DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA POLS 150 Section 1

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1 DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA POLS 150 Section 1 Instructor: Ms. Katherine Paton kpaton@niu.edu Office: DuSable 476 (POLS TA office) Office Hours: Monday 10-11am; Tuesday 10:00-12:00pm or by appointment Class Time/Location: M/W 11:00-12:15pm; DuSable 461 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. Policies and Expectations Attendance: 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 on 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 provide adequate documentation. Such extended absences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the instructor. Late entries to class (more than 10 minutes) count as ½ an absence. 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, 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. Students who are caught texting during class will be marked absent for the class. I will not give warnings! In the case of possible emergency, please step outside to take a call and notify the instructor prior to class if possible. 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

2 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 lecture, 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. Statement Concerning 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 Undergraduate Writing Awards: The Department of Political Science recognizes, on an annual basis, outstanding undergraduate papers written in conjunction with level political science courses or directed studies, such as independent studies or honors theses. Winners are expected to attend the Department s spring graduation ceremony where they will receive a certificate and a check for $ No more than two papers may be submitted by a student. There is no requirement as to the length of papers submitted for the award. Often the Department awards prizes for both an outstanding short paper and an outstanding long paper. The number and types of award is dependent upon the papers submitted for consideration in any given year. Authors do not have to be political science majors or have a particular class standing. Only papers written in the previous calendar year are considered for the award. However, papers completed in the current spring semester are eligible for the following year s competition even if the student has graduated. Papers can be submitted by students or faculty and must be supplied in triplicate to the undergraduate secretary. All copies must have two cover pages one with the student s name and one without the student s name. Papers are not to be stapled or bound. Instead, please use paper clips. Papers are generally due in March and notice of call for papers and submission deadlines will be published on the Department s Facebook page. You may also contact the department for information at 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 encourage you to like the department on Facebook ( or follow us on Twitter (@niupols).

3 Assignments and Grading 1: Homework: 5 weeks throughout the semester, you will be expected to turn in a typed response to discussion questions pertinent to the materials we are covering in class. There are SIX assignments posted on Blackboard. Your homework grade will reflect the five highest paper grades. You should provide a thoughtful, detailed response to the discussion question using the readings assigned in the course and other outside political knowledge (when relevant). A hard copy must be handed in at the beginning of class. The purpose of these assignments is for the student to engage in the readings outside of class in a way that will enhance discussion within the classroom setting. NO LATES ACCEPTED. 2: Constitution Bonus Quiz: At the beginning of the Constitutional Principles unit of the course, 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 will the three highest scores on the quiz will receive a 5% bonus to their final exam grade. There will be an additional quiz the second week of class that will cover policies and assignments discussed in the syllabus. Though the syllabus quiz will not be factored into students grades, they must take the quiz to receive a grade in this course. 3: 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 identification of important terms, who said what, short answers and essays. Make up exams will only be available given extreme circumstances, with appropriate prior notice and documentation. 4: 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 revised paper grade will replace the original grade. Students who do not revise their papers will be penalized 10% off of their original paper grade. Papers MUST be uploaded to SafeAssign and turned in as a hard copy. Papers are due at 11:00am on April 6 th and revisions are due 11:00am 4/25. NO LATES WILL BE ACCEPTED. 5: Participation Grading: Participation will be evaluated by the instructor each day. Remarks that stimulate discussion or provide thoughtful insights to current discussion will receive full marks. Students should keep in mind that participating in class will directly impact their ability to answer exam questions and facilitate their paper writing. 6: Final Grade: The final grade will be determined according to the following percentage: Homework: 15% Midterm Exam: 20% Paper: 25% Final Exam: 25%

4 Participation: 15% Grade Scale: A: % A-: % B+: % B: % B-: % C+: % C: 73-70% D: % F: % *Incompletes will only be considered upon extreme circumstances and by the discretion of the instructor. 7: Course Grading: This class will be tough! I expect you to keep up with the readings and to participate in class. Your homework assignments, papers and tests will be graded thoroughly. This course is designed for each student to walk away with a better understanding of the underlying principles of the American founding and current political system. To accomplish this, serious effort is required. NO ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED LATE. Academic Dishonesty: 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 with 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 an 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. Any instance of plagiarism puts you at risk of failing this course. If you are unaware of how to cite properly, ASK ME, or visit 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)

5 1. 1/20 Introduction to Class Course Schedule I. Liberty and Equality: The American Ideas 2. 1/25 Jefferson and the Declaration Declaration of Independence Jefferson s Draft of the Declaration of Independence Jefferson, Letter to Weightman 3. 1/27 Equality and Politics Tocqueville, Author s Introduction to Vol. 1 (3-15) Tocqueville, I.i.3, Political Consequences section (52-53) Tocqueville, II.iv.7, Continuation of Preceding Chapters ( ) 4. 2/1 Equality with Liberty Tocqueville, II.ii.1 ( ) Tocqueville, I.ii.6, The Idea of Rights ( ) Tocqueville, II.iv.1 ( ) Tocqueville, II.ii.4 ( ) II. Liberty, Equality and Constitutional Principles 5. 2/3 The Making of the Constitution ***Constitution Bonus Quiz*** Homework #1 Due U.S. Constitution Federalist 1 Federalist Representation and Democracy 6. 2/8 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 Jefferson, Letter to Madison, September /10 Broadening Democracy

