Political Science 1100:

American National Government

Fall 2014, Section 151 and V sections, Room # EE 111
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 - 8:50 am

Professor Rick Fish

E-Mail: fishri@uvu.edu (subject bar should read: POLS 1100: then any comment)
I DO NOT RESPOND TO CANVAS E-MAIL: Students MUST use: fishri@uvu.edu
Distance Education (801) 863-8764, Dept. Office: LA 030, Dept. Phone: (801) 863-8487
COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to study the history and structure of
Americas national government, rights and responsibilities of citizens, political institutions, political processes, and governmental
policies. Students will also be exploring the social, and economic background of Americas government. This course is also designed
to help students become better informed, critically minded, and more aware of how our past contributes to our present and our future.
This course fulfills all requirements for the American Institutions General Education credit mandated by the Utah State Legislature.
This course should help you develop some or all of the following skills and abilities:
1) to critically evaluate information you see, hear, and read based on their veracity (active learning)
2) to apply methods from other areas of study in interpreting data on specific issues we discuss
3) to collaborate in study groups (collaborative learning) and among diverse individuals
4) to communicate clearly and logically both quantitatively (writing etc) and orally (discussion)
5) to demonstrate competency in identifying and comparing various types of political models, and political theories
6) to help students appreciate civic knowledge and understand its important for civil engagement and lifelong learning
TEXT: The only textbook you need to purchase for this class is Linda R. Monk, The Words We Live By: Your Annotated Guide to
the Constitution, (ISBN 0-78686720-5). In addition, there will be approximately twenty additional readings located on Canvas under
the Files tab. I recommend you open, download, or print these readings because Canvas periodically goes off-line making the
readings impossible to access. These readings are required reading and take the place of any additional textbooks. If you come upon
a term or event you do not know or understand, then LOOK IT UP -- students need to understand what they are reading. If you look it
up and still dont understand, then I suggest you ask me during class.
You are responsible for having the assigned readings completed prior to our class discussion for each day (see calendar at the
bottom of this syllabus). The additional readings are purely text, so you may want to access additional pictures or maps on-line to
provide visuals. There are also many on-line sites you may want to locate to provide a host of primary documents, journals and video
clips to expand your understanding of concepts in the readings. This type of information can be extremely useful if you have questions
about the readings. The due dates for each reading assignment are listed on the last page of this syllabus. The reading assignments are
listed on their due dates, so you need to come to class each class period with the reading assignment read BEFORE class. I also
highly recommend that you review your assigned reading(s) prior to class in preparation for a possible quiz on each days reading
assignment. The quizzes are taken before we discuss the information in class. In addition, the quiz questions come solely from your
readings, and if you desire to do well in this course, and especially on the quizzes, then you MUST READ AND STUDY each reading
assignment, and comprehend the major ideas, concepts, and the most significant people in the readings (see the list of major concepts
and significant people in the headings to each reading assignment).
LECTURES: This is primarily a lecture course. However, I encourage comments and questions. The lectures are designed to
supplement your readings and to add to your understanding. We will also watch several video clips and incorporate some power
points for a visual learning experience. I realize that my students are not a single homogeneous interest group, but a very diverse
group of individuals. It is my goal to create a safe and respectful learning environment where all students feel comfortable to
participate. Consequently, I desire all students to feely ask questions and make comments during this course. As an instructor, I
thrive on discourse and debate, and enjoy the free exchange of ideas and points of view.
EXAMS: There will be a midterm and a final exam in this course. Test questions come primarily from the readings. Both exams
have approximately 100 questions (including extra-credit questions). Test questions are all matching, and multiple-choice. The
questions are based essentially on famous people, documents like the Constitution, and important events that we have discussed in
class. There are no questions that rely on dates. You are required to bring a number 2 pencil to use on the exams. I will provide the
scantron sheets. I will also provide a very basic review sheet (a list of people, events and terms) one-week prior to the exam. By the
way, the Final exam is NOT comprehensive.

