Georgia Highlands College
Political Science 1101
American Government
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of American Government and deals primarily with the development and contemporary functioning of American political institutions with a focus upon the national government and national politics. It satisfies the state legislative requirement concerning the United States Constitution and the Georgia Constitution.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will demonstrate familiarity with the basic concepts of the American governmental system. More specifically, students will demonstrate the following.
- Describe how the American political system works.
- Describe how Georgia government works under the present constitution.
- Identify the historical and philosophical roots of America’s system of government and its Constitutional components.
- Explain the importance of civic responsibility in a participatory republic.
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system.
- Use computer technology to discover information relating to politics and government.
Required Materials For the Course:
Textbook
We the People, Shorter Eighth Edition, Georgia Edition, 2011 Edition. Ginsburg, Lowi, and Weir.
*NOTE* Each student should bring their textbook with them to EACH and EVERY class period,
ScanTron Forms
Students will have to purchase 5 ScanTron forms over the course of the semester. Students will use the ScanTron forms when taking exams. The ScanTron forms will be available in the bookstore for purchase (estimated cost is about 40 cents each).
Class Schedule
Week 1: American Political Culture
Week 2: The Founding and the Constitution
Week 3: Federalism
Week 4: Civil Liberties
Week 5: Civil Rights
Week 6: Public Opinion and the Media
Week 7: Political Participation and Voting
Week 8: Political Parties
Week 9: Campaigns and Elections
Week 10: Groups and Interests
Week 11: Congress
Week 12: The Presidency
Week 13: Bureaucracy
Week 14: Federal Courts
Week 15: Georgia Constitution