6 Tocqueville, II.iii.12 Seneca Falls Declaration Jane Addams, Why Women Should Vote Change: From What to What, Barbara Jordan Constitution, 19 th Amendment 8. 2/15 Economic Democracy Homework #2 Due Franklin D. Roosevelt, " The Economic Bill of Rights" Theodore Roosevelt, "Two Noteworthy Books on Democracy Theodore Roosevelt, The Right of the People to Rule, excerpt Constitution, 16 th and 17 th Amendments Franklin D. Roosevelt, "Commonwealth Club Address" 9. 2/17 Republicanism and Popular Sovereignty Tocqueville, I.i.4 (53-55) Federalist 39, up to but it was not sufficient Federalist 51 Federalist 57 Constitution, Preamble, I /22 Indirect Democracy: Constitutional Filters Federalist 10 Federalist 68 Tocqueville, I.ii.2 ( ) Constitution, II.1.2-3, 12 th Amendment, V 2. Federalism 11. 2/24 Problems of Federalism Madison, Vices of the Political System of the United States (ONLINE) Federalist 37 Constitution, I. 8-10, VI.2, 10 th Amendment 12. 2/29 A New Brand of Federalism Homework #3 Due Federalist 14 Federalist 39 Tocqueville, I.i.8, Legislative Powers and What Distinguishes the Federal Constitution sections ( , )

7 Constitution, I.8-10, 10 th Amendment, I.3, IV 3. Separation of Powers 13. 3/2 Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Self-Interest Federalist 47 Federalist 51 Federalist 57 Tocqueville, II.ii.8 ( ) 14. 3/7 The Three Branches Homework #4 due Federalist 62 Federalist 70 Federalist 71 Federalist 78 Constitution, II-III 15. 3/9 *** Midterm Exam**** Spring Break III. Liberty, Equality and Religion 16. 3/21 The Puritans and Founders on Religious Freedom ***Papers Assigned**** John Winthrop, A Model of Christian Charity Washington, Letter to Quakers Madison, Memorial and Remonstrance Jefferson, Letter to Danbury Baptists Association Jefferson, Notes on Virginia, Religion 17. 3/23 The Puritans and Founders on Religious Freedom, continued Constitution, 1 st Amendment, VI.3 Washington, Farewell Address Jefferson, A Bill for Establishing Freedom of Religion 18. 3/28 Tocqueville on Religion and Politics Tocqueville, I.ii.9 On the Influence of Mores up to How the Enlightenment ( ) Tocqueville, II.ii.15 ( ) Tocqueville, II.i.5 ( )

8 19. 3/30 More Recent Controversies Homework #5 Due Everson v. Board of Education USCCB, Our First, Most Cherished Liberty IV. Liberty, Equality and Race 20. 4/4 Slavery and the Founding Hamilton, Letter to John Jay, 1779 Madison, Memorandum on African Colony Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Notes on Slavery Federalist 54 Northwest Ordinance Madison, Letter to Evans Recommended: Constitution, I.2, I.9, IV.2, 13 th Amendment, 14 th Amendment, 15 th Amendment Declaration of Independence and Jefferson s Draft (LE) 4/6 ***Papers Due*** 21. 4/11 Antebellum Race Relations and Tyranny of the Majority Tocqueville, I.ii.10 ( ) Tocqueville, I.ii.7 ( ) 22. 4/13 Slavery and the Founding Revisited William Lloyd Garrison speech On the Constitution and the Union Frederick Douglass, What to the Slave is the Fourth of July 23. 4/18 The Dred Scott Decision ***Papers Returned*** Dred Scott v. Sanford Frederick Douglass, Speech on the Dred Scott Decision Lincoln, Speech on Dred Scott Dred Scott v. Sanford 24. 4/20 Lincoln-Douglas Debates, The Confederacy Lincoln-Douglas Debates, 7 th Debate Stephens, Cornerstone Speech

9 25. 4/25 Civil Rights Movement ***Revised Papers Due*** W.E.B. DuBois, Niagara Movement Speech Martin Luther King, Jr., I Have a Dream Martin Luther King, Jr.; Letter from a Birmingham Jail Thurgood Marshall Reflections on the Bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution Barack Obama, A More Perfect Union 26. 4/27 Civil Rights Movement Homework #6 Due Liberty, Equality and Race: Wrap up V. The Future of Liberty and Equality 27. 5/2 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 the end of the chapter ( ) Tocqueville, II.iv. 2-3 ( ) Tocqueville, II.iv.6, II.iv.8 ( , ) 28. 5/4 Final Exam Study Session