Democracy in America

Transcription

1 Democracy in America POLS 150 Instructor: Prof. Seagrave Office: Zulauf 412 Office Phone: Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday, 9:00 10:30, or by appointment Class Time / Location: Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 4:45, DU 461 T.A.: Martin Claar T.A. z @students.niu.edu Course Description and Objectives This course provides a particularly challenging and rewarding introduction to American government and politics by focusing on the two related ideas that together give life to the American political tradition: liberty and equality. In the American context, these ideas aren t vague abstractions, they are guiding principles of political practice conceptual tools used in different, sometimes conflicting ways by the greatest statesmen (and women) and political commentators in American history. We will examine and discuss these uses particularly as they relate to three general themes: constitutional principles, religion, and race. Our goal will be to achieve an understanding of American government and politics not merely as an arena defined by certain structures and marked by various historical events, but also as a shared workshop, and occasionally a battlefield, where powerful ideas are applied to the most significant practical problems by extraordinary individuals. Attendance: Policies and Expectations Attendance will be taken and contribute to one s overall participation grade, and many other elements of a student s grade in the course will also depend directly upon regularly attending class. Students who have extended absences due to serious personal or medical reasons should notify the instructor as soon as possible and be prepared to produce adequate documentation. Such extended absences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the instructor.

2 Classroom behavior: Students will be expected to behave in a manner that reflects an appropriate respect for their fellow students, the instructor, and the activity of shared learning which is the reason for the existence of this course and the university itself. Examples of inappropriate actions include habitual lateness, side conversations during class, texting, sleeping, or any form of rudeness in addressing other students or the instructor. Students who engage in such actions may be asked to leave the class. Class participation: Class participation is expected, required, and rewarded. In order to participate effectively in class, it is necessary to do the assigned readings beforehand and bring these readings with you to each class. Effective class participation can take many forms, and varies depending upon the different class formats that will be used throughout the semester. The instructor will often pose both specific and open-ended questions throughout the lectures, and occasionally students may be divided into discussion groups or opposing sides in a debate. Listening attentively is an important part of effective participation, and generally one s participation will be evaluated not simply on the basis of quantity of verbal contributions but rather on that of exhibiting an engaged and thoughtful attitude towards the ideas and arguments under consideration. Everyone s opinions and questions will be treated with the utmost respect and consideration. Assignments and Grading: Quizzes: There will be short quizzes at the beginning of class every other Thursday as indicated on the class schedule that will include all of the readings and lectures covered since the previous quiz. If you come to class after the quiz has been collected by the instructor, you will not be able to take the quiz. These quizzes will consist in identification of important terms, multiple choice and/or other short answers. Make-up quizzes will not be given for any reason, but the lowest quiz grade will be dropped for each student. Constitution Bonus Quiz: As we begin the Constitutional Principles portion of the course schedule, there will be a quiz that will test your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. This quiz will not count towards your grade in the course, but the students with the three highest scores on the quiz will receive a 1% bonus to their final course grade. Exams: There will be two exams: a midterm exam and a final exam. Each exam will include all of the material covered previously in the course (both readings and lectures). They will consist in 2

3 identification of important terms, who said what, short answer and essays. Make-up exams will only be given in extreme circumstances, with appropriate prior notice and documentation. Paper: There will be one paper assigned the week following the midterm exam. This paper will be 3-4 pp., and will be written on a topic chosen from among a list of options provided by the instructor. All students who receive grades under 95% will be required to revise their papers on the basis of the instructor s comments. The final paper grade will then be determined according to a weighted average: the initial paper grade will make up 2/3, and the grade given to the revised paper will make up the remaining 1/3. Late papers will be accepted up to one week after the due date, but will be penalized one letter grade (10%) per day late. Participation Grading: Every class period will be worth a maximum of 10 participation points. Attendance when the sign-in sheet is passed around at the beginning of class earns an automatic 6 points. Listening attentively in class will earn 1 additional point. One helpful contribution will earn at least 1 more point, but one contribution doesn t always equal 1 participation point a particularly helpful or insightful contribution may earn 3 or 4 points on its own, while many somewhat helpful contributions might only earn a total of 2 additional points. Participation points may also be deducted for engaging in behavior that detracts from class discussions or lectures. Final Grade: The final grade will be determined according to the following percentage: Quizzes: 10% Midterm Exam: 20% Paper: 25% Final Exam: 30% Participation: 15% Grade Scale: The letter equivalents of grade percentages are as follows: A: % A-: % B+: % B: % B-: % C+: % C: % C-: % D+: % D: % D-: % F: % Academic dishonesty: 3

