Introduction to American Government

Course Summary

This course will examine the historical and intellectual origins of American democracy.  We will study all facets of American politics, including ideals and principles, institutions, and contemporary political behavior.  We will pay close attention to current politics and events, but the focus of the course is historical in nature.  What is peculiar about the American system of democratic governance?  What are its strengths and weaknesses?  How do the three “separate” branches of government share and contest power?  Is American democracy in danger?  Why do Americans shun political participation and involvement?
 

Requirements

There will be a mid-term exam on Thursday June 2 (30%) and a final exam on Thursday June 23 (30%).  There is also a short 3-5 page essay due on Tuesday June 14 (30%).  The paper will be evaluated on the substance of the content and its overall presentation (grammar, spelling, capitalization, citations).  It is strongly recommended that students using GMU’s Writing Center as a resource for the paper assignment. Topics will be provided for the paper.  Class participation and attendance count for 10% of your grade.  Attendance will be taken every day, and participation will also be measured.  Regular class participation and attendance is compulsory; questions on the exam will come from the readings as well as from the lectures and discussions.  Warning: Someone who attends class infrequently will be unable to earn a high grade in the course.  If you cannot attend regularly, I suggest you find another class to enroll in.  You also must read the assignments to do well in the course; exam questions may come directly from the reading, even if they are not explicitly discussed in class.
 

Books ordered at GMU Bookstore

American Government: Balancing Democracy and Rights.  Marc Landy & Sidney Milkis

Culture War: The Myth of a Polarized America.  Morris Fiorina

Various assigned readings on the syllabus, accessible by the Internet
 

First Day of Class (May 23)

Discussion of syllabus, class rules, grading, and expectations
 

Day 1: Introduction to the Study of American Politics (May 24)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 1
-Fiorina, Chapter 1
 

Days 2 and 3: The Founding (May 25 and 26)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 2
-The Declaration of Independence (Appendix of Milkis and Landy)
-Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions
-Martin Luther King, Letter from a Birmingham Jail
 
 

Day 4:  The Constitution (May 31)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 3
-The Constitution of the United States (Appendix of Milkis and Landy)
-Federalist 10 and Federalist 51 (Appendix of Milkis and Landy)
 

Days 5: The Expansion of Liberal Democracy (June 1)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 4
-Lincoln’s Second Inaugural
 

Day 6:  Mid-term exam (June 2)
 

Day 7:  Politics and the Economy (June 6)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 6
-William Jennings Bryan’s Cross of Gold speech
 
 

Day 8:  Congress (June 7)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 7
-Charlie Cook on Congress (will be distributed in class)
 

Days 9 and 10: The Presidency (June 8 and 9)

Milkis and Landy, Chapter 8
Bruce Miroff, “Leadership as Spectacle” (will be distributed in class)
 

Day 11:  The Courts and Current Issues (June 13)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 9
-Fiorina, Chapters 4 and 5
 

Day 12:  Public Administration (June 14)

-Essay due
-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 10
 

Day 13: Political Parties (June 15)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 11
 

Day 14:  Political Behavior (June 16)

-Milkis and Landy, Chapter 12
-Robert Putnam, “Bowling Alone”
 

Day 15:  A Polarized Nation? (June 20)

Fiorina, Chapters 2 and 3
 

Day 16:  The Future of American Democracy (June 21)

Milkis and Landy, Chapter 13
Fiorina, Chapter 8
 

Day 17:  Final Exam (June 23)