Eastern Michigan University
PLSC 112, INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Winter 2017, MW, 12:30-1:45
Dr. Raymond A. Rosenfeld
601J Pray-Harrold
248-875-7350 (cell)
[email protected]
Office hours: M: 11:00-12:30, 3:15-5:00
W: 11:30-12:30, 3:15-5:15
and by appointment
I. INTRODUCTION. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the national government
of the United States. It deals with the origins and principles, structures and organization, and political
behavior of individuals and groups within the political process. The objective of the course is to
indicate different perspectives that can be utilized in evaluating the performance and adequacy of
government institutions.
II. COURSE ADMINISTRATION. Students are expected to keep up with the reading assignments
listed in this syllabus, prior to each class. The materials covered in class lectures and discussions will
complement the reading assignments. Grades will be determined as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
three tests (25% each)
final exam
policy paper (extra credit)
class participation/attendance
75%
20%
10%
5%
If a student finds that s/he is unable to take a test on the date scheduled in this syllabus or a date
rescheduled in class, s/he should contact the instructor at least one class period in advance to schedule a
make-up exam.
III. BOOKS. Each student should purchase the following book:
Gary Wasserman, The Basics of American Politics Fifteenth Edition, Pearson, 2015.
IV. TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Jan. 4, 9, 11
1. Basic Concepts: functions of government, politics, power, public policy, democratic
theories: classical, egalitarian, elite, pluralist.
Read: Chapter 1.
Read: Washington Post, December 29, 2016, Fareed Zakaria, “America’s
Democracy has become Illiberal”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/america-is-becoming-a-land-of-lessliberty/2016/12/29/2a91744c-ce09-11e6-a747d03044780a02_story.html?utm_term=.9f0127bacebb&wpisrc=nl_mostdraw10&wpmm=1
Jan. 18, 23
2. Constitutional Origins: Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation,
conflict and compromise, Great Compromise, Madisonian Model, bicameral,
checks and balances, separation of power, federalism, amendments, life tenure for
judges/justices, Bill of Rights.
Read: Chapter 2.
PLSC 112, Winter 2017
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Jan. 25, 30
3. Federalism: definition, characteristics in U.S., McCulloch v. Maryland—supremacy
clause, expressed powers, implied or elastic powers, necessary and proper,
reserved powers and 10th Amendment, equal protection, full faith and credit,
advantages, dilemma, intergovernmental relations, grants and regulations, state and
local governments.
Read: Chapter 2 (pp. 30-36)
Feb. 1, 6, 8
4. Civil Rights and Liberties and Equality: public opinion, first amendment freedoms,
religion, establishment clause, procedural rights, selective incorporation, criminal
rights, Miranda v. Arizona, equal opportunity or equal results, race relations in
America, from Plessy v. Ferguson to Brown v. Board of Education to today!
Read: Chapter 6.
Read: The Miami Herald, August 17, 2016, Leonard Pitts Jr., “Racism pervades
institutions, yet we all are 'innocent”
http://www.freep.com/story/opinion/contributors/2016/08/15/baltimore-policejustice-report/88760758/
Feb. 13
Feb. 15
Feb. 20-22
REVIEW FOR EXAM
EXAM #1
WINTER BREAK
Feb. 27, Mar 1 5. Congress: incumbency, committees, subcommittees, staff, representative roles –
trustee and delegate, differences in House and Senate, Speaker of House, Senate
Majority Leader, constituency services, pork barrel legislation gerrymandering,
Congressional Research Service, Congressional Budget Office, Government
Accountability Office, filibuster, vote of cloture.
Read: Chapter 4.
Read: FOX News, December 24, 2016, Chad Pergram, “Hill Republicans likely to
use same tactic to repeal ObamaCare that Dems used to pass law.”
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/12/24/hill-republicans-likely-to-use-sametactic-to-repeal-obamacare-that-dems-used-to-pass-law.html
Read: “For Freshmen in the House, Seats of Plenty”
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/11/us/politics/for-freshmen-in-the-house-seatsof-plenty.html?_r=0
Mar. 6
6. President: too much power or too little? Presidential powers, veto, appointments,
Executive Order, Presidential roles, power of persuasion, Executive Office of
President, Office of Management and Budget, National Security Council, Council
of Economic Advisers.
Read: Chapter 3 (47-70;85-90).
Read: Politico, January 31, 2014, Stephanie Simon, “Obama’s Power Play”
http://www.politico.com/story/2014/01/obamas-power-play-102904
Mar. 8
7. Executive Branch: Cabinet, secretary, public images, bureaucracy, implementation,
political neutrality, efficiency, policy versus implementation, rule making,
independent agencies, independent regulatory agencies/commissions, oversight,
appointment process.
Read: Chapter 3 (70-84)
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PLSC 112, Winter 2017
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Mar. 13, 15
8. Federal Courts: Federalist Paper #78 -- court independence and judicial review,
Marbury v. Madison, democracy, structure of Federal courts, US District Courts,
US Circuit Court of Appeals, chief justice, policy making role, judicial restraint
versus an activist court, stare decisis, state and local courts.
