Syllabus+-+GOVT+2305+-+Spring+M3+2014


 * Government 2305 **
 * Kevin Jefferies**
 * Office: D-225**
 * Office Phone: 281-756-3736**
 * email:**kjefferies@alvincollege.edu. -- though I'd like you to use the email on blackboard for classroom issues.
 * class blog:**[|http://theweakerparty.blogspot.com]

//Section// GOVT 2305 IMS3 5/13/2014 - 06/03/2014

**This is the official information about the class from the ACC catalog:**

Government 2305: Federal Government (3-credits) This course surveys the origin and development of the federal system and includes an analysis of the federal constitution. The course focuses on federal, state and interstate relations and citizenship in a modern democratic society. Prerequisites: READ 0310 and ENGL 0310.

//Please note the prerequisites. By taking this class it is assumed that you have the basic ability to read and write at the college level. You will be expected to perform at that level in all written assignments and communications. //


 * Introduction: Why is This Course Offered?** We live in a democratic republic. In such a system the people are sovereign, meaning that ultimate political authority rests with the people. This isn't necessarily good news - the nation;s founders didn't necessarily think so. Overall levels of knowledge about governmental are quite low. The founding generation recognized this and created a governing system that placed a significant number of barriers between the people and the law. This was to ensure that the "instability, injustice, and confusion" common in democracies would not lead the new country to an early demise. Nevertheless it was understood that participation would inevitably expand and an educated population would be required to ensure that the country would survive. Public education and democratic government therefore go hand in hand. This class is not only offered, but required, in order to ensure that you become a knowledgeable participant in the American governing system. I might be prejudiced, but I happen to think that this is the most important class you will take in college, and I treat it as such.


 * Learning Objectives: What Do I Plan to Accomplish?** The purpose of GOVT 2305 is to become familiar the basic terminology of American Government and Politics, the Constitution of the United States, and the political institutions that help determine what policies are enacted into law. We begin with a simple overview of the terms "government" and "politics" and all the additional terms related to them. We then proceed to the evolution of the concept of natural rights and how it is embodied in the Declaration of Independence. Then we have a series of sections devoted to, first, an overview of the constitutions of the United States and Texas, and then the various principles embedded within it (republicanism, separated powers, federalism, individual liberty). This allows us to dig into the Federalist Papers and various pertinent sections of the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights. We then shift to a discussion of Civil Rights and the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Being a democracy, elections are central to our political and governing process, as are political parties, which are the principal institutions that contest in elections and structure governing institutions once elected. We conclude with an overview of public opinion, the media, and interest groups. Together these three factors reflect our collective right to participate politically.


 * Methods for Accomplishing Course Objectives** Below (under "Calendars") you will see a series of links which take you to pages I have put together on class subject matter. You will be expected to read not only the material I have assembled for you, but additional material pulled from various sources online. You'll see a lot of links, but you aren't expected to know everything I link you to. The class is designed to introduce you to the large number of additional sources of information which exist online. Your understanding of the assigned material will be assessed in two ways. The first is based on your ability to answer short answer questions while the second will be based on answering multiple choice and other similar questions. The first is subjective and is meant to force you to think critically about the subject matter while the latter tests your factual understanding of the material.


 * My Teaching Style** Over the course of two decades of teaching government, I've come to the conclusion that the Constitution is simply establishes a way to make decisions publicly, of non-violently reconciling the different points of view -- or interests -- that exist in society. James Madison says as much in Federalist #10: //The regulation of these various and interfering interests forms the principal task of modern legislation, and involves the spirit of party and faction in the necessary and ordinary operations of the government.// Conflict is part of the process. I see my job as helping you understand how the constitutional system structures that conflict. While it is common for people to consider the political and governing process as hopelessly complex and confusing, it isn't. Once you properly understand the framework of the overall, while you still might get lost in the specifics, the general process make sense.