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING:
Students should know that I do NOT grade on a curve. I dislike curves mostly because they force you to compete with each
other. I do not believe learning and education should be competitive, and over the years I have found that forcing my students to
compete with each other is not the most conducive way to assist you in learning in information presented in this course. If you all earn
an A, then you will all receive an A. Consequently, I highly recommend students to work together, to form study groups
(collaborative learning), and to help each other learn. Students who participate in study groups and use flash cards tend to score
MUCH better on the quizzes and the exams.
Study groups should be no less than three students, and no more than six. The constraints of teaching a Live Interactive class
means students will need to take the initiative to create their own study groups. Perhaps facilitators can assist students in this process.
Some classrooms in this environment may not have three students. If this situation arises, then contact me and we will create some
study groups pooling students from various high schools together. Each study group needs to select a student to coordinate when and
where the group will meet. Based on individual needs, some study groups may want to employ Facebook, Twitter, Skype or other
methods to communicate rather than always meeting physically (before school, after school, study hall etc.).
Of course students can study independently or with any person they desire, but I believe that active participation in
collaborative learning is the way of the future, and the best way to earn an A grade in this course.
QUIZZES: There will be fifteen quizzes given during the semester. These are closed book, closed notes, closed neighbor and no cell
phone quizzes. Each quiz will have ten questions worth one point for each correct answer. This makes a total of 150 possible quiz
points (15 X 10 = 150). The quiz questions will be mostly fill-in-the-blank and multiple-choice. The questions come from your
assigned reading for the day. These quizzes are designed to benefit those who read and grasp the days reading, and who attend class.
Consequently, I do not allow you to make up any of these quizzes for any reason except for documented school excused absences
such as a school required absence or National Guard duty. Sickness doesnt count unless you miss five or more consecutive
days of school (not just our class). Students must submit documentation for all make-up quizzes.
Quizzes are administered prior to our class discussion of the material. The principle reason for quizzing you on the
material prior to our discussion is so you will put every effort into reading and understanding the reading assignment prior to our class
discussion. We do not have sufficient time to discuss many important people and events. Consequently, if I only quizzed you on
items we discuss many students would not even peruse the readings, but wait to hear my lectures and then simply regurgitate what
they just heard. I do not consider this a highly effective way for teaching any college subject.
EXTRA-CREDIT QUIZZES: I will also administer three extra-credit quizzes. These quizzes are essentially the same as the other
quizzes: one point for each correct answer. These quizzes will begin after the 15 required quizzes are completed.
PAPER ASSIGNMENT: PAPER ASSIGNMENT: There will be two required 2-full page papers this semester. These mandatory
paper assignments are worth 25 points each or a total of 50 points. Students need to choose any two of the websites provided below
and study the information provided on the website. I strongly suggest that students explore many if not all of the websites below to
find the two sites that most appeal to them. For your information, not all of the websites are strictly government websites. There are a
few liberal and a few conservative websites on this list. Your paper will consist of 1) an explanation of what the website is about [1-2
paragraphs], 2) an in-depth discussion about specific types of information available on the site [2-4 paragraphs], and 3) the
remainder of the TWO-FULL page paper should contain information you personally learned from studying the information from the
website [approximately a full page]. Paper requirements include 1) double-spacing, 2) 12 pt. font (Times New Roman), 3) one inch
margins on all four sides, 4) your name at the top right hand corner. No cover sheets or triple spacing. These papers must both be
submitted on Canvas before the final exam. There will be NO late papers excepted. The following government sites are approved for
these papers:
http://www.virtualjamestown.org/page2.html
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel03.html
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/artconf.htm
http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/debates/0630.html
http://www.npg.si.edu/col/seneca/senfalls1.htm
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/studies/wick/index.html
http://www.constitutioncenter.org
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.overview.html
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/govt.htm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
http://www.thisnation.com/library/madison/index.html
http://www.constitution.org/cs_feder.htm
http://www.statescape.com
http://www.cato.org
http://www.moveon.org
http://www.supremecourtus.gov
http://www.politics1.com
http://www.drudgereport.com
http://mediamatters.org
http://spectator.org
http://www.motherjones.com
http://www.theblaze.com
http://www.rnc.org
http://www.democrats.org
http://www.gallup.com
http://www.publicagenda.org
http://www.opensecrets.org
http://www.vote-smart.org
http://www.realclearpolitics.com http://www.pollingreport.com
http://www.gpoaccess.gov
http://www.house.gov
http://www.senate.gov
http://www.congress.org
http://www.whitehouse.gov
http://www.millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident
http://www.usa.gov
http://www.oyez.org
http://www.uscourts.gov

