Government and Politics in the United States                

Introduction to principles and the political process of national, state, and local government: Emphasis on national government and the Constitution. 2207.00 AA/AS area 2; CSU area D, CSU American Institutions; IGETC area 4

3 units, 3 hours lecture (GR or P/NP) Acceptable for credit: CSU, UC                            TEXTBOOK (CLICK HERE)

UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
1.    Explain the founding and development of the U.S. Constitution.
2.    Identify and evaluate institutions and political processes within the United States and California.
3.    Discuss and analyze contemporary political issues and operations in the United States and California.
4.    Explain the civil liberties and civil rights of individuals as articulated in the U.S. Constitution and federal court decisions.
5.    Analyze the role of culture, diversity and ideology in shaping public opinion and public policy in the United States and California.
6.    Analyze how to effectively participate in politics at the national, state, county and/or city levels.

LECTURE CONTENT:
1.    The political philosophies of the framers of the U.S. Constitution and critics of the Constitution. (15%)
2.    The process of amending and interpreting the U.S. Constitution and California constitution. (5%)
3.    The theory and practice of federalism. (10%)
4.    Contemporary operations of United States political institutions and processes, including the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government and nongovernmental institutions. (25%)
5.    The rights and liberties of individuals as articulated in the U.S. Constitution and federal court decisions. (10%)
6.    Contemporary operations of California state and local political institutions within the framework of federal-state relations. (2%)
7.    Individual and group political behavior of Americans and Californians within the frameworks established by the U.S. Constitution and California constitution, such as elections, interest groups, political parties, and the media. (13%)
8.    Factors that shape politics and policy making including diversity, political culture, political socialization, political ideologies and public opinion. (15%)
9.    Domestic, economic, and foreign issues and policies. (5%)


COURSE TEXT
·       The Challenge of Democracy Essentials: American Government in Global Politics, 8th Edition  - ISBN-13: 9781111341916
ASSIGNMENTS
●      4 Short Essays (in class) 30 x 4= 120 points
●      Critical Reflective Essay #1 = 75 points
●      Final: Analysis of A Political Perspective/ Critical Reflective Essay #2= 100 points
●      Participation (attendance/blog) 12 x 10 = 120 points
TOTAL= 415 POINTS