Introduction to American Government - IIEI-151

Course Description: This six-week course examines the American system of government, with particular emphasis on the U.S. Constitution. This course presents a solid introduction to the historical, political, and philosophical foundations of the U.S. Constitution, with a focus on the original Constitution, its amendments over time, and judicial interpretations.

Prerequisite: None

Course Credit: 3 Credit Hours

Major Course Topics & Course Outcomes

As a result of the group and individual activities included in this course, the student will acquire the following knowledge and skills that can be applied to the workplace:

Overview of philosophical and historical basis for the U.S. Constitution

• Explain English historical influences from Magna Carta to John Locke's Treatise of Government
• Understand the influence of the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation
• Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
• Be able to summarize the forces at the Constitutional Convention: Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and compromises on Congressional representation and slavery.
• Understand the role of The Federalist Papers in winning ratification.

Constitutional or Unconstitutional?

• Understand The Constitution as supreme law.
• Understand the basic issues, applications of law, and influences of the following cases:

• The Supreme Court and judicial review: Marbury v. Madison
• The Supreme Court and federal power: McCulloch v. Maryland
• The Supreme Court and differing interpretations:
• The Dred Scott Decision (upholding slavery)
• Plessy v. Ferguson ("separate but equal" is a constitutional)
• Brown v. Board of Education ("separate but equal is not constitutional)

The Original Constitution

• Understand and be able to analyze and explain the preamble and original articles of the Constitution:

• Philosophy: the preamble
• Article I: The legislative branch
• Article II: The executive branch
• Article III: The judicial branch
• Article IV: The states
• Article V: The amending process
• Article VI: "Other" miscellaneous but important provisions
• Article VII: Ratification

The Amendments

• Understand the federal provisions in the Bill of Rights
• Understand the perspective of the technical corrections in the pre-Civil War era.
• Explain the impact of the Reconstruction Amendments

• slavery
• civil rights

• Be able to summarize the influence of the Twentieth Century amendments

Modern Interpretation

• Understand and be able to explain the main issues and application of law in The Schechter Case ("the sick chicken case"):
• Understand the "elastic clauses"

• Article I
• Article II

• Understand the Supreme Court's power
• Be able to explain the "elastic clause" of the 14th amendment.

Modern American Government

• Know the meaning of "separation of powers" and "checks and balances" and be able to give examples.
• Understand the relationship of political power in Congress and organizational structure.
• Be able to explain how a bill becomes a law.
• Understand the role of executive orders versus statutes.
• Be able to discuss the forces and priorities involved in the concept of a national agenda.

Course Texts:

There is one textbook for this course.

The Constitution of the United States, An Introduction (3rd Edition)

Cullop, Floyd G. ISBN: 0-451-62724-5

Selected Readings Online.

Please note that textbooks are subject to change. Please contact your advisor before purchasing the textbook for your class to confirm.