FIGURING YOUR GRADE: It is easy to figure your grade anytime during the semester. First, add up all the points you have earned
thus far in the class (quizzes and extra-credit). Second, add up all the points possible thus far in the class (do NOT add in extra-credit).
Next, divide the total points in the class you have earned (including extra-credit) by the total points possible (not including extracredit). For example if you had earned a total of 185 points, and there were 200 points possible thus far in the course, then you would
divide 185 by 200 = 0.925. Now take .925 X 100 to get 92.5%. Looking below the calendar you can see that a 92.5% equals an -A.
FORMULA =

All points you have earned to date including extra-credit X 100

All points possible in the class to date NOT including extra-credit

ATTENDANCE: Research shows unassailable correlations between class attendance and grades. I encourage you to attend class and
take good notes. If you ever miss class, then I STRONGLY suggest that you get notes from another student. Attendance is worth two
points for each time you arrive on time to class and do not leave early. Attendance counts 50 points toward your grade. However, we
meet 30 times (30 X 2 = 60), so if you never miss class, you could earn an additional 10 points of extra-credit.
ATTENTION STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have any disability which may impair your ability to successfully
complete this course, please let the instructor know prior to requesting services which require action on the part of the instructor.
Accommodations are coordinated with the student and instructor in consultation with the Accessibility Services Department (room BU
145). Accessibility Services Department Faculty Handbook p. 11.
TAPING LECTURES: I have no problem with you taping our discussions. I only ask you not to distribute them to your friends and
family members who might take this class in the future. In addition, if you know you will be missing a certain class period, then you
might want to ask a fellow student to tape that days lecture for you.
CLASSROOM DISRUPTION: I find it very disruptive and discourteous when cell phones ring during class. Consequently, all
phones must be turned off and put away before the class begins. This is also true for text messaging during class. IF I CATCH YOU
HOLDING YOUR PHONE DURING CLASS I WILL DEDUCT 10 POINTS FROM YOUR GRADE (each time). Repeat
offenders face serious consequences. If you are expecting an urgent call during class, then please turn your phone to vibrate-mode and
sit where you can exit the room immediately to minimize your disruption. I will NOT deduct points for students who tell me in
advance (before class by e-mail or in person) that they are expecting an urgent call.
If you use a computer of any type in class to take notes, then I reserve the right to view your screen at any time. Use of a
computer (etc.) during class for anything but THIS courses work (ie. games, e-mail, Facebook, Twitter) ends your use of this device
in this class for the rest of the semester. If you choose to use a computer in class, then you must sit in the first two rows of the
classroom, or where the facilitator can easily monitor your computer use. Consequently, you may need to bring an extension cord.
REMEMBER: ABSOLUTELY NO CELL PHONE USE DURING A QUIZ OR EXAM. Cell phone use during a quiz or exam will
result in a ZERO grade for that assessment. A second offense will result in an E grade for the course.
GOALS & EXPECTATIONS: I will do my best to be well organized and make the lectures informative and meaningful. I will also
do my best to provide clear examples and explanations to your questions and comments. I promise to be respectful and professional to
each of you, and to treat you fairly and honestly. I know from my own experience that new surroundings, professors, and sometimes
even fellow classmates can be a little intimidating. I cant do much about your surroundings and your classmates, but I hope you will
find me approachable and will not hesitate to ask questions, make comments, or send me e-mails. Remember, if you have a question,
then probably so do your classmates. So dont be afraid to speak up and ask questions, make comments, or start class discussions.
I have very high expectations for you. You have taken a college course to learn about Americas national government and I
want to assist you, but I cant force you to read and remember what you have read. I hope you realize that much of your learning will
come outside of class while you are reading and pondering the reading assignments. Once again, I encourage you to form study
groups. I believe they help each person who participates from the most prepared to the least prepared. You should also know I fail
students caught cheating. This includes things like answering quiz questions for another student, using neighbors, notes, books, phones
or computers while a quiz or test is being administered. I will also award 25 extra-credit points to any student who can prove, or help
me catch, any fellow student cheating. Ive frequently had students turn in other students, so if you are going to cheat, be careful who
witnesses your disgraceful actions.
I believe that each of you have the capacity to earn an A in this course, but experience tells me that some of you will not
work as hard or as efficiently as your classmates, and that a few of you will struggle in this course. In addition, some of you come to
this class with a good background in the course material, while others have little if any knowledge in the subject. Consequently, some
of you will have to work harder than others.
I truly want you to learn and be educated concerning our government so help me by helping yourself: stay caught up with
your reading, and ask questions when confused. Remember, if you want to excel in this course then you should THOROUGHLY
READ AND STUDY to understand the major concepts and people mentioned in each reading assignment. In addition, you need to
attend class (be on time and stay the entire class period), take good notes, review assigned readings prior to class, be prepared for
quizzes, form study groups for quizzes and the exams, and especially ask questions when you are confused or do not understand
something. In addition, I am working hard at developing opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom. If you have ideas
or suggestions, please e-mail me at fishri@uvu.edu, or bring them up during our class discussions.