Read: Chapter 5
Mar. 20
EXAM #2
Mar. 22
9. Voters: Post-mortem on the election! political socialization, agents of socialization,
what we believe, beliefs and public policy, public opinion polls, types of
participation, gender gap, liberal and conservative beliefs in America.
Read: Chapter 7 (195-207).
Read: New York Times, Dec. 23, 2016, Nate Cohn, “How the Obama Coalition
Crumbled, Leaving and Opening for Trump.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/23/upshot/how-the-obama-coalition-crumbledleaving-an-opening-for-trump.html
Read: Washington Post, November 10, 2016, Chris Cillizza, “The 13 most amazing
findings in the 2016 exit polls” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/thefix/wp/2016/11/10/the-13-most-amazing-things-in-the-2016-exitpoll/?utm_term=.4ebd75b623da&wpisrc=nl_most-draw10&wpmm=1
Mar. 27
10. Elections: Why so many elections? Removal of restrictions, poll taxes, voter
registration, campaign reform, finances and primaries, role of federal versus state
governments in elections, voting turnout, electoral college votes, majority versus
plurality election, proportional representation, referendum, recall , role of party ID
in voting decisions , retrospective and prospective voting, demographic changes
impacting elections
Read/Listen: New York Times, “The Cost of Campaigns” http://nyti.ms/1ps3k1o
Read: “Why winning primaries in big states like California don’t matter anymore”
http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/fixgov/posts/2016/06/05-california-primaryretrospective-1968-election-kamarck#.V1a8ee5vZJM.mailto
Mar. 29
11. Political Parties: linkage institution, party brands, historical development, singlemember districts and plurality elections, recruitment, recent changes, party
structure, Democratic coalition, Republican coalition, party in Congress, party
conventions, national parties.
Read: Chapter 7 (208-234).
Read: “How American Politics Went Insane”
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/07/how-american-politicswent-insane/485570/
Apr. 3
12. Groups/Interests: Pluralism, positive and negative views, material benefits,
purposive benefits, source of strength, techniques of influence (electioneering,
insider strategies, lobbying, going public) types of interest groups, Madison’s view
of interest groups.
Read: Chapter 8 (229-247; 264-270).
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Read: “Fiscal Footnote: Big Senate Gift to Drug Maker”
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/20/us/medicare-pricing-delay-is-political-winfor-amgen-drug-maker.html
Apr. 5
13. Media: The special place of the media in a democracy.
Read: Chapter 8 (250-263)
Apr. 10
EXAM #3
Apr. 12
14. Public Policy--The Economy: fiscal policy, monetary policy, Federal Reserve Bank
System, open market operations, progressive and regressive taxes, budget deficit,
US debt, “mandatory spending”.
Read: Brookings Institution, June 1, 2016, Anna Malinovskaya and Louise Sheiner,
“The Hutchins Center Explains: Federal Budget Basics”
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2016/06/01/the-hutchins-center-explainsfederal-budget-basics/
Apr. 17
15. Public Policy--Social Welfare: Limited benefits and incentives for independence,
Social Security (old age retirement, survivors, disability, indexing), means testing,
TANF, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment compensation, Food Stamps (SNAP)
Read: Brookings Institution, November 3, 2016, Elizabeth Kneebone, “Poverty
crosses party lines,” https://www.brookings.edu/research/poverty-crosses-partylines/#AL
Apr. 19
FINAL EXAM @ 11:30-1:00
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V. RESEARCH PAPER
Each student may write a short (four to five double spaced pages, typed) essay on some public policy
issue that interests you. The essay will answer the following questions (these should be your topical
headings).
What is the public policy problem?
What are some possible solutions?
What are the pros and cons of these solutions?
Which solution do you prefer and why?
In doing the research for this paper, you should consult a variety of library materials to include at a
minimum:
a. 2 articles from two different think tanks such as Brookings Institution, American Enterprise
Institute, Economic Policy Institute, The Heritage Foundation, The Hoover Institute, The
Urban Institute (others require professor approval before use)
b. 2 articles from a national newspaper: New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal,
Christian Science Monitor
c. 2 articles from either C.Q. Magazine (CQWeekly Report) or the National Journal
d. 2 government web sites (those that end in .gov)
This paper should be double-spaced, and submitted online through Canvas. It should be carefully
prepared in terms of writing style, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and documentation, in accordance
with MLA style manual. All web citations should include the complete http web address for the
document utilized along with the name of the organization. It is due on April 17. Papers will not be
accepted after this date.
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EMU Policies and Regulations
In addition to the articulated course specific policies and expectations, students are responsible for understanding all
applicable University guidelines, policies, and procedures. The EMU Student Handbook is the primary resource
provided to students to ensure that they have access to all University policies, support resources, and students' rights
and responsibilities. Changes may be made to the EMU Student Handbook whenever necessary, and shall be
effective immediately, and/or as of the date on which a policy is formally adopted, and/or on the date specified in
the amendment. Please note: Electing not to access the link provided below does not absolve a student of
responsibility. For questions about any university policy, procedure, practice, or resource, please contact the Office
of the Ombuds: 248 Student Center, 734.487.0074, [email protected], or visit the
website: www.emich.edu/ombuds
CLICK HERE to access the University Course Policies
Complete URL:
http://www.emich.edu/studenthandbook/policies/academic.php#univ
 Religious Holidays – “Current University policy recognizes the rights of students to observe religious holidays
without penalty to the student. Students will provide advance notice in writing or email to the instructor in order to
make up work, including examinations they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of
religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made with the instructor, the student may appeal to the
Political Science Department Head.”