Click here to get started: []
 * BlackBoard** This class will be run in Blackboard, which means that you will also take your quizzes (Blackboard calls them "assessments" so that is the term I will use) and submit your written work through this site. If you do not already have a blackboard account, get one.


 * Readings: Note: All readings for this class are online**


 * Why no textbook?** There is so much information regarding government and politics online that there is little reason to use a printed textbook. As much as possible I try to take you websites where you can find information relevant to the class' subject matter. Hopefully you will find some of these site to be useful to you in the future. All of the readings in this class are available online in the pages you are linked to below under "calendars." When you click on these links you will be taken to separate pages with power points slides. Here you will notice the bulk of the material that you will be assessed over in the class. Some of this is written in the slides, some you will be linked to.


 * About those Power Points:** The bulk of the information I provide to you is through power point slides. These can be found by clicking on the link under "Calendar" towards the bottom of the page. I find these convenient ways to manage access to class information. You will see that I have lots of them, this is because I treat them as book chapters. It also keep me from writing on the board (when you see my hand writing you'll notice that this is a good idea). If you are a lecture students you will soon find out that this is a good thing. The slides are laden with links to different sources of additional information. In reality, this is the most important part of the class. I want you to become familiar with the wealth of information that is available to you online. More than anything else - really - that's what I want you to get out of this class (in addition to the basic info about the structure of the government). Please make sure that the links open for you as quickly as you can. I use an older version of power point so that it will work on most - hopefully all - computers. Let me know if you are having problems. Some students need to right click in order to open them. I also keep them very simple (and black and white) so you can print them out if you choose and not blow your printer cartridges. I suggest taking notes from the slides, but do whatever works for you.


 * About the blog - The Weaker Party:** You will notice that I also maintain a blog -- [|http://theweakerparty.blogspot.com] -- where I post items, usually on a daily basis, that pertain to the subject matter of the class. Everyday we will spend time discussing how current events illustrate the principles we cover in class. The blog features a large number of links to the various institutions we will come to understand in this class. In order to better communicate, I want you to go to the page and subscribe to it, you will notice a subscription widget on the right of the page. By subscribing, you will receive daily information regarding not only what we will cover in the class, but also various other notices such as whether class will be cancelled.


 * What's with the Wikipedia Links?** You will also notice that I often link to Wikipedia pages, the open-sourced web based encyclopedia. Wikipedia is often criticized as being unreliable and subject to manipulation. In some cases entries are edited by people who wish to bias the information contained in the article for self interested reasons, but the site has become increasingly reliable, especially with relatively non-controversial or historical topics. I have found the range of articles available to be impressive. There is easily accessible information available there, that simply cannot be found elsewhere. I have found it to be very useful for my purposes. Perhaps its best feature is that it records all edits and allows for discussions of controversies associated with how subjects are discussed.

Here are some links that touch on controversies associated with Wikipedia: - [|Dean's World]. - [|EDUCAUSE]. - [|Reliability of Wikipedia, from Wikipedia itself]


 * Grading**: A = 89.5 - 100; B = 79.5 - 89.5; C = 69.5 - 79.5; D = 59.5 - 69.5; F 59.5 - 0

Y//our grade will be based on how well you perform on the following://


 * 1 - Assessments (25%)**: You will be expected to take an assessment for each section in class. I want you to take them all, but will drop the lowest two - again provided you took them. The purpose is to ensure that you have familiarity with the subject matter we cover in class. These assessments will be given through BlackBoard, so once again, please get an account immediately. The assessments are intended to reinforce the principle points made in each section and assess - objectively - your retention of those points. You can use the power points available on each wiki page while answering the questions, so yes they are open note. Check below for the days and times each assessment will be opened.