POINTS:
Exam #1
Exam #2 or Final Exam
2 Paper Assignments (25 points each)
Attendance
Quizzes: (15 quizzes X 10 questions)
Total points without including extra-credit.

MONDAY
Aug. Download Syllabus & All Readings
25
Sept. Labor Day Holiday No Class
1

Aug.
27
Sept.
3

Sept.
8
Sept.
15
Sept.
22

Reading: Jamestown, Plymouth &

Boston (Group Quiz #3)
Reading: Hanoverian Kings &
French and Indian War
Reading: Revolutionary War,
Second Treatise, Common Sense &
the Declaration of Independence
(Quiz #6)
Sept. Reading: Articles of Confederation,
29
Treaty of 1783, Shays Rebellion,
Background: Constitutional
Convention

Sept.
10
Sept.
17
Sept.
24

Oct.
1

Oct.
6

Oct.
8

Oct.
13

Reading: Electoral College &

Monk, pp. 62-88; (Article 2), &
explain Humes Filters of Consent
Monk, pp. 121-125 (Article 7)
Reading: Ratification, Background
of the B of R, Federalists 10 & 51
Reading: Monk, pp. 126-153
(Amendments 1-2) (Quiz #11)
Reading: Monk, pp. 154-198
(Amendments 3-10)

Oct.
15

GRADES:
= 100 points
= 100 points
= 50 points
= 50 points
= 150 points
450 points

B+ 87-89%
C+ 77-79%
D+ 67-69%
E > 60%

WEDNESDAY
Reading: Protestant Reformation No Quiz
Reading: Englands Political And
Religious History 16th 18th
Century (Group Quiz #2)
Reading: Jamestown, Plymouth &
Boston
Reading: Road to Revolution
(Quiz #5)
Reading: Revolutionary War,
Second Treatise, Common Sense &
the Declaration of Independence

