2302+Fall+Week+Four

Week Four Readings, Notes, and Assignment**
 * GOVT 2302


 * Federalism**

In the previous section we reviewed the rationale behind the establishment of the American governing system under the Constitution (including a brief look at alternative systems that were proposed), the purpose of the system of separated powers and the mechanisms that are used to maintain that separation. The system of separated powers was considered to be key to limiting the power of government and securing individual freedom. It limits governmental powers horizontally, according to the functions of government.

In this section we come to terms with the nature of federalism, which can be defined as the division of government into three levels, the national, state and local. This is a second way the the powers of government are limited, in this case it is vertical. Each level has unique responsibilities, though there has been a large amount of change the functions of each level over the course of American history.

Our primary purpose here is to understand the unique nature of states and local governments in the American system, especially Texas and the Greater Houston Area.

Here are the readings for this section: - [|Federalism] - [|WIkipedia: Federalism in the United States]. - The [|Texas Constitution]: There is no need to read through all of this, but look through the outline and try to get a sense for how the Texas Constitution is different than the United States Constitution. - [|Jacksonian Democracy]; The design of the government of Texas was influenced heavily by the forces that elected Andrew Jackson president. Central to Jacksonianism is a rejection of the Federalist's premise that the common man did not have the ability to govern, and that institutions needed to be removed from the direct influence of the general population. - [|Wikipedia: Nation]. - [|Wikipedia: U.S. State]. - [|Wikipedia: City].


 * Assignment: Outline the ways in which the United States (or nations in genera), states and cities are distinct. Then provide specific information about what issues dominate attention at the national, state and local levels. Look at the issues important in Texas and whatever city in which you reside. You might consider using newspapers and the websites of the various cities in this region for information. This assignment is for both my internet and lecture students. Internet students should email this to me--use my ACC account--and lecture students should hand me hard copy in class.

Write an answer of at least 500 words. I'll be flexible about the due date considering Hurricane Ike, but please turn this in by Monday or Tuesday October 6th or 7th.**