Florida Polities i Spring 2015, Dr. Dario Moreno Email: darmm@aol.com Senator Marco Rubio T.A. Seyed Ahmad Mirtaheri INTRODUCTION: Florida politics over the last quarter century has changed dramatically. Florida emergences as a major player in national polities was cemented in 2000 were 527 Florida votes decided the results of the 2000 presidential election. The 2000 Presidential election | ‘was the states coming out party establishing it as a national player on the national political landscaper. Florida’s 29 electoral votes make it with New York the third largest prize in national presidential elections; only California and Texas have more electoral clout. Florida is projected to surpass New York by 2010 as the third largest state in the | union. Florida is important not only because size matters in national politics but also because it is a swing state. Florida is the only one of the four super-states that is competitive. Despite Florida’s importance, because of its size and competitiveness, there is very little research or academic work done on Florida politics. The purpose of this class is to fill | this gap about Florida politics. This class will give students a working knowledge of the political history of Florida, Floridian voting behaviors, major subgroups (seniors, Hispanics, African-Americans, soccer moms, and NASCAR dads, etc.) and regions. REQUIRED TEXTS: J Edwin Benton, Government and Politics in Florida (3"4 edition) Michael Grunwald The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise ( David Colburn, Florida's Megatrends: Critical Issues in Florida REQUIREMENTS: Class Written Assignment: March 24 400 points Midterm: February 10 300 points Final: 300 points TOTAL: 1000 pointsAll examinations are scheduled for 75 mimutes except for the final examination. Early examinations are not permitted, nor can exams be taken at any place other than the scheduled room, with the exception of special accommodation students. Missing exams will contribute a score of zero to the calculation of the final grade unless the absence is excused. Ifyou miss an exam, you MUST have one of the following: A) a note from a doctor proving you were too ill on the day of the exam to take iti or B) a copy of an obituary, in the unfortunate case you have to attend a funeral; or C) a note from the University proving that you were away on university- related business Grades will be assigned as follows: Below 60.00 60.00 to 63.00 63.01 to 66.99 67.00 to 69.99 70.00 to 73.00 73.01 to 76.99 77.00 to 79.99 80.00 to 83.00 83.01 to 86.99 = 87.00 to 89.99 Bt 90.00 to 93.00 A 93.01 to 100.00 =A *#* ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY FOR THIS COURSE*** COURSE OUTLINE: A. Historical Setting January 12: Introduction January 16-23: Lesson from 2014 Election Professor Moreno and Senator Rubio will analysis the 2014 Governor race in Florida and explain the results and there implications for the state political future. January 18 MLK Day January 26-30; Frontier State and Development and Florida's Changing DemographicsThese lectures cover the early political history of Florida beginning with the 20" century. Students should particularly note Jim Crow race laws, the struggle between “silk hat” and “wool hat” democrats, and the efforts to develop the southern section of the Florida peninsula, These lectures will also explore the development of the Florida peninsula and the shift of the demographic center of the state away from the panhandle. The class will also explore the weak nature of the one party system in the state. Readings: Benton pgs. 1-47; Colburn 1-27 February 2-6 Political Realignment in Florida ‘These lectures will focus on Florida’s shift from a one party democratic dominated state into a competitive two party state. Students should focus on how Florida’s realignment occurred in two distinct stages. In the first state, beginning in the 1950's, the state regularly voted for Republican presidential candidates, and in the second stage, in the 1990's, Florida became the first state in the south to elect a Republican majority in both houses of the legislature and in the governor’s mansion. Readings: Benton pgs. 48-79, 102-127. February 9-13: Modern Florida Politics: A look at Florida as a vigorous two party state. Colburn 28-65 Structure of Florida Government February 16-20: The Role of the Governor: A look at the evolution of the governorship from a relatively weak governor to a powerful chief executive. (Benton 181-207) February 23-27: The Florida Legislature (Benton 152-180) Midterm: March 2 Spring Break March 9-14 C. Issues March 16-18: Lobbying and Special Interests Explores the groups that have a vested interest in Florida politics and issues. March 23-27: Environmental and Growth Management The issue of managing growth has dominated Florida polities throughout most of the 20" century, Florida was the second fastest growing state in the union during that period.Consequently, issues of environmental protection, water, and land