POL6612 STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
3 credit hours
Student Level:
This course is open to students on the college level in either Freshman or Sophomore year.
Catalog Description:
POL6612 - State and Local Government (3 hrs.)
A general study of the development, structure, and function of state, county, and municipal governments. Within the scope of this course is a study of the concepts of federalism and constitutionalism, public participation in government, the legislative, executive and the judiciary branches of State government, and the structure and functions of local governments. Of particular importance is the study of specific problems with which state and local governments must be concerned: finances, crime, ecological concerns, education, welfare, and housing. Although this course is general in nature, Kansas government and politics is emphasized.
KRSN: POL2020
Course Classification:
Lecture
Prerequisites:
None
Controlling Purpose:
This course is designed to help the student understand State & Local Government: Study of nature, composition, and functions of the municipal county, state, and other grass roots level governments their place in a federal system and how they operate to include the officials that exist in such systems.
Learner Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will have a clearer understanding of state and local governments. Students will be able to take the outcomes and apply them through public service work.
Core Outcomes:
The learning outcomes and competencies detailed in this course outline or syllabus meet or exceed the learning outcomes and competencies specified by the Kansas Core Outcomes Groups project for this course as approved by the Kansas Board of Regents.
Learner Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze the Constitutional relationships between federalism and state governments, describe the policymaking mechanics and functions performed at the state and local government, assess the provision, implementation, and evaluation of services to the public, and understand the means of political participation.
Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation:
The following outline defines the minimum core content, not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.
UNIT 1: THE CONSTITUTIONAL BASIS OF STATE GOVERNMENT
Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to analyze the complex relations of state and local institutions within the U.S. Constitutional systems of federalism and separation of powers.
- Analyze the roles, powers, and relationships between state and federal government.
- Discuss Constitutional restrictions on state powers, reserved powers, and separation of powers.
- Discuss the creation of state constitutions.
UNIT 2: THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS & POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to discuss the democratic process and political participation and evaluate the ways in which local and state officials are elected or appointed.
- Analyze the organization, platforms, membership, and financing of political parties.
- Discuss campaigns, campaign finance, and voting requirements.
- Explain the various forms of political participation available at the state and local levels.
UNIT 3: THE THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to analyze the roles, powers, and relationships among the 3 branches of government (legislative/judicial/executive).
- Identify and define the powers, responsibilities, roles, and limitations of state governors, legislatures, and state judiciaries.
- Discuss the selection and retainment of judges and justices, the jury system, and types of decisions courts can render.
UNIT 4: FUNCTIONS, SERVICES, & POLICY MAKING
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to describe policymaking mechanics and functions at the state and local government levels, and assess the provision, implementation, and evaluation of services to the public, including how administration is affected by the balance of power between state and local governments.
UNIT 5: STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIPS
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to define the roles, powers, and responsibilities of state and local governments, and contrast their scope, boundaries of authority, and possibilities for citizen participation.
UNIT 6: BUDGETS, TAXING, & SPENDING
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to discuss budgets, taxing, and spending at the state and local level.
- Identify sources of state and local revenue.
- Analyze how taxes and tax policies are established.
- Analyze the creation and management of budgets.
- Discuss the public’s role in developing spending bills and tax policies.
Textbook:
Contact Bookstore for current textbook.
Materials/Equipment Required:
None
Attendance Policy:
Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Grading Policy:
The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.
Maximum class size:
Based on classroom occupancy
Course Time Frame:
The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission, and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching, and assessing the educational aspects of the college. A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time. The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.
Refer to the following policies on the Cowley Policies and Procedures webpage:
402.00 - Academic Code of Conduct
263.00 - Student Appeal of Course Grades
403.00 - Student Code of Conduct
Accessibility Services Program:
Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, accommodates all students with a documented disability. If a student has a disability that will impact their ability to be successful in this course, please contact the Student Accessibility Coordinator for the needed accommodations.
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.
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