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Academic Year 2000/2001


Perspectives on American Federalism: State and Local Government in the Federal System
GOVT 370 FA

This seminar will examine the constitutional and political foundations of American federalism, its organization, and the evolving relationships among its constituent governments--national, state, and local. The course will emphasize state government experience and will combine an academic with a practical perspective. We will explore patterns of cooperation and conflict on such issues as the criminal and civil law, political and civil rights, regulatory law (including environmental regulations).

MAJOR READINGS

THE FEDERALIST PAPERS, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay THE ANTI-FEDERALISM PAPERS AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION DEBATES THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT Alex deTocqueville, DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA Saul K. Padover, THE LIVING CONSTITUTION, Rev. by Jacob Landynski "Muller v. Cregon," a brief history with documents, Nancy Woloch William Riordan, PLUNKETT OF TAMMANY HALL Archibald Cox, THE COURT AND THE CONSTITUTION Marc Reisner, CADILLAC DESERT

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Mid-term, paper, and final exam.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office. Readings will include daily newspapers such as THE NEW YORK TIMES.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001


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