chapter 14 - The Courts;

Thursday, June 22nd:
Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties;

Monday, June 26th: Third Geography Test;

Tuesday, June 27th: final examination study day - class will not meet today; 

Wednesday, June 28th: Third Examination - Chapters 4, 12, 14 and the Georgia Constitution & government monograph;

NOTE: Check all of your course final examination times and days carefully as they may differ from regular class meeting times and days. 

_________________________________________


Internet Assignment on Congressional Representation

Please do NOT email assignments to the instructor, as this may transmit a virus.

Part One 

Click here to access PDF document:

(This assignment is worth 40 possible points.)   

You will access Part One of Assignment Three by clicking on the link above. Save the web page as a WORD document, so that you may type the information necessary to complete Part One of the assignment. Once you have found and entered the information, print Part One and turn it in with Part Two at the beginning of class on the date due. 

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 turn in to the instructor.  Staple Part One and Part Two together.

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
Class meeting day and time
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.  1st        b.  5th     c.  10th   d.  12th

 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 20th 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 1st 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

*** STORAGE SPACE ***


Lyceum Guest Lectures & Related Internet Assignment: (100 possible points) There are no Lyceum or Internet Assignments in Summer Semester. Fall and Spring semesters students will be expected to attend two Lyceum guest lectures from among those options listed at the Political Science Lyceum Guest Lecture Series website, and then completing a Lyceum assignment for each guest lecture attended, and the related Internet assignment. If you are unable personally to attend three guest lectures, video tapes of the Lyceum presentations will also be available at the CSU Library Circulation Desk. Lyceum Assignments One and Two each are worth 30 possible points, and Internet Assignment  is worth 40 possible points, for a total of 100 possible points. These three assignments will be discussed further in class. Detailed assignments information is provided in the due dates section of this syllabus. 

NOTE: Proper consideration for others requires that you remain seated until a Lyceum guest lecture program has been concluded; In other words, members of the audience should remain seated for both the lecture and questions that may follow. If you know in advance that you must leave prior to the conclusion of an event, please take a seat, or stand, at the very back of the lecture hall. Your thoughtfulness will be appreciated both by the speaker and others in attendance. 

Spring Semester 2005: (MW 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. A & S Bldg., Room G-101)
(All four Lyceum/Internet assignments are posted on this web page; Be mindful of all course due dates.)

Monday - Wednesday, January 10th to 12th: Course Add/Drop Period;

Monday, January 10th: Class begins; Review course syllabus and make first reading assignments; 

Wednesday, January 12th: Chapter 1 - Forces of Change in the Twenty-First Century;

Monday, January 17th: MLK Jr. Holiday - CSU is closed; 

Wednesday, January 19th: Chapter 1 continued;

CSU 2005 MLK Jr. Commemoration Celebration Keynote Speakers:  

Tuesday, January 18th: Congressman John Lewis, 5th District of Georgia
Keynote Address,
" The Roles of Civil Rights and Civic Engagement", 7:30 p.m., Spivey Hall;

Thursday, January 20th: Dr. Mary Frances Berry, Chair, U.S. Civil Rights Commission:
Reconciliation & Unity:  "The Roles of Civil Rights and Civic Engagement";
Student Dialogue: 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., Spivey Hall;
Keynote Address: Spivey Hall, 7:00 p.m.

You are expected to attend at least one of these three events, or watch the tape of Congressman Lewis or Dr. Berry's Spivey Hall lecture ( available at the Library Circulation Desk); the Lyceum Guest Lecture assignment is provided below;

Monday, January 24th: Chapter 2, The Constitution, 

Wednesday, January 26th: Chapter 2, continued; 
Congressman John Lewis/Dr. Berry Lyceum Assignments are due today at the beginning of class; 
(Write up one or two of these guest lectures towards the three Lyceum assignments required for the course.);


Monday, January 31st: Chapter 3 - Federalism;  

Wednesday, February 2nd: Chapter 6 - Public Opinion;  

Thursday, February 3rd: Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin Lyceum Guest Lecture, "Israeli - Palestinian Relations: Past, Present and Future", Noon to 1:20 p.m., U-272; 

Monday, February 7th: Chapter 6 continued;

Wednesday, February 9th:
First Geography Test;

Monday, February 14th First Examination - Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6;

Wednesday, February 16th: Chapter 7 - Interest Groups;
Rabbi Salkin Lyceum Assignment is due today at the beginning of class;

Monday, February 21st: Chapter 8 - Political Parties; 

Wednesday, February 23rd: Chapter 8 continued;

Monday, February 28th: Chapter 9 - Campaigns, Nominations, and Elections;

Wednesday, March 2nd:  Chapter 9 continued;

The Fall Semester 2004 deadline to withdrawal from a course without possible academic penalty is Friday, March 4th;


Monday March 7th to Sunday, March 13th: Spring Break - CSU is closed; 

Monday, March 14th: Chapter 11 - Congress;

Wednesday, March 16th: Chapter 11 continued;

Thursday, March 17th: Dr. Charles S. Bullock Lyceum Guest Lecture, "The 2004 Georgia & National Elections", Noon to 1:20 p.m., U-272;

Monday, March 21st: Second Geography Test;

Wednesday, March 23rd: Class will not meet today - study for the second examination;

Monday, March 28th: Second Examination - Chapters 7, 8,  9, 11;

Wednesday, March 30th: Chapter 12 - The President 

Monday, April 4th: Chapter 12 continued; 
Dr. Bullock, Lyceum Assignment, is due today at the beginning of class;  

Wednesday, April 6th: Chapter 14- The Courts;

Monday, April 11th: Chapter 14 continued;  

Wednesday, April 13th: Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties;

Monday, April 18th: Chapter 4 continued; 

Wednesday, April 20th: Chapter 5 - Civil Rights;

Monday, April 25th: Chapter 5 continued;

Wednesday, April 27th: Third Geography Test;  

Monday, May 2nd:
last day of class - discuss final examination; 
Assignment Three is due today at the beginning of class;

Thursday, May 5th: Final Examination - 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.: Ch. 4, 5, 12, 14, and the Georgia Constitution & government monograph: 

NOTE: Check all of your course final examination times and days carefully as they may differ from regular class meeting times and days.   