 * 2 - Written Assignments (25%**): Each week I will also post a question designed to encourage you to think critically about that week's material. They will generally ask you about a current event that illustrates some aspect of that week's readings. These will also be presented to you in BlackBoard - though the questions will be written out in the blog - and you are to send your responses through BlackBoard as well. I'd prefer you to use the submissions box, but note that you will be timed out if you take too long to compose it there. I'd recommend writing answers out in a word processor then pasting them into the box. The assignments will be posted at the beginning of each week and you will have a full week to write at least 150 words (you should consider this to be a bare minimum) and be analytical in nature, based on the specific facts related to the subject. If you plagiarize your answer you will receive a 0, and this grade will not be replaced. I will accept late work, but all work is to be turned in by noon January 12th. You are required to turn all of these in, and I will not drop any of these grades.


 * 3 - A 1000 Word Critical Essay (25%**): You will be required to turn in a 1000 word paper at the end of the semester on a topic that will be made available at the beginning of the semester. I want the paper to be a critical review essay based on some aspect of that material. I will use the weekly assignments to prod you to produce the paper promptly. Here are some links that might help you figure out what you are expected to do:

- [|How to Write a Critical Review Essay]. - [|How to Write an Essay]. - [|What is an Essay]. - [|How to Write an A+ Thesis Statement].

The paper will be evaluated based on a variety of criteria including, content, organization, grammar and spelling. You are to use at least three references, and document them appropriately. The paper is to follow MLA guidelines. These can be found on the following website: [].

The ACC writing center can also assist you with formatting issues. Send me your report by the date listed below. You must submit the paper in BlackBoard. The assignment will be evaluated based on three criteria. First, did it meet the requirements of the assignment? Second, was it organized well? And third, are the mechanics of the paper (spelling, grammar, and whatever else applies) proper? Please follow the instructions provided to upload your paper.

The topic of the paper will be given to you on BlackBoard as the first Written Assignment.


 * 4 - A Cumulative Final (25%**): A cumulative final exam will be opened the last day of the final period for 24 hours. You can opened it at any time during that period, and will then have 2 hours to finish it. It will contain roughly 120 questions.


 * Assessments**

The state of Texas has recently decided to add a variety of assessment instruments in order to ensure that college students are in fact learning what the state wants them to learn. There are four such assessments that are to be applied in government classes and these are described below. These are integrated into the class material.


 * Writing Assignment**: You've probably noticed that every class requires you to produce a written report. This is because writing is a hugely important skill - something that can distinguish you from your peers. Along with analytical skills, its the most important thing you can learn in college, and a central component of higher education. The 1000 word report covers this requirement. Remember that this is to also be turned into the school, in addition to me. You'll find the place to do so on BlackBoard.

In case you are wondering what critical thinking is, here are some websites which may be able to help you - and me - figure that out:
 * Critical Thinking**: Along with analytical and communications skills, the ability to think critically is argued to be an essential component of a college education. It is expected that all ACC classes contain a critical thinking component, which are then evaluated by testing a randomly selected group of students who have finished at least 30 credit hours. You may be selected to be tested, you may not be, but we will discuss critical approaches to class issues from time to time.

- Wikipedia: [|Critical Thinking]. - [|Criticalthinking.org]. - Coursera: [|Critial Thinking in Global Challengers]. - You Tube: [|Critical Thinking].

The Coursera link offers the following - in my opinion reasonable - definition of critical thinking: "Critical thinking is the ability to gather and assess information and evidence in a balanced and reflective way to reach conclusions that are justified by reasoned argument based on the available evidence. Critical thinking is a key skill in the information age, valuable in all disciplines and professions."


 * Personal Responsibility**: The state of Texas expects that by taking this class, students will be able to "demonstrate the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision making." Here is another way to put this: By the end of the semester, "students will be familar with the concept of ethical decision making in addition to its complexities, as well as the ethical dilemmas that present themselves in various disciplines taught at ACC. They will understand how decisions impact these ethical dilemmas." This will be assessed later in the semester with in a written assignment which presents you with an ethical dilemma. A rubric will be provided that will establish how well you understand the ethical issues posed by the question.


