Political Science 359 Fall 1999

Political Science 359
Fall 2008
California Politics

Bill Daniel
Phone 3914
Email wrd1 or wrdaniel05@pacbell.net
WEB http://www.humboldt.edu/~wrd1/psci359
Hours TTh 11:00- 12:00, W 10:30-11:30

SYLLABUS

California politics is an introduction to the complexity of California politics and of the state's government. This is not a general education class, although it satisfies the legislature's requirement that all Califonia State University students be exposed to the United States and California Constitutions and institutions. As a result, we shall consider the following, using California as our focal point:

The political philosophies of the Framers of the Constitution and the nature and operation of United States political institutions and processes under that Constitution as amended and interpreted
The rights and obligations of citizens in the political system established under the Constitution
The Constitution of the State of California within the framework of evolution of Federal-State relations and the nature and processes of state and local government under that constitution
Contemporary relationships of state and local government with the Federal Government, the resolution of conflicts and the establishment of cooperative processes under the constitution of both the state and

Even though this is a relatively large class, I expect everyone to participate in the business of the course. Because much of the emphasis of PSCI 359 is on current affairs in the state, everyone should try to keep abreast of contemporary political events. I strongly recommend that you consistently read a metropolitan newspaper such as The Sacramento Bee, The Los Angeles Times, The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, or The San Francisco Chronicle. Any material discussed in class may be drawn on for the examinations.

REQUIRED READINGS: The following paper bound books are available from the HSU Bookstore:

Anagnoson, et. al; Governing California in the 21'st Century
Lubenow, ed.; Governing California: Politics,Government, and Policy in the Golden State

READING ASSIGNMENTS: Below is a list of topics the class will cover during the semester.

Following each topic is the reading assignment which should be completed by the time the topic is covered in class lectures/discussions.

1. Introduction and the United States and California Constitutions: Native American sovereignty and national /state governments: Anagnoson, Chs. 1 & 2 (Aug 26 - Sept 4)

2 California in the Federal System: Lubenow; Ch.11 (Sept. 9 - Sept 11)

3 Local Government in California: Anagnoson; Ch. 9 & Lubenow; Ch. 6 (Sept. 16 - Sept. 18)

FIRST EXAM` Sept. 23

4 The Progressive Legacy; Direct Democracy & the November Ballot: Lubenow; Ch. 7 and Voters Pamphlet (Propositions assigned) (Sept.25 - Oct. 9)

5. Interest groups, parties and elections in the political process: Anagnoson; Chs. 3 & 4 and Lubenow; Ch.9 (Oct. 14 - Oct. 23)

Practice presentations, Oct. 28; Presentations, Oct.29; SECOND EXAM, Oct. 30

6. The governor and the executive branch: Anagnoson, Ch. 6 and Lubenow; Ch. 4 (Nov.4 - Nov. 6)

7. The legislature: Anagnoson; Ch. 5 and Lubenow; Chs. 1 & 3 (Nov 13 - Nov 18)

8. The judiciary: Anagnoson, Ch. 7 and Lubenow; Ch. 5 (Nov.20)

9. The Budget Dance: Anagnoson, Ch. 8 and Lubenow; Ch. 2 (Dec.2 - Dec. 4)

10. Public Policy Issues in California: Anagnoson; Ch. 10 and Lubenow; Ch.10 )Dec. 9 - Dec.11)

FINAL EXAM: THURSDAY DECEMBER 18 8:00 - 9:50 (Sorry, no early finals given)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING: In addition to keeping up with the readings, each student will join a study group with the purpose on analyzing one of the propositions on the November Ballot. The groups will study the background leading up to the issue; what the proposition says; arguments pro and con, and who supports or opposes it. We will then present our research to a general audience at a forum tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 1.

There will be 2 mid-term examinations and a cumulative final at the scheduled final time (Thursday, December 18, 8:00). The exams and final will be essay in nature with a choice of 2 out of 3, or 3 out of 4 questions to answer. The exams will be given in class. Blue Books and readable pen are strongly advised. Make up exams are given only in case of illness or scheduled collegiate activity. If it is obvious during the semester that the class is not keeping up with the reading assignments, there may be unscheduled quizzes, the results of which will be figured into the exam portion of the grades. Such quizzes cannot be made-up.

Grades will be based on the following criteria: class participation, up to 10%; proposition analysis, 20-23%; mid-term examinations, 20-23%; and final exam, 30-40%. This course can be taken on a credit/no credit basis at the option of the student.

POLICY ON INCOMPLETES: I will allow incompletes only under extraordinary circumstances. If allowed, it will be the responsibility of the student to keep a record of what work is required to make up the incomplete, and to submit a comprehensive dossier of his/her work during the middle five weeks of the following semester.

ATTENDANCE: Technically, attendance is not required in this course; after I learn students' names, I will not call roll. On the other hand, everyone should note that because participation can affect a student's grade, nonattendance can be detrimental. Moreover, any changes in assignments that are announced in class are the students responsibility.