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fall Semester 2004: (TR 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. A&S Bldg., Room G-101)
(All four Lyceum/Internet assignments are posted on this web page; Be mindful of all course due dates.)

Monday, August 23rd  to Wednesday, August 25th: Course Add/Drop Period;

Tuesday, August 24th: Class begins; Review course syllabus and make first assignments; 

Thursday, August 26th: Chapter 1 - Forces of Change in the Twenty-First Century;

Tuesday, August 31st: Chapter 1 continued;

Thursday, September 2nd: Chapter 2, The Constitution, 

Monday, September 6th and Tuesday, September 7th: Labor Day Holiday Break - CSU is closed;

Thursday, September 9th: Chapter 3 - Federalism; 

Tuesday, September 14th: Chapter 3, continued;  

Thursday, September 16th: Chapter 6 - Public Opinion;  

Tuesday, September 21st: Chapter 6 continued;
Former Georgia Gov. Roy E. Barnes - Lyceum Guest Lecture:
Noon to 1:20 p.m.; location: A & S Bldg., Room G-132; tapes of this lecture may be viewed in the Library;

Thursday, September 23rd: First Geography Test;

Tuesday, September 28th: First Examination - Chapters 1, 2, 3, 7;

Thursday, September 30th: Chapter 7 - Interest Groups;
Gov. Barnes, Lyceum Assignment One, is due today at the beginning of class;

Tuesday, October 5th: Chapter 8 - Political Parties; 

Thursday, October 7th: Chapter 8 continued;

Tuesday, October 12th: Chapter 9 - Campaigns, Nominations, and Elections;
Mr. Charles Krause - U.S. Foreign Policy - Lyceum Guest Lecture:
Noon to 1:20 p.m.; location: A & S Bldg., Room G-132; tapes of this lecture may be viewed in the Library;

Thursday, October 14th:  Chapter 9 continued;

The Fall Semester 2004 deadline to withdrawal from a course without possible academic penalty is Friday, October 15th;


Tuesday, October 19th: Chapter 11 - The Congress; 

Thursday, October 21st: Chapter 11 continued;
Charles Krause, Lyceum Assignment Two, is due today at the beginning of class;

Tuesday, October 26th: Second Geography Test;

Thursday, October 28th: Chapter 12 - The Presidency (NOTE: Ch. 13 is covered in Exam Three); 

Tuesday, November 2nd: Second Examination - Chapters 8, 9, 10, 12;

Thursday, November 4th: Chapter 12 continued;  

Tuesday, November 9th: Chapter 14 - The Judiciary;

Thursday, November 11th: No class today - study Chapters 4, 5 & 15;

Tuesday, November 16th: Chapter 14 continued;

Thursday, November 18th: Chapter 14 continued;

Tuesday, November 23rd: Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties;

Wednesday, November 24th to Sunday, November 28th: Thanksgiving Holiday Break - CSU is closed;

Tuesday, November 30th: Chapter 4 continued;

Thursday, December 2nd: Chapter 5 - Civil Rights; 
Assignment Three is due today at the beginning of class;

Tuesday, December 7th: Chapter 5 continued;

Thursday, December 9th: Third Geography Test;
last day of class - discuss final examination; 

Final Examination (Ch. 4, 5, 12, 14, and the Georgia Constitution & government monograph: Wednesday, December 15th - 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

NOTE: Check all of your course final examination times and days carefully as they may differ from regular class meeting times and days. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Summer Semester 2005: (TR 6:00 to 8:20 p.m. A&S Bldg., Room G-101)

Tuesday, May 31st  to Thursday, June 2nd: Course Add/Drop Period;

Tuesday, May 31st: Review course syllabus; 

Thursday, June 2nd: Chapter 2 - The Constitution;

Tuesday, June, 7th: Chapter 3 - Federalism; 

Thursday, June 9th: Chapter 6 - Public Opinion;  

Tuesday, June 14th: First Geography Test (one hour time limit);

Thursday, June 16th: First Examination - Chapters 2, 3, 6;     

Tuesday, June 21st: Chapter 7 - Interest Groups; 

Thursday, June 23rd: Chapter 8 - Political Parties; 

Tuesday, June 28th: Chapter 9 -Campaigns, Nominations and Elections; 

The Summer Semester 2005 deadline to withdrawal from a nine-week course without possible academic penalty is Wednesday, June 29th;

Thursday, June 30th through Monday, July 4th: No classes - Mid-Summer Break; 

Tuesday, July 5th: No class today - review Chapter 11 - Congress for Thursday, July 7th;

Thursday, July 7th: Chapter 11 - The Congress;

Tuesday, July 12th: Second Geography Test (one hour time limit); 
 
Thursday, July 14th: Second Examination - Chapters 7, 8, 9, 11;

Tuesday, July 19th: Chapter 12 - The Presidency;

Thursday, July 21st: Chapter 14 - The Courts;

Tuesday, July 26th:
Chapter 4 - Civil Liberties;

Thursday, July 28th: Third Geography Test;

Tuesday, August 2nd: Third Examination - Chapters 4, 5, 12, 14 and the Georgia Constitution & government monograph;