GOVERNMENT 229
AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
Fall, 2008
Dr. Donald N. Schroeder
www.campbell.edu/faculty/schroeder/index.htm

Office: D. Rich #107
Phone: 893-1486
E-mail: schroeder@campbell.edu

Office Hours: 3-4 MW; 2-3 TTh, or by appt.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to introduce you to the basic facts about American politics at the national level. You will also be exposed to some of the different approaches used by political scientists to study political phenomena. The purposes of the course include providing an opportunity to acquire sufficient understanding of American politics and government to exercise responsibly the obligations of citizenship and providing a foundation for more advanced political studies, if you're so inclined. These purposes are consistent with the purpose & mission of Campbell University which is committed to helping students develop an integrated Christian personality characterized by a wholeness that includes: a method of critical judgment; an appreciation of our intellectual, cultural, and religious heritage; and a sensitive awareness of the world and society in which they live and work.

Course Requirements

Your grade will be based on three exams (including the comprehensive final) and a number of unscheduled "pop" quizzes. All exams and quizzes are in the multiple-choice format. The weight of each is the following:

Exam #1 1/5
Exam #2 1/5
Final 2/5
"Pop" quizzes 1/5 (average of all weighted)

Letter grades are based on a 10-point scale.

Absence Policy

Consistent with the recommendation of the Dean of Arts and Sciences, you must attend at least 90% of the classes scheduled. If athletics or some other University sponsored activity makes this impossible, discuss it with me within the first week of the semester.

Academic Integrity

All students are subject to the academic integrity and behavioral expectations of the University.

Learning Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities who desire modifications or accommodations should contact Laura Rich, director of Student Support Services in the Hight House at 814-4364 or richl@campbell.edu.

Text

Thomas E. Patterson, The American Democracy, Eighth Edition.

I. Foundations
A. The American Heritage: Seeking a More Perfect Union
Required: Chapter 1.

B. Constitutional Democracy: Promoting Liberty & Self-Government
Required: Chapter 2; The Declaration of Independence, Appendix, A-1ff; The American Constitution, Appendix, A-4ff.

C. Federal Government: Forging a Nation
Required: Chapter 3.

II. Governing Institutions
A. Congress
Required: Chapter 11

B. The Presidency
Required: Chapter 12

C. The Federal Bureaucracy: Administering the Government
Required: Chapter 13

D. The Federal Judicial System: Applying the Law
Required: Chapter 14

III. Public Policy
A. Civil Liberties: Promoting Individual Rights
Required: Chapter 4

B. Equal Rights: Struggling Toward Fairness
Required: Chapter 5

IV. Mass Politics
A. Public Opinion & Political Socialization: Shaping the People’s Voice
Socio-Psychological Model (Funnel of Causality)
Required: Chapter 6

B. Political Participation & Voting: Expressing the Popular Will
Required: Chapter 7

C. Political Parties & Elections, Political Party Model
Required: Chapter 8

D. Interest Groups: Organizing for Influence, (group model)
Required: Chapter 9

E. The News Media: Communicating Political Images
Required: Chapter 10