 Academic Dishonesty – “Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating, falsification, and/or plagiarism,
will not be tolerated in this course. Penalties for an act of academic dishonesty may range from receiving a failing
grade for a particular assignment to receiving a failing grade for the entire course. In addition, you may be referred
to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for discipline that can result in either a suspension or
permanent dismissal. The Student Conduct Code contains detailed definitions of what constitutes academic
dishonesty but if you are not sure about whether something you are doing would be considered academic dishonesty,
consult with the course instructor. You may access the Code online at:
http://www.emich.edu/policies/policy.php?id=124&term=student%20conduct
 Classroom Management Issues – “Students are expected to abide by the Student Conduct Code and assist in
creating an environment that is conducive to learning and protects the rights of all members of the University
Community. Incivility and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in a request to leave class and
referral to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (SJS) for discipline. Examples of inappropriate
classroom conduct include repeatedly arriving late to class, using a mobile/cellular phone while in the class session,
or talking while others are speaking. You may access the Code online at
http://www.emich.edu/policies/policy.php?id=124&term=student%20conduct
Tech  “Materials in this course, on the course-related Web site(s) or URLs used in connection with this course are
protected by copyright and may not be copied, used, lined, revised, or retained in any manner whatsoever without
permission of its owner. The content of copyrighted material may be used only, and solely by and for, students
officially enrolled in this course for which the transmission is made, and may not be copied, used, linked, revised, or
retained in any form, or disseminated in any form or medium whatsoever without permission by an agent of Eastern
Michigan University.”
Tech  As availability of laptop computers and wireless access has grown, so have the opportunities for students’
attention to be distracted away from activities being conducted in the classroom.
 Computers are to be utilized for coursework and activities related to coursework. Do not use computers for
entertainment during in-class sessions.
 You are encouraged to bring your computer to lecture, but, while in the class, you will use your computer
only for purposes related to this course.
 Participation in Internet surfing, gaming, chatting, emailing, text messaging, Tweeting, etc., while in-class
will reduce your ability to participate in and focus on in-class content / activities. In addition, it causes you
PLSC 112, Winter 2017
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to be a distraction to others sitting nearby and to the course instructor.
Acceptable uses of computers while in-class include taking notes, following along with the instructor on
PowerPoint, with demonstrations, and other whole class activities, as well as working on assigned in-class
activities, projects, and discussions that require laptop use. It is easy for your laptop to become a
distraction to you and to those around you. Inappropriate uses will be noted and may affect your final
grade.
You are expected to be punctual, alert, and prepared for the class. You will be considerate of the instructor
and other students, which includes not keyboarding or checking e-mail while information is being
presented. Please turn off instant messaging during class time and refrain from playing games on your
computer.
Please turn off cell phones when you are in the classroom.
 Student and Exchange VISitor Statement (SEVIS) – The Student Exchange Visitor Information System
(SEVIS) requires F and J students to report the following to the Office of International Students 244 EMU Student
Center within ten (10) days of the event:
 Changes in your name, local address, major field of study, or source of funding;
 Changes in your degree-completion date;
 Changes in your degree-level (ex Bachelors to Masters)
 Intent to transfer to another school.
Prior permission from OIS is needed for the following:
 Dropping ALL courses as well as carrying or dropping BELOW minimum credit hours;
 Employment on or off-campus;
 Registering for more than one ONLINE course per term (F visa only)
 Endorsing I-20 or DS-2019 for re-entry into the USA.
Failure to report may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and even arrest and deportation. If you have
questions or concerns, contact the Office of International Students at 734.487.3116, not the course instructor.
 Special Needs Accommodations – “If you wish to be accommodated for your disability, EMU Board of
Regents Policy 8.3 requires that you first register with the Students with Disabilities Office (SDO) in 246 EMU
Student Center. You may contact SDO by telephone (734.487.2470). Students with disabilities are encouraged to
register with the SDO promptly as you will only be accommodated from the date you register with them forward.
No retroactive accommodations are possible.”
NOTE: Federal law and good pedagogical practices require instructors to provide reasonable accommodations to
students who have provided documentation of a disability. The Students with Disabilities Office, 240 EMU Student
Center, or at www.emich.edu/disabilities can provide you with detailed guidance.
 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – “The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA) is a Federal law designated to protect the privacy of a student’s education records and academic work.
The law applies to all schools and universities which receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S.
Department of Education and is applicable to students at EMU. All files, records, and academic work completed
within this course are considered educational records and are protected under FERPA. It is your right, as a student
in this course, to expect that any materials yo submit in this course, as well as your name and other identifying
information will not be viewable by guests or other individuals permitted access to the course. The exception will
be only when you have given explicit, written, signed consent. Verbal consent or email is insufficient.
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