POS Lecture 1

Introduction to the Course

• The session is a two-part event:

  • New course introduction and first-day essentials.

  • Transitioning into Module 1 material.

• Scheduling Details:

  • First live session held on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

Instructor Introduction

• Name: Dr. Cynthia Counsell

• Role: Full-time faculty, teaching remotely due to medical issues.

• Contact Methods:

  • Canvas messages, and emails are preferred for communication.

  • Google Voice number available for texts or calls during reasonable hours.

• Background:

  • Holds a doctorate in public administration (DPA).

  • Field of Political Science:

  • Explains the application of government operations and theory.

  • Emphasis on practical uses of the course content.

Course Design and Navigation

• Canvas Course Structure:

  • Aim for ease of navigation; important sections should be readily identifiable.

  • General Resources Section:

  • Significance of not skipping this section; contains valuable materials for student success.

  • Textbook access and audiobook options are provided.

  • Links to supplemental materials:

    • Crash course in American government (15-minute videos).

    • Key constitutional amendments document.

    • Main concepts document with essential definitions and summaries.

Civic Literacy Test

• Explanation of the Civic Literacy Test:

  • A state requirement instituted five years ago.

  • All colleges must administer this test for graduation eligibility.

  • The test is designed by the state and isn’t a component of the course.

  • Passing grade: 60%.

  • Resources available:

  • FSCJ library guide for civic literacy test materials.

  • Students are encouraged to ask questions if unclear about test details.

Discussion Participation

• Initial Discussion Assignment:

  • Open-ended prompts aimed at developing student ideas and analysis.

  • Weekly discussion format:

  • Seven modules correlate with the term.

  • No formal tests or quizzes in the class.

  • Every discussion is worth 100 points; constitutes 70% of the final grade.

• Expectations for Discussion Posts:

  • Initial post due by Thursday, emphasizing thorough explanations and supporting analysis with credible evidence.

  • Students are encouraged to engage in reasoned debates rather than emotion-driven discussions.

  • Two substantive replies to classmates due by Sunday, adding value to discussions.

  • Late submissions attract penalties, with the discussion option never officially closing.

  • It's essential to integrate supporting facts and citations when applicable.

Final Current Events Paper

• Overview:

  • The assignment is worth 300 points, constituting 30% of the final grade.

  • Due date: April 19 with no late submissions allowed.

  • Students are encouraged to analyze a current political issue from multiple perspectives.

• Assignment Requirements:

  • Choose three political perspectives (e.g., Democrat, Republican, Libertarian) for in-depth analysis.

  • Explain each perspective's stance on the chosen issue, backed by credible sources like scholarly journals or major news outlets.

  • Conclude with the student's reasoned position regarding the issue.

  • A student outline and resources for assistance will be provided.

The Constitution: Foundations of Democracy

• Core Question Studied: How does the US Constitution both limit and enable democracy?

• Defining Features of the Constitution:

  • Written in response to revolutionary contexts, emphasizing liberty against concentrated power.

  • Establishes a republic rather than a direct democracy, enabling representative governance.

• Concept of Factions:

  • James Madison's view on factions as groups driven by common interests, which could be detrimental to community rights.

  • Emphasis on managing factions rather than eliminating them.

• Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances:

  • The Constitution comprises three branches of government:

  • Legislative (Article I): Makes laws.

  • Executive (Article II): Enforces laws.

  • Judicial (Article III): Interprets laws.

  • The system is designed to prevent any single group from dominating the others; promotes compromise.

Expanding Democracy Through Amendments

• Historical Amendments Impacting Democracy:

  • 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments extended rights post-Civil War, including citizenship and voting rights for formerly enslaved individuals.

  • 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.

  • 26th Amendment lowered voting age from 21 to 18, addressing issues around fairness in representation during the Vietnam War.

• Role of Social Movements in Amendments:

  • Protests and advocacy led to significant changes in voting age due to societal pressures and military service debates.

  • Supreme Court decisions have also advanced civil rights and broadened participation in democracy, e.g., Brown v. Board of Education.

Limitations of Modern Democracy

• Key Limitations:

  • Electoral College may result in a president being elected without winning the popular vote.

  • The Senate's structure leads to unequal representation (e.g., Wyoming vs. California).

• Supreme Court Justices are appointed, serving for life, leading to concerns about democratic accountability.

Conclusion on Constitution's Role in Democracy

• The Constitution's duality as both an enabling and restricting framework depends on one's perspective on democracy’s true nature.

• Key discussions for students:

  • Balancing stability with public responsiveness.

  • Assessing constitutional limits that both protect and constrain necessary changes.

  • Identifying potential changes one would make to the Constitution for improving democracy.

Closing Remarks

• Final encouragement for active participation in discussions.

• Reminder of resources available for assistance and the importance of time management in the seven-week course.

• Appreciation for attendance and engagement, reinforcing the instructor's availability for support and guidance.