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 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.

NOTE: This course uses GeorgiaVIEW Vista, accessible through the CSU Swan,
to view the course syllabus, and 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 answer sheets per examination. 

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

Prof. J. S. Trachtenberg
Clayton State University
Three Semester Credit Hours
Fall Semester 2009 & Spring Semester 2010

Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken each class session. This class will meet on the CSU campus only 4 times. Therefore, it is essential that ALL students attend the course on-campus orientation and take the three examinations. Please make an effort to be on time - once an examination begins you will have only the allotted examination time remaining.

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.

In selecting an online course approach to learning the course material, you have decided that an independent study approach to this course will work well for you. This class meets on the CSU campus only four times. In an online course you will be learning outside of a traditional college classroom environment. Therefore, truly extraordinary discipline must be exercised. The instructor is available to advise and assist you, but you must study ALL assigned textbook chapters and other assigned course readings in order to succeed. This approach gives you a lot of freedom to study when you choose. However, keep in mind that typically a student must devote approximately 12 hours a week to the assigned readings and subsequent study for each examination to earn a C grade or better. Less time devoted to this course may result in an unsuccessful experience and a lower course grade than desired.

Course Description: An introductory level survey of the American political system in an international context, emphasizing a cross-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 satisfies the Georgia legislative requirement for the study of United States and Georgia Constitution and history.

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
• Able to use a Web browser.

IMPORTANT:

YOU MUST ATTEND THE SCHEDULED ON-CAMPUS COURSE ORIENTATION SESSION
OR YOU MAY BE DROPPED FROM THE COURSE AS A "NO SHOW AND ASSIGNED A "W" ON THE DUCK.

CHECK YOUR CSU E-MAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS THROUGHOUT THE COURSE.

Format: Class will meet four times on campus for orientation, and three examinations. You must attend the orientation and take all three examinations to pass the course. Of course, you may e mail me at any time with your questions, using the course closed list serve; See the end of this syllabus for e mail information, the class room number and course orientation, and review and examination session dates and times. I prefer email to voicemail as it allows for a more detailed response.

Important:  Because time on exam days will allow for only a few last minute questions before the exam begins,  I hope you will email me frequently with your study questions as you prepare for each examination. For email related computer problems, go to the HUB, or contact the HUB help desk at 678-466--HELP.

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.

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 Procedures

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

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 total points earned (NOT a percentage of points earned) on all three exams determining your course grade. For example, if you loose more than 45 points, you will be in the B range, or if you loose more than 90 points, you will be in the C range, etc. 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.

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 - one of the three required examinations, approximately 30% of information included in examinations. If you have questions please contact the instructor.

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

NOTE: Exam scores and course grades will be e mailed to all students using the class list serve.

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

NOTE: This course uses GeorgiaVIEW Vista, accessible through the CSU Swan,
to view the course syllabus, and exam scores and grades.

Note: Your grade will be determined by your performance on the three examinations discussed below. There are reading assignments, but no graded assignments to turn in to the instructor.  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.

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 Full Session course without possible academic accountability is Friday, October 9th.

The Spring Semester 2010 deadline to withdraw from a Full Session course without possible academic accountability is Friday, March 5th.

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: (500 possible points)
There will be a first and second examination comprised of 150 multiple choice style questions worth one possible point each. Questions on the first and second examinations will come from material in the assigned textbook chapters. The final examination will be comprised of 200 multiple choice and true or false style questions worth one possible point each. 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.). 

Note: There are no assignments to turn in for this course; there are no extra credit points. 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. Specifically, as the first and the second examinations each are worth 150 possible points and the final examination is worth 200 possible points, the instructor would take 75% of the final examination score, plus the curve from the missed examination, and use it in place of the score from the missed examination. If you miss the final examination you will receive an F for the course. If you miss both examination one and examination two, you will receive a score of zero for examination two. There will be no make-up examinations.

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.

Note: This syllabus is subject to revision where necessary to achieve course goals.

Course Outcomes: Chapter Examination Reading Assignments
The three required objective course examinations serve as the assessment instruments for the course outcomes listed
in the course outline; the assessments of these outcomes will be reflected in each student's final course grade.

Note: Students have no assignments to complete and turn in to the instructor.
Course grades will be determined by scores on the three required examinations.

Examination Study Suggestions

 LINK TO SUPPLEMENTARY TEXTBOOK MATERIALS FOR EACH CHAPTER OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

LINK TO TEXTBOOK CHAPTER POWER POINT LECTURES

2008 Elections Information
 

NOTE: The fifty Georgia Constitution & Government Monograph examination questions will focus on the fundamentals. Students are encouraged to study the more essential information in each assigned section of the monograph. Questions taken from information will be included in the final examination. Study examination questions are provided at the end of this syllabus. 

Required Course Materials: (Available in the CSU University Bookstore.)
(A new 2009 CSU custom edition textbook is required beginning with Summer Semester 2009.

Dautrich & Yalof, American Government, CSU Custom Election Edition. New York: Cengage, 2009

NOTE: All POLS 1101 classroom and online course classes will use the new CSU Custom Edition textbook written by a new set of authors beginning Summer Semester 2009.

This single textbook volume includes all required materials in one binding:

•  American Government, CSU Custom Election Edition, Cengage, 2009; 
  
•   Study Guide to Accompany American Government Election Edition, Cengage, 2009;
  
•  "Georgia's Constitution and Government, Sixth Edition" a monograph by A. Fleischmann and C. Pierannunzi, University of Georgia Press; 

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: (CSU Library, or Student Affairs)

Clayton State University Student Handbook.

Please feel free to e-mail me, or call my office when you have questions concerning this class. I would prefer to communicate with you before you get behind in the course. You will find my office hours in this syllabus. 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.

-IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION-

-PLEASE READ CAREFULLY-

Dr. Joseph S. Trachtenberg

AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

POLS 1101 - Online

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

Office Telephone (voice mail): (678) 466-4810

joetrachtenberg@clayton.edu
(Use for private email intended only for the instructor.)

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

Generally, I will respond to your CSU email message within 24 hours.

COURSE LIST SERVE ADDRESSES:

Fall Semester 2009: 

POLS 1101-90 CRN: 87376

pols1101-90fall09@lists.clayton.edu

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

Spring Semester 2010: 

POLS 1101-90 CRN: 23993

pols1101-90spring10@lists.clayton.edu

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

OFFICE HOURS

Office: Clayton Hall, Room 105A

Fall 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 following class; 
By prior appointment at other mutually convenient times.

Spring Semester 2010

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

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

____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Georgia Constitution & Government Study Questions For Final Examination

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