4 In preparing your work and meeting the requirements of this course, you are expected to adhere to all the rules, regulations, and standards set forth by the Department of Political Science, Northern Illinois University, and the scholarly community. This statement encompasses intentional and unintentional plagiarism; cheating on examinations; using, purchasing, or stealing others work; misusing library materials; and so forth. The NIU Undergraduate Catalog states: Good academic work must be based on honesty. The attempt of any student to present as his or her own work that which he or she has not produced is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense. Students are considered to have cheated if they copy the work of another during an examination or turn in a paper or an assignment written, in whole or in part, by someone else. Students are guilty of plagiarism, intentional or not, if they copy material from books, magazines, or other sources without identifying and acknowledging those sources or if they paraphrase ideas from such sources without acknowledging them. Students guilty of, or assisting others in, either cheating or plagiarism on an assignment, quiz, or examination may receive a grade of F for the course involved and may be suspended or dismissed from the university. (Undergraduate Catalog) Don t plagiarize or cheat. I will catch you! If you are not sure what constitutes plagiarism, ask. Ignorance will not be tolerated as an excuse. If you are unaware of how to cite properly, visit Students with Disabilities: Northern Illinois University is committed to providing an accessible educational environment in collaboration with the Disability Resource Center. Any student requiring an academic accommodation due to a disability should let his or her faculty member know as soon as possible. Students who need academic accommodations based on the impact of a disability will be encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center if they have not done so already. The Disability Resource Center is located in the 4th floor of the Health Services Building, and can be reached at [v], [TTY] or at drc@niu.edu Department of Political Science Web Site: Undergraduates are encouraged to consult the Department of Political Science web site on a regular basis. This up-to-date, central source of information will assist students in contacting faculty and staff, reviewing course requirements and syllabi, exploring graduate study, researching career options, tracking department events, and accessing important details related to undergraduate programs and activities. To reach the site, go to For the most up-to-date information on scholarships, internships, and other department news, I 4

5 encourage you to like the department on Facebook ( ). Required: Texts Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America. Trans. Harvey C. Mansfield and Delba Winthrop (University of Chicago Press) Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics) Seagrave Course Packet (CP) It is very important that we all have the same version of Tocqueville s Democracy in America, since different editions and translations of this book are very different from one another. It is also very important that you have the Seagrave Course Packet. Alternative versions of The Federalist Papers are acceptable. 1. 8/27 Introduction to Class Course Schedule I. Liberty and Equality: The American Ideas 2. 8/29 NO CLASS American Political Science Association Conference 3. 9/3 Jefferson and the Declaration Declaration of Independence (CP 1-6) Jefferson s Draft of the Declaration of Independence (CP 7-12) Jefferson, Letter to Weightman (CP 13) 4. 9/5 Equality and Politics Tocqueville, Author s Introduction to Vol. 1 (3-15) 5

6 Tocqueville, I.i.3, Political Consequences section (52-53) Tocqueville, II.iv.7, Continuation of Preceding Chapters ( ) 5. 9/10 Equality with Liberty ***Quiz 1*** Tocqueville, I.ii.6, The Idea of Rights ( ) Tocqueville, II.ii.1 ( ) Tocqueville, II.iv.1 ( ) Tocqueville, II.ii.4 ( ) II. Liberty, Equality and Constitutional Principles 6. 9/12 The Making of the Constitution ***Constitution Bonus Quiz*** U.S. Constitution (CP 14-36) Federalist 1 Federalist Representation and Democracy 7. 9/17 Participatory Democracy: Townships and Wards Tocqueville, I.i.5, beginning up to On the County in New England (56-65) Jefferson, Letter to Kercheval, 1816 (CP 42-47) Jefferson, Letter to Madison, September 1789 (CP 37-41) 8. 9/19 Broadening Democracy Tocqueville, II.iii.12 ( ) Seneca Falls Declaration (CP 48-50) Jane Addams, Why Women Should Vote (CP 51-57) Change: From What to What, Barbara Jordan (CP 58-60) Constitution, 19 th Amendment 9. 9/24 Economic Democracy ***Quiz 2*** Theodore Roosevelt, "Two Noteworthy Books on Democracy," (CP 61-64) Theodore Roosevelt, The Right of the People to Rule, excerpt (CP 65-73) Constitution, 16 th and 17 th Amendments Franklin D. Roosevelt, "Commonwealth Club Address" (CP 74-84) 6

