This course will trace the background and operation of the American government system: local, state and national. Specific areas of emphasis will include the philosophies of the framers of the Constitution, federal-state relationship issues, and the rights of citizens under both the California and Federal Constitutions. In addition we will explore the role of minorities and the increasing importance of women in the American political system. This semester will witness an important Presidential election in 2000, and therefore a goal of the class will be to foster critical thinking skills with regard to political campaigns. Students will be exposed to a variety of materials and media for source material, from C-SPAN to newspapers to periodicals. In addition, various candidates for state office have in the past visited this class, and we anticipate repeating that process.

Text: American Government, Gitelson, Dudley & Dubnick. Latest Edition. A computerized student study guide is available in the Learning Center. Reading the text is important in this class, as is keeping up with news magazines and/or television news reporting. Note: If you can find an older edition of Gitelson, go ahead and get it.

There will be a brief, scantron quiz covering each two chapters, then a more formal final examination which may consist of short essay questions, or multiple choice, short answers, etc. Grading will be based on the quizzes and final, with the curve adjusted by entering the high score in the class as the maximum, and then calculating the 90th percentile for A, 80th for B, etc.. [The low quiz (not the final) will be dropped.] Students may prepare an optional term paper for extra credit, but must clear the topic with Mr. Owen prior to turning it in.

1. Myth and Reality in American Government

2. Historical background of the Constitution

A. Articles of Confederation
B. Compromises

3. Federalism

4. Civil Rights and Liberties

A. The post civil war amendments
B. Jim Crow
C. Brown vs. Board of Education
D. Affirmative Action

5. Public Opinion and Political Participation

6. Political Parties

7. Elections and political campaigns

A. Issues in the 1998 campaign
B. The Republican Revolution and the New Federalism
C. Developing a critical thinking approach to 90’s Campaigns

8. Interest Groups and their tactics

9. The Media and Politics

10. Institutions of Government

A. Congress
B. The Presidency
C. The Bureaucracy
D. The Judiciary

11. The politics of public policy