use policies have played an important role in Florida elections. Readings: Benton, pgs. 410-437, all of Grunwald March 30-April 3: Tax and Educational Policy Grunwald April 3 Essay Due!!! D. jections in Florida April 6: Panhandle April 10: Hispanics Hispanics are the fastest growing sector of the Florida electorate. In a single generation Hispanics have gone from less than 3 percent of the Florida electorate to 12 percent. Hispanics are also the most dynamic of Florida voting groups as new immigration constantly changes the demographic and political profile of this group. April 13: African-Americans ‘The lectures will explore the impact of the traditional African-American population in Florida and how that population has changed. Particularly important is the role of black voter turnout in state wide elections. Benton pgs. 80-101 April 17: I-4 Corridor ‘The I-4 Corridor is the most politically competitive part of the state. This key region is often the determining factor in presidential and statewide elections. The I-4 Corridor is the section of the state dominated by Christian conservatives and middle class non- Hispanic voters (soccer moms, NASCAR dads, ete.). April 20: Florida Wrap up Speaker Rubio and Professor Moreno will give their personal perspectives of the future of state polities in the aftermath of the 2008 elections.Readings: Benton, pgs. 438-446 April 24: Final Exam POINTS OF ACADEMIC CONDUCT 1) Late papers will not be accepted. 2) Any sources used in preparing outside written work and any words or ideas taken from another source must be properly cited in the paper. Incidents of plagiarism in your papers will be reported to the university authorities. I define plagiarism in the same manner‘as the Student Handbook, vizt Plagiarism consists of the deliberate use and appropriation of another's work without any indication of the source and the passing off of such work as the student's own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials taken from another is guilty of plagiarism (p.15). 8) If they have not already done so, students who need special accommodations due to disability should get Disabled Student Services (in the Office of Student Affairs) to write me a letter setting out their requirements. 4) You are entitled to an explanation of your grade, but any further complaints should be dealt with through the university's procedures as set out in the Student Handbook. 5) Taping of seminar sessions is prohibited 6) If you have any further questions regarding academic conduct you should consult the Student Handbook.NR 3081, Dr. Dario Moreno Senator Marco Rubio Alejandro Abad Alvarez (A) Contemporary International Politics Course Description: Examines selected world and regional issues and problems. This particular session deals with the Challenges and opportunities that the United States faces in its foreign policy. In the post cold war world what is the grand strategy of the United States in protecting its interest and maintaining peace and security. The first part of the course is general and theoretical. The second parts focus on the role of the U.S. as the hegemonic power. The third part of the course looks at threats to the U.S world order. What are the challenges to U.S. security and U.S. Power? Is the United States power in decline? Finally the course looks at contemporary issues that are shaping American Foreign Policy Books: The following books are required and available for purchase from the bookstore Robert Kagan, The World America Made Joseph Nye, The Future of Power Charles A, Kupchan, The Wes, the Rising Rest, ond the Coming Global Turn Requirements: Semester grades will be calculated according to each student's performance on a midterm examinations (30%), a final cumulative examination (40%) and a seven page essay (30). There will be NO extra credit assignments offered. Class Schedule ‘A. The International System May 12 Introduction May 16 The Development of the International system (Kupehan 1-45) May 19 The Modern World (Kupchan 46-73) May 23 Winning the Cold War May 27 Post Cold War World (Kupchan 75-85)May 30 Alternatives to the United States (Kupchan 86-145) B. The American Century June 2 June $ June 9 June 13 American Power after the Cold War (Kupchan 146-182) American Power in the 21th Century (Kupchn 183-204; Kaplan) ‘The New World Order (Kaplan) Midterm C. Power in the International System June 16 June 20 June 23 June 27 June 30 July 7 D. Challenge to Ameri July 11-14 July 18 July 21 July 28 Aug 5 Military Power (Nye 3-50) Economic Power (Nye 51-80) Soft Power (Nye 81-112) ‘New Technologies (Nye 113-152) American Decline (Nye 153-234) Essay Assignment Due n Power Great Power Rivals War on Terror Economie Challenges Environmental Challenges FinalPolitical Parties Fall 2013 Monday, Friday Professor Dario Moreno, Marco Rubio Course Description ‘This course deals with the variables that distinguish party systems, the historical development of parties, party organizations, the character of