7 Franklin D. Roosevelt, "Message on the State of the Union ("The Economic Bill of Rights") (CP 85-86) 10. 9/26 Republicanism and Popular Sovereignty Tocqueville, I.i.4 (53-55) Federalist 39, up to But it was not sufficient Federalist 52 Federalist 57 Constitution, Preamble, I /1 Indirect Democracy: Constitutional Filters Tocqueville, I.ii.2 ( ) Federalist 10 Federalist 68 Constitution, II.1.2-3, 12 th Amendment, V 2. Federalism /3 Problems of Federalism Madison, Vices of the Political System of the United States (CP 87-93) Federalist 37 Constitution, I. 8-10, VI.2, 10 th Amendment /8 A New Brand of Federalism ***Quiz 3*** Federalist 14 Federalist 39, from But it was not sufficient to end Federalist 46 Federalist 62 Tocqueville, I.i.8, Legislative Powers and What Distinguishes the Federal Constitution sections ( , ) Constitution, I.3, IV 3. Separation of Powers /10 Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Self-Interest 7

8 Federalist 47 Federalist 48 Federalist 51 Tocqueville, II.ii.8 ( ) /15 The Three Branches Federalist 62 Federalist 70 Federalist 71 Federalist 78 Constitution, II-III /17 ***Midterm Exam*** III. Liberty, Equality and Religion /22 The Puritans and Founders on Religious Freedom John Winthrop, A Model of Christian Charity (CP ) Washington, Letter to Quakers (CP 109) Washington, Farewell Address (CP ) Madison, Memorial and Remonstrance (CP ) Jefferson, A Bill for Establishing Freedom of Religion (CP ) Jefferson, Letter to Danbury Baptists Association (CP 129) Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, Religion (CP ) Constitution, 1 st Amendment, VI.3 March 9-17 Spring Recess /24 Tocqueville on Religion and Politics ***Papers Assigned*** Tocqueville, I.ii.9, On the Influence of Mores up to How the Enlightenment ( ) Tocqueville, II.ii.15 ( ) Tocqueville, II.i.5 ( ) /29 More Recent Controversies ***Quiz 4*** 8

9 Everson v. Board of Education (CP ) USCCB, Our First, Most Cherished Liberty (CP ) IV. Liberty, Equality and Race /31 Slavery and the Founding Declaration of Independence and Jefferson s Draft (CP 1-12) Northwest Ordinance (CP ) Hamilton, Letter to John Jay, 1779 (CP ) Madison, Memorandum on African Colony (CP ) Madison, Letter to Evans (CP ) Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, Notes on Slavery (CP ) Federalist 54 Constitution, I.2, I.9, IV.2, 13 th Amendment, 14 th Amendment, 15 th Amendment /5 ***Papers Due*** /7 Antebellum Race Relations and Tyranny of the Majority Tocqueville I.ii.10, beginning up to What Are the Chances ( ) Tocqueville, I.ii.7, tyranny of the majority ( ) Federalist /12 Slavery and the Founding Revisited ***Quiz 5*** William Lloyd Garrison speech On the Constitution and the Union (CP ) Frederick Douglass, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July (CP ) /14 The Dred Scott Decision ***Papers Returned*** Dred Scott v. Sanford (CP ) Frederick Douglass, Speech on the Dred Scott Decision (CP ) Lincoln, Speech on Dred Scott (CP ) /19 Lincoln-Douglas Debates Lincoln-Douglas Debates, 7 th Debate (CP ) /21 Slavery and The Confederacy ***Revised Papers Due*** 9

10 Stephens, Cornerstone Speech (CP ) /26 Civil Rights Movement ***Quiz 6*** W.E.B. DuBois, Niagara Movement Speech (CP ) Martin Luther King, Jr., I Have a Dream speech (CP ) Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail (CP ) /3 More Recent Reflections Thurgood Marshall, Reflections on the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution (CP ) Barack Obama, A More Perfect Union (available online) V. The Future of Liberty and Equality /5 Tocqueville on the Destiny of American Democracy Tocqueville, I.ii.7, Tyranny of the Majority ( ), On the Power That the Majority in America Exercises Over Thought through end of chapter ( ) Tocqueville, II.iv.2-3 ( ) Tocqueville, II.iv.6, II.iv.8 ( , ) 10