GOVT215

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GOVT215

Congressional Policymaking GOVT215 SP

Section	Class Size	*Available	Times
1	40	5	Times: M.W.... 11:00AM-12:20PM;

*The number of spaces listed as available is based on class seats open for the current phase of registration. Some seats may be taken in previous phases while others may be held out for subsequent phases of registration. (Last Updated on Wed Mar 4 05:00:40 EST 1998 )

An introduction to the politics of congressional policymaking: how the way we elect our members of Congress effects the way they perform in Congress. After a brief historical review of the early years of Congress, the course will focus on the changes brought about since the 1960s by the rise of the administrative state, by critical changes in election laws, by the rise of Public Action Committees (PACs), by the internal changes in congressional organization, in leadership power, in the vast growth in congressional staff support, and in the budget process. We will focus on how these changes have influenced the relations between the Members and their constituents, between the House and Senate, between Congress and the President, between Congress and the media and on how all of this has effected Congress's role as national lawmaker.

MAJOR READINGS

Several books and articles on Congress and
research on the internet.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

There will be two written assignments focused on the readings and class lectures and a group presentation (both oral and written) providing a summary and analysis of a book on Congress (each group will read a different book.) There may be one or two short assignments directed at promoting class participation at the instructors discretion. In addition there will be a Mock Senate Debate and Vote with members of the class playing the role of Senators and staff. The exercise will require stduents to work in teams of two and in groups by party (Republicans and Democrats). Extensive background reading on the issue to be debated will be required.

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.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS GOVT

Prerequisites: None

Section 01: Craig, B; Times: M.W.... 11:00AM-12:20PM;; Grading Mode: A/F; Registration Preference (1 high to 6 low, 0=Excluded) Sr: 1, Jr: 1, So: 2, Fr: 0; Major Preference Given

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998

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