party elites, activists, and supporters, the dimensions along which parties mobilize mass populations for political purposes, and campaign functions and electoral activities. The first part of the course is general and theoretical. The remaining parts focus on the American parties, but neither the lectures nor readings are limited to them. By design the course deals with institutions and processes that are generally characteristic of parties in democratic political systems. ‘This thematic approach emphasizes the features of the American parties that are variations of general party phenomena and promotes a conceptual and theoretical understanding of the American parties and the politics they reflect and promote. Required Texts and Readings The following books are required and available for purchase from the bookstore? David R. Mayhew, Partisan Balance: Why Political Parties Don't Kill the U.S. Constitutional System ISBN: 978-0- 691-14465-8 Brian F. Schaffner Politics, Parties, and Elections in America ISBN: 978-0-495-89916-7 Semester grades will be calculated according to each student's performance on three (3) midterm examinations (3 x 20%), and a final cumulative examination (40%). There will be NO extra credit assignments offered. Each of the three midterm examinations will count for 20 percent of your semester grade. The final examination will count towards 40 percent of your semester grade. In summary: Midterm One? 20% Midterm Two: 20% Midterm Three‘ 20%Final Exam: 40% 100% ‘The schedule for the examinations is as follows: First Midterm: September 30 Second Midterm: October 28 Final Examination: November 30 All examinations are scheduled for 75 minutes except for the final examination. Early examinations are not permitted, nor can exams be taken at any place other than the scheduled room, with the exception of special accommodation students. ‘Missing exams will contribute a score of zero to the calculation of the final grade unless the absence is excused. Ifyou miss an exam, you MUST have one of the following: A) a note from a doctor proving you were too ill on the day of the exam to take it} or B) a copy of an obituary, in the unfortunate case you have to attend a funeral; or C) a note from the University proving that you were away on university-related business Grades will be assigned as follows: Below 60.00 =F 60.00 to 63.00 63.01 to 66.99 67.00 to 69.99 70.00 to 73.00 73.01 to 76.99 77.00 to 79.99 80.00 to 83.00 83.01 to 86.99 87.00 to 89.99 90.00 to 93.00 7 93.01 to 100.00 =A Please note from this scale that there will be no “rounding up” of grades. Course Outline and List of AssignmentsAugust 26-30 Introduction Political Parties, Types of Parties, and Party Systems Readings: « Schaffner, Chapter 1. Setember 2-6 Political Parties, Types of Parties, and Party Systems, Continued Social Cleavages and Party Systems ~ The Social Bases of American Politics September 9-13 © Schaffner, Chapter 2. Social Cleavages and Party Systems ~ The Social Bases of American Politics, Continued September 16-20 The American Two-Party System Readings: * Schaffner, Chapter 3, September 23-27 Realignment eptember 30 "First mid-term exam| October 4 Party Identification Readings: © Schaffner, pp. 194-201. October 7-11 Party Identification - Continued Party System Change and Realignment - ContinuedReadings: * Schaffner, Chapter 2. October 14-18 Party Organizations & Fundraising Readings: © Schaffner, Chapter 4. October 21-25 Party Organizations - Continued Party Leadership, Activists, and Récruitmont Readings: © Schaffner, Chapters 5, 6. Second Midterm October 28 November 1-8 The Electoral Structure and Voters Readings: * Schaffner, pp. 202-217. * Mayhew 1-79 November 11-15 Parties in the House © Mayhew 80-120 November 18-26 Parties in the Senate «Mayhew 121=190 Final Exam November 30 POINTS OF ACADEMIC CONDUCT 1) Late papers will not be accepted.2) Any sources used in preparing outside written work and any words or ideas taken from another source must be properly cited in the paper. Incidents of plagiarism in your papers will be reported to the university authorities. I define plagiarism in the same manner as the Student Handbook, vi Plagiarism consists of the deliberate use and appropriation of another's work without any indication of the source and the passing off of such work as the student's own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas or materials taken from another is guilty of plagiarism (p.15). 3) If they have not already done so, students who need special accommodations due to disability should get Disabled Student Services (in the Office of Student Affairs) to write me a letter setting out their requirements. 4) You are entitled to an explanation of your grade, but any further complaints should be dealt with through the university's procedures as set out in the Student Handbook. 5) Taping of seminar sessions is prohibited 6) If you have any further questions regarding academic conduct you should consult the Student Handbook.