10809125Government: Process and Practice
Course Information
Description
Focuses on the structure and functioning of state and local governments within the context of federalism. Emphasizes decision making, structure, theory, behavioral characteristics and citizen participation. Although this is not a course in Wisconsin state and local government, Wisconsin provides the most often utilized cases.The structure and functioning of state and local governments within the context of federalism will be the central focus. Emphasis is placed on policy making, theory, behavioral characteristics, and citizen participation. Political parties, interest groups, elections, legislatures, courts, executives, and bureaucracies will be studied. Policy areas that will be focused on will include: finance, budgeting, economic development, education, health care, welfare, criminal justice, and land use
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Analyze political culture's influence on political participation and policy making with a federalist system of government
    Assessment Strategies
    on an objective test
    by answering study guide questions
    by submitting a written paper
    Criteria
    you identify behavioral characteristics of the moralistic political culture
    you identify behavioral characteristics of the individualistic political culture
    you identify behavioral characteristics of the traditionalistic political culture
    you contrast behavioral influences of federalism with unitary and confederate systems of government
    you evaluate the importance of political culture in a federalist system
    you evaluate the United States Constitutional principles designed to create a system of federalism
    you analyze the United States Bill of Rights as limiting the power of government
    you apply constitutional and non-constitutional aspects of federalism to the question of whether shifts in power are favoring the states or the national government
    you examine which level of government would regulate services in a confederacy
    you examine which level of government would make policy in a unitary government
    you examine which level of government would deliver services in a federalist system
    you evaluate the characteristics of various taxes and fees in terms of their burden on citizens.
    you evaluate the revenue potential of various taxes and fees
    you evaluate tools states and localities use to promote economic development

  2. Examine the forms of political participation
    Assessment Strategies
    on an essay exam
    by submitting a paper
    by verbally answering study guide questions
    Criteria
    essay includes a comparison of the role of interest groups and political parties
    essay includes a contrasting statement of the role of interest groups and political parties
    essay includes a discussion of variables correlating with voting
    you examine the influence of media on public opinion
    you examine the influence of media on levels of participation
    you examine the influence of media on agenda setting

  3. Compare and contrast the influences of civil service and patronage on public administration
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing an in-class essay
    on an objective test
    Criteria
    essay includes an illustration of how individuals and groups may influence branches of government
    you illustrate a knowledge of civil service and patronage systems

  4. Examine the policy making process
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing an in-class essay
    on an objective test
    by submitting a paper
    by verbally answering study guide questions
    Criteria
    you examine the centers of power that need to be influenced in order to secure passage or defeat of a bill
    you analyze the powers of governors
    you contrast selected states' welfare and healthcare policies in the context of national government influences
    you distinguish between courts of original and appellate jurisdiction
    you analyze the impact of select judicial decisions on operation of the criminal justice system
    you explain the reasons for prison overcrowding
    you evaluate the policies to alleviate prison overcrowding

  5. Examine the distribution of state and local government powers
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing an in-class essay
    on an objective test
    by submitting a paper
    by verbally answering study guide questions
    Criteria
    you explain the structure of the branches of government
    you explain the functions of the branches of government
    you analyze the system of checks and balances
    you analyze a variety of local government structures
    you examine the approaches to applying land use powers to deal with rapid growth
    you analyze the role of key players in education policy making
    you evaluate the impact of relying on property tax and state aid for financing public education
    you assess the role of local, state, and national government in environmental policy making