20809222State and Local Government
Course Information
Description
State and Local Government examines American state and local government institutions, politics, and policies. Students (a) summarize state and local government history, (b) analyze state and local government institutions, and (c) evaluate state and local government public policies. Students will complete exams and written assignments.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Summarizes History of American State and Local Government (SLG)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the comparative method of analysis (most similar approach and most different approach).
    Analyze SLG similarities and differences using Elazar's classifications of regional American political cultures (moralistic, individualist, traditionalistic).
    Evaluate the theory of American states as "laboratories of democracy" (policymaking, devolution, external influences, and internal influences).

  2. Summarizes Development of American Federalism
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize unitary, confederacy, and federal systems of governance in the American political system.
    Analyze the constitutional foundations and institutional importance of American federalism for SLG (US Constitution, enumerated powers, exclusive powers, concurrent powers, national supremacy, full faith / credit, privileges / immunities, Tenth Amendment).
    Evaluate the evolution of American federalism (dual federalism, cooperative federalism, centralized federalism, new federalism, and ad hoc federalism).

  3. Summarizes Development of State Constitutions
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the philosophical and evolution of American state-level constitutions (dual constitutionalism, natural law (higher law), plenary power).
    Analyze the "model constitution" (federal relation, core democratic values, formal government institutions, and administrative functions).
    Evaluate the relationship between state constitutions and local government (principle-agent model, municipal charter, home rule).

  4. Examines SLG Budgeting
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize and define state and local government budgeting (budge process, budget actors, incrementalism, budget approaches, and budget types).
    Analyze state and local government budget revenues (sales tax, property tax, income tax, intergovernmental transfers) and budget expenditures (discretionary spending and entitlement spending).
    Evaluate state and local government taxing variations (geography, geology, demographics, economic cycles) and tax burden (tax capacity and tax effort).

  5. Examines SLG Political Attitudes and Participation
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the theory and practice of state and local government voting rights (constitutional rights, suffrage, equal access).
    Analyze state and local government election policy and practices (primary elections, general elections, plurality, majority, ballots, and voter turnout).
    Evaluate the ability of state and local elections achieve the goals of democracy (direct democracy, representative democracy, partisan elections, and non-partisan elections).

  6. Examines SLG Political Parties and Interest Groups
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize state and local government political party system (responsible party model, single-member district, multi-member district, and political ideologies)
    Analyze the American state and local government two-party system (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Third Parties, political competition, independent expenditures, and soft money).
    Evaluate state and local government interests groups (public sector and private sector) and the role of lobbyists (contract lobbyist and cause lobbyist).

  7. Analyzes State Legislative Branch
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the constitutional basis of state legislature and outline its formal legislative functions (lawmaking, representation, constituent service, and oversight).
    Analyze the structure, organization, and operation of state legislatures (unicameral, bicameral, senate, house of representatives, supporting administrative offices).
    Evaluate the formal and informal responsibilities of state legislators to achieve democratic outcomes (trustees, delegates, apportionment, redistricting, gerrymandering, malapportionment).

  8. Analyzes State Executive Branch
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the constitutional basis of state executive and outline its formal executive functions (public policy implementation, policy enforcement, and political leadership).
    Analyze the formal and informal powers of a state governor (appointment, budget, veto, pardons, call special legislative session, political leadership, and political party support).
    Evaluate the formal powers of other elected executive branch officials (lieutenant governor, state attorney general, and secretary of state).

  9. Analyzes State Judicial Branch
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the constitutional basis of state judiciary and outline its formal judicial powers (civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, interpreting the law, applying the law, and dispute resolution).
    Analyze the structure and function of a state judicial system (trial courts, intermediate appellate courts, state supreme courts) and actors (lawyers, judges, defendants, grand juries, and prosecutors).
    Evaluate various methods for selecting public sector judges (popular election, judicial appointment, and merit selection) and removing judges (impeachment).

  10. Analyzes State Bureaucracy
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize state and local government bureaucracy (public administration) and its functions (policy analysis, policy implementation, policy evaluation, and policy enforcement).
    Analyze the history and evolution of state and local government bureaucracy (spoils system, patronage, Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883, merit system, and New Public Management).
    Evaluate state and local government bureaucratic performance (effectiveness, efficiency, professionalism, and neutral competence).

  11. Evaluates Local Governments
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the reasons for local government, the powers of local government, and constraints on local government (federalism, Ten Amendment, Dillon's Rule, charters, and home rule).
    Analyze the various types of local government (county governments, municipalities, and special districts) and their structural functions.
    Evaluate current development and land-use challenges facing local governments (annexation, sprawl, smart growth, metropolitan growth, rural flight, and consolidation).

  12. Evaluates Regional Governments
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize types of regional governments and key concepts (metropolitan area) (metropolitan statistical area) (mega-region) (edgeless cities).
    Analyze various land-use types and concepts (sprawl) (smart growth) (zoning laws) (low and high density development).
    Evaluate challenges and opportunities relating to metropolitan growth (regional councils) (metropolitical planning organizations) (interjurisdictional agreements) (city-county consolidation) (annexation) (reform perspective) (public choice model) (tiebout model)