Text:
Harrigan, John J. 1994. Politics and Policy in States and Communities. 5th Ed. NY: Harper Collins.

The following is strongly recommended, but not required:
Scott, Gregory M. and S. M. Garrison. 1995. The Political Science Writer's Manual. NY: Prentice Hall.

Additional Resources:
Governance and Policy Resources

Course Description:
Government 204 is designed to provide the participants with an introduction to state and local government and politics. This aspect of the American political scene has assumed greater importance in recent years as Americans have turned to state and local government for leadership on a variety of domestic issues facing the United States. The text notes three central themes that are part of the fabric of American politics: 1) The rejuvenation of state and local governments in recent years; 2) the increasingly important role played by state and local government in the political economy of the nation; and 3) The never-ending conflict over the policy issues facing states and localities. The focus of this course will be as much on the relationships between the different levels of government -- state and local, state and federal, and federal and local as on the individual institutions themselves.

Grading and Written Assignments:
The grading scale will follow the standard collegiate scale (90-100 - A, 80-89 - B, 70-79 - C, 60-69 - D and 59 and below - F). There will be two examinations: a one hour, in-class, midterm examination and a comprehensive final. All class members will be required to obtain GMU email addresses.

In addition, two writing assignments are required. The first assignment [click here], is an annotated bibliography of 3-5 pages covering a selected policy area - provision of government services in the face of fiscal constraints, or local telecommunication related regulation. Research will focus on Internet and on-line based resources, and must include electronic references. This policy area will be further explored in a 8-12 page policy evaluation paper. The hypothetical target reader will be a public official. You may assume that you are an assistant, consultant, another official, or any individual evaluating a policy position. The papers should be double spaced in 10 or 12 point font, with a bibliography and/or reference section of at least ten references. For the purposes of this course, dictionaries, encyclopedias and the Harrigan text are not acceptable as one of these (though of course you may consult them). The annotated bibliography will require a brief (less than one page) topic proposal which must be approved by the instructor, and submitted via email to the instructor.

Each student will conduct a 5-10 minute presentation of the chosen policy area.

Allocation of grades:

Class Participation 10%

Midterm exam 20%

Annotated Bibliography 10%

Policy Paper 30%

Final exam 30%

Total 100%

Section I - Constraints on Government

May 21: Chapters 1-2--Introduction, State Constitutions

May 23: Chapters 3-4--Intergovernmental Framework and Financial Constraints

May 22--Policy Research Proposal Due

Section II - Political Processes

May 28: Chapter 5--Public Opinion & Interest Groups; Chapter 6--Political Parties and Elections

May 30: Handout - Practical Session - Policy Research/Focus Group

Annotated Bibliography Due

Section III - Policymaking Structures

June 4: Chapter 7--Local Governmental Institutions; Chapter 8--Community Politics

June 6: Chapter 9--State Legislatures & Review; Chapter 10--Executive Branch

June 11: Midterm Exam: 1 Hour - Chapters 1-9

June 11: Chapter 11--Administrative Structure

June 13: Chapter 12--The Court System

Section IV - Policy Areas

June 13: Chapter 13-14--Entitlements: Poverty and Welfare/Education

June 18: Chapter 15--Infrastructure Policies; Chapter 16--Regulatory Policies: Telecommunication/Environment/Economy
Rough Draft Due

June 20: Chapter 17--Politics of Economic Development
Presentations

Section V - Synthesis

June 25: Presentations/Review - Final Paper Due

June 27: Final Exam - Comprehensive Final, 1900 to 2200.