 * Social Responsibility**: The state of Texas also expects that you will learn about social responsibility during the course of this class. Specifically this means that you "will understand the importance of making a personal investment in the well-being of others, the community and/or planet while showing respect for the beliefs of others." As with personal responsibility you will be presented with a written assignment later this semester that will be based on this issue question.


 * Regarding Student Behavior:** You are adults and will be expected to act accordingly. For online students this means that I expect you to do your own work. You will not ask anyone else to write papers for you, or you will not simply copy text from various sources and tell me you did it. Turnitin, and other techniques will be used to determine if you have plagiarized. Among the Founders, proper behavior was considered to be a necessary mark of a civilized person and a requirement for political participation. Read through Washington's [|Rules for Civility and Decent Behavior]. It is a great example. Consider adopting a few.


 * //Please Note: If you have any disabilities or other special needs that will affect your ability to learn in this class, please inform me. Appropriate steps will be taken to make reasonable accommodations and assistance with your needs.//**


 * Scholastic Dishonesty:** If you cheat in any way in this class and are caught, you will fail the course. Do not download items from the internet and pass them off as your own. If you do so, you will receive a zero for that paper or assignment and that grade will be final. If you do it a second time, you risk failing the course, or receiving a sanction for your actions.


 * Incompletes:** I do allow students to take incompletes provided unusual circumstances have arisen that prevent you from finishing the class in a timely manner. Unless there is an overwhelmingly good reason to take the incomplete -- such as a prolonged hospital stay -- the grading scale is will be adjusted as follows: B = 85.5 - 100; C = 69.5 - 85.5; D = 59.5 - 69.5; F 59.5 - 0. This is done to be fair to the students who were able to complete the class on time, but could have performed better if they had also been given extra time.


 * Calendar: **


 * May 13th: Class Begins**

Note: You will find assessments on Blackboard for each of the sections below - look under "class sections." Unless otherwise noted, all the assessments will be opened by end of the day on May 13th. You will have until noon at June 3rd to turn them in. You can take the assessments multiple times.


 * Written Assignment #1 will be due May 16th at noon**
 * Written Assignment #2 will be due May 23rd at noon**
 * Written Assignment #3 will be due May 30th at noon**

Note that I accept late written work, but a late penalty will be assigned to late work depending on how late it is. Also remembers that each written assignment has to be at least 150 words long - but you may go over.


 * The 1000 word report will be due June 3rd at noon.**


 * The cumulative final will be opened at noon on January 2nd and will be closed on January 3rd at noon.**


 * June 3rd: Class Ends**


 * Class Sections:**

The assessments for these sections will be opened May 13th - Why do I have to take this class??? - Defining Key Terms. - Ideology - What is Government for anyway? - Public Policy and Sub Governments - Natural Rights, Separated Powers, and the Declaration of Independence. - Federalist 10 and the Republic.  - Federalist 51 and the Separation of Powers.  - Federalist 45 and Federalism  - Federalist 84, Civil Liberties and the Bill of Rights. - Religious Liberty: The Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses. - The Legislature: Definition and Historical Background. - The Legislature: Constitutional Design. - Parties and Committees in Congress - The Executive: Definition and Historical Background  - The Executive: Constitutional Design - Presidential Power and the Bureaucracy. - The Judiciary: Definition and Historical Background.  - The Judiciary: Constitutional Design. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Elections. - Voting Turnout and Voting Behavior - Campaign Finance and the Federal Election Commission <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- Interests Groups. - The Development of the Freedom of Speech - Free Speech and the Supreme Court - Public Opinion and Polling <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">- Foreign Policymaking <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Social Welfare Policymaking
 * -** The United States Constitution.
 * - ** Civil Rights and The Equal Protection Clause.
 * -** Political Parties.

These will be opened by Monday May 20th <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 1.5;">- Budgeting - Judicial Review and the Supreme Court