A 95%+
B 84-86%
C 74-76%
D 64-67%

Aug.
29
Sept.
5

A- 90-94%
B- 80-83%
C- 70-73%
D- 60-63%

FRIDAY
Reading: Protestant Reformation
cont. (Group Quiz #1)
Reading: Englands Political And
Religious History 16th 18th Century

Sept.
12
Sept.
19
Sept.
26

Reading: Hanoverian Kings &

French and Indian War (Quiz #4)
Reading: Road to Revolution

Reading: The Words We Live By,

Monk, pp. 10-61 (Preamble &
Article 1)

Oct.
3

Readings: Monk, pp. 89-103

(Article 3) & Reading: The Federal
and State Court System (Quiz #9)
Midterm Exam In Class

Oct.
10

Reading: Monk, pp. 10-61 (Preamble

& Article 1) (Know the primary idea
of each of the 10 sections of Article 1
flash cards are a great idea. In
additional to the reading, know the
sidebar terms for the quizzes too.
(2 Quizzes -- #7 & #8)
Readings: Monk, pp. 104-120
(Articles 4-6) (Quiz #10)

Oct.
17

Reading: Revolutionary War,

Second Treatise, Common Sense &
the Declaration of Independence

Fall Break No Class

RESE
RVA
TION
Oct.
Oct. Reading: Monk, pp. 126-153
Oct. Reading: Monk, pp. 154-198
S: 1)
20
22
(Amendments 1-2)
24
(Amendments 3-10) (Quiz #12)
I
Oct.
Oct. Monk, pp. 154-198 First Paper is
Oct. Reading: Washingtons Presidency
reserv
27
29
Due: Submit to Canvas by 5:00
31
& Farewell Address; & Monk, pp.
p.m. or minus 10 for late penalty.
199-204 (Amendments 11-12)
e the
Nov. Reading: Election of 1800 &
Nov. Reading: Election of 1800 &
Nov. Reading: Election of 1800 &
right
3
Marbury vs. Madison (Quiz # 13)
5
Marbury vs. Madison
7
Marbury vs. Madison
to
Nov. Reading: War of 1812 (Quiz #14)
Nov. Reading: War of 1812 (Quiz #14)
Nov. Reading: Road to Civil War
alter,
10
12
14
amend
Nov. Reading: Road to Civil War
Nov. Reading: The Second Founding &
Nov. Reading: Prior Readings Cont.
, or
17
(Quiz #15)
19
Monk, pp. 205-232 (Amendments
21
Final Paper is Due: Submit to
elimin
13-15), Reading: I Have A Dream
Canvas by 5:00 p.m. or minus 10
ate
for late penalty.
any
Nov. Thanksgiving Holiday No Class Nov. Thanksgiving Holiday No Class Nov. Thanksgiving Holiday No Class
portio
24
26
28
th
n of
Dec. Reading: Rule of Law & the Fallacy Dec. Reading: Notes on the 19 &
Dec. Monk, pp. 249-263 (Amendments
this
1
3
Monk, pp. 233-248 (Amendments
5
22-27)
of Economic Justice
course
16 21) (Quiz #16 [1st Extra-Credit
quiz])
syllab
Dec. Monk, pp. 249-263 (Amendments
Dec. Reading: Major Supreme Court
Dec. Reading: Major Supreme Court
us by
8
22-27) (Quiz #17 [2nd Extra-Credit 10
Cases (Quiz #18 [3rd Extra-Credit
12
Cases
writte
quiz])
quiz])
n or
Dec. Final Exam in class at 7:00 8:50 Dec.
Dec.
oral
15
17
19
notific
ation. You are responsible for all announced in-class changes even if you do not attend the class where any changes are announced.
In other words, you may want to contact other students or your facilitator on any day you miss class to see if any important changes
were made to the syllabus or due dates or deadlines. Do NOT contact me. 2) Any discussion of the law is strictly for academic
purposes.