Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
US Government
Course Description
This introductory course provides a broad background in the political concepts and
institutions that are important in U.S. government. We will focus on describing the
conceptual and historical origins of the US governmental system; applying governance
concepts to the fundamental institutions of US government and analyzing the way that
ideas and institutions influence political processes and outcomes. We will examine critical
institutions of American government, including the Constitution, the legislative, executive,
and judicial branches in the context of democracy, federalism, and other relevant concepts.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
• Describe the historical origins and foundation of the US governmental system.
• Apply fundamental governance concepts, such as federalism, separation of
powers, pluralism, and republicanism, to the primary institutions of the US
government.
• Analyze the way key concepts and institutional structures influence political
processes, issues, and outcomes.
• Identify advantages and weakness inherent in the governmental system and
institutions.
• Draw upon current events to demonstrate how institutions and structures have
evolved and in modern day perform.
Required Texts
The two required texts for this course are listed below. Any additional required readings
will be posted on the course’s D2L site.
• American Government: Power and Purpose, 14th ed. (2017). Lowi, Ginsberg,
Shepsle, Ansolabehere. ISBN 978-0-393-28375-4.
• The Enduring Debate, 8th ed. (2018). Canon, Coleman, Mayer, eds. ISBN 978-0-393-
28365-5.
The required texts are available at the PSU Bookstore and have been placed on course
reserve at the library.
Expectations
In this 100-level course, students are expected to have a basic understanding of the US
governmental system and institutions, such as the conceptual and historical origins guiding
the logic of their design. Students are to apply concepts of governance, including
federalism, separation of powers, and republicanism (civic virtue) and be able to analyze
how they influence the political processes, issues, and outcomes. Moreover, students must
be able to identify the advantages and weaknesses inherent in vital institutional structures
and can draw upon current events to demonstrate how these structures have evolved and
fare in the modern day.
Students are required to attend class and do the readings before our class meeting time.
Students should expect to spend two to three hours outside of class working for each hour
spent in class (six to nine hours a week).
I reserve the right to alter the syllabus as I see fit during the course. Proper notice will be
given if such change is made.
Assignments, Quizzes and Exams Grading Policy
Attendance and Participation
Attendance and Participation – 10%
This portion of your grade will reflect your consistent, on-time attendance as well as your
engagement with the material, lectures, class activities, and interaction with classmates
during class meetings. More than four absences will impact your attendance and
participation grade. Please notify me if you will miss a class prior to the absence.
Assignments and Quizzes
Current Event Discussion Paper – 15%
Paper must be 2- to 3-pages (1” margins, 12-point font, double-spaced). Students are to
select one branch, institution, or concept of US Government that we have covered
(examples: the presidency, courts, bureaucracy, and federalism) and draw upon current
events from one news source and one journal article to demonstrate:
(1) What the selected institution, branch or concept does and means (2) The historical
context and intention of the topic chosen and how it has evolved over time and (3) Drawing
on the current event articles apply them to one fundamental governance concept, such as
federalism, separation of powers, pluralism, and republicanism, or another idea with prior
approval (4) Use the current event articles to illustrate how the selected topic is
performing today, and identify pros and cons.
The purpose of this assignments is to demonstrate knowledge of the material and the
ability to apply what you have learned directly. Well-written responses will make a clear,
logical argument that responds directly to the prompt and provides supporting evidence
through current event articles, lecture, readings, and if applicable professional experience.
Responses should be proofread and use course terminology where possible.
The Current Event Discussion Paper is due on D2L as follows:
• October 26th at 11:59 pm
Before selecting articles, students must evaluate the credibility of sources. Applying the
Currency Reliability Authority Purpose (C.R.A.P.) Test to a source is one way to evaluate the
quality and value of the source before you start writing. For more resource visit the PSU
Library: https://guides.library.pdx.edu/wr327/evaluate
All students are encouraged to visit the PSU’s Writing Center for help and tips with writing.
Please visit the Writing Center website to schedule an appointment:
https://www.pdx.edu/writing-center/
Reading Quizzes – 20% (2 at 10%)
Reading quizzes are multiple choice, true-false, and fill in the blank. Quizzes will be open on
D2L the Monday after class and remain open until Friday at 11:59 pm on the stated due
dates. Answer keys will be made available after the quiz closes. Quizzes are open book and
open note. Quizzes are graded on completeness – you must answer all questions to get
credit for the quiz. Quiz due dates and chapters covered are as follows:
• Quiz 1: October 12th at 11:59 pm, Chapters 1-3
• Quiz 2: November 30th at 11:59 pm, Chapters 6-9