PLSC 2203 - State and Local Government

Description
The organization and functions of state and local governments will be studied with focus on state constitution, and the executive, legislative, and executive branches. Other aspects of government and politics including political parties, interest groups, voting and elections will also be studied. Attention and study will also be given to Arkansas government, its institutions, and politics.

Pre-Requisite
NONE

3 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 lecture hours

3 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Spring

ACTS Equivalent
PLSC2103 (ACTS) - State and Local Government

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

Explain the relation between national, state, and local government in the United States.
Understand the historical evolution of state and local government.
Analyze the structure and function of state and local government.
Differentiate the different branches of state and local government.
Evaluate the policy process for state and local government.
Understand different state and local policy sectors.
Identify different types of city government.

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students gain critical thinking skills in this class.

Standard Practices
Topics list

Politics in States and Communities
Democracy and Constitutionalism in the States
States, Communities, and American Federalism
Participation in State Politics
Legislators in State Politics
Governors in State Politics
Bureaucratic Politics in States and Communities
Courts, Crime, and Correctional Policy
Governors in State Politics
Bureaucratic Politics in States and Communities
Conflict within City Politics
Community Power, Land Use, and the Environment
The Politics of Taxation and Finance
Politics and Civil Rights
The Politics of Education
The Politics of Poverty, Welfare and Health

Learning activities

Assessments

Grading guidelines