Section 04231

This course examines the actions and interactions of American political institutions. More importantly, we will be focusing on why institutions and institutional arrangements are relevant.

REQUIRED BOOKS:

Ginsberg, Lowi and Weir - We the People: An Introduction to Americans Politics: Shorter Edition

Course Packet - Available at UC underground copy center (Packet #15)

GRADES & POLICIES:

There will be three cumulative examinations. Make-up examinations will be given ONLY with a medical excuse from a doctor and prior notice. NO examinations will be given on the day of the examination after the first person has finished. In other words, do not arrive late. The first two examinations will be worth 25% each. The final exam counts 35%. The exam will test your knowledge and comprehension of material from the lectures and readings.

In addition, there will be a number of pop quizzes. The pop quizzes will count for 15% of your final grade. There will be no make-up pop quizzes given - for obvious reasons.

Class participation, although not formally part of the grading, is nonetheless important to your grade. Participation will be considered for students on the borderline between grades. You will be called on in class - so be prepared.

Finally, you will be given a chance to substantially raise your final grade through reading and class preparation. Students who turn in (at the beginning of class) a one to two page outline of the previous night's reading will be given extra credit. Completing acceptable outlines for all the readings in the course will count for 10 points on to your final grade. These outlines should be 1-2 pages, single spaced, typed and with standard margins. Note: all outlines will be examined. Any found to be copied, plagiarized, or suspicious will not be counted.

Cheating on assignments or tests will be dealt with harshly. This is an intro class - if you have to cheat in this class you are in serious trouble.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
		Introduction Review syllabus	Presidency Powers	Presidency Elections
	Congress Organization	Congress Power Dispersion	Congress Elections	Exam
	Judiciary How powerful?	Bureaucracy Controls/Controlled?	Interest Groups How influential?	Political Parties Why 2 parties?
	Elections Participation	Elections Sophistication	Elections Issue Voting	Exam
	Media How influential?	Public Opinion Opinion formation	Public Opinion Measurement	Public Opinion & Democracy
	Review	Review/Extended Office Hours (if necessary)	Final Exam