1

Touro College School for Lifelong Education

4421 13th Avenue Brooklyn New York 11219

Phone (718) 871-6187 Fax (718) 437-6638

LEARNING CONTRACT

Semester Fall ________ Spring ________ Summer ________

Status Part Time ___ Full Time ___

Name of Student ______________________________________________________________

Social Security Number _______-_____-_________ Center _______________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________________ State _________ Zip____________ Telephone No Home (_____)________________ Business (_____)_____________________ Cell Phone No ___________________________ E-mail _____________________________ Catalog No LPL 101 ` Course Title American Politics Mentor Jonathan M Meyer JD Level Introductory Credits 3 Telephone No (646) 591-9312 Email jonathanesqoptonlinenet Enterprise7027optonlinenet

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will examine the historical foundations of the American government and political

system the strengths and weaknesses of the two-party system as well as the constitutional basis

and development of the state and federal systems the separation of powers amp delineated

functions of the different branches of government as well as substantive and procedural due

process rights attaching to the individual

Signatures Student_______________________________________________Date_____________________

Mentor_______________________________________________Date_____________________

DeanRepresentative ____________________________________Date_____________________

Semester Ends ____________________

Name of Student__________________________________________________

2

Catalog No LPL 101 Course Title American Politics

1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES 2 OUTCOMES

At the conclusion of this course

the student will demonstrate that he understands can outline discuss and explain

The meaning of the terms ldquoConstitutionalrsquo

ldquoRepublicanrdquo and ldquoDemocraticrdquo as these terms

apply to the American political system

The development of the US Government

particularly in relation to the United States

Constitution

The respective rights and responsibilities of the

state and federal governments as set forth in the

Constitution

The history and development of civil rights the

general development of both substantive due

process amp procedural due process (Application

to the federal structure to remedy local

parochialism ie the federal judicial system)

The law-making process within the Federal

System (the functions of a bicameral legislature

and the role of the executive in the lawmaking

process)

The powers rights responsibilities and

limitations on the executive branch both

express and implied

The role of the party in the American electoral

system The two-party system

Final Grade

COMMENTS (Including commendations and recommendations for improvement)

Mentorrsquos Signature Date

3

3 COURSE INSTITUTIONAL GOALS

1 To foster an appreciation of scholarship and enhance research skills in social sciences and

government

2 To further professional and pre-professional career interests of students in the fields of

law and government

3 (a) To develop critical reading and listening skills

(b) To develop studentsrsquo critical reasoning skills

4 (a) To foster analytical and qualitative thinking

(b) To develop studentsrsquo abilities to solve problems and interpret data

5 To promote a sensitivity to ethical issues and to promote moral reasoning

6 To prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively in written form

7 To prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively in spoken form

8 To foster studentsrsquo abilities to access and evaluate information objectively and

effectively

4 LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The student will

1 Meet with the mentor a minimum of five times as per schedule

2 Complete all reading and written assignments as directed by mentor

3 Orally report to the mentor on materials assigned to the student based upon a

memo organizational outline which the instructor shall teach to the student

4 Seek assistance from the mentor whenever necessary

Students should expect approximately nine hours of work per week for a three credit course This

includes face-to-face meetings with the mentor consulting with same over the telephone time

spent reading the text and briefing the materials time engaged in researching and completing the

required essays

The professor will keep a record of assignments and post-students progress accordingly in the

student record forms

4

5 MEMOS COURSE CONTENT AND ASSIGNMENTS

Memos

Each Memorandum shall consist of

1 Conclusion

2 Issue (the questions presented)

3 Discussion and analysis which synthesizes the materials read which resolves the issue

and is a basis for your conclusion

4 Conclusion

In short each Memorandum shall begin with your conclusion as an opening statement and

conclude with the identical statement

Further your writing should be clear and precise You must define your terminology There are

simple methods for doing this which I will show you during our meetings

Course content

During the semester you will complete five modules and a final examination The

modules consist of reading assignments and written memoranda which you should be

prepared to discuss and report upon orally during your mentoring sessions

Required Text American Government Power and Purpose (Brief 13th Ed) Lowi

Theodore J Ginsburg Benjamin Shepsle Kenneth A Ansolabehere

Stephen W W Norton amp Company 2014

ISBN978-0-393-92246-2

Assignments

Submission of modules

Modules should be submitted online electronically Further such briefings shall provide a basis

for oral presentations during meetings with the mentor

5

6 MODULES

Module 1

Read Chapters 1-3 in the text See (httpplatostanfordeduentrieslocke-political) See

(httpwwwconstitutionorgfedfedera68htm)

1a Our Government System our government is constitutional republican and democratic

Explain what each of these terms means within the structure of our government In terms of

definition are these terms mutually exclusive or inherently contradictory Further while

juxtaposing the concepts of participatory democracy and republicanism have we resolved the

question of the dichotomy between freedom and order establishing the most effective form of

government while simultaneously insuring individual rights See generally

(httpusgovinfoaboutcomlibraryfedblfedindex)

1b History of our government provide a detailed explanation of the historical development of

our governmental system Your answer should include

a description of the transition from the articles of Confederation to the US Constitution

An explanation of the underlying mechanisms by which the US Constitution both

structures and limits the three branches of government (concentrate upon checks and

balances separation of powers and the courts as the ultimate arbitrators of the law)

Module 2

Read chapters 3 and 4 in the text The Youngstown Steel Case

(httpcaselawlpfindlawcomscriptsgetcaseplcourt=USampvol=343ampinvol=579) and

McCulloch v Maryland (httpwwwlawcornelledusupremecourttext17316)

2aWe have a federal form of government Explain what that means including the role of

separation of powers in our system and the tension between rights of the states versus federal

government

2b Civil Rights - what are our civil rights What is the relationship between the development of

due process rights (both procedural and substantive) and the development of civil rights Is the

unequal application of the law a violation of civil rights Or alternatively is a statute which

discriminates on its face (between suspect classifications of individuals) unconstitutional

Please discuss current controversies involving civil rights and the key principles underlying the

development of civil rights in the United States

3

3 COURSE INSTITUTIONAL GOALS

1 To foster an appreciation of scholarship and enhance research skills in social sciences and

government

2 To further professional and pre-professional career interests of students in the fields of

law and government

3 (a) To develop critical reading and listening skills

(b) To develop studentsrsquo critical reasoning skills

4 (a) To foster analytical and qualitative thinking

(b) To develop studentsrsquo abilities to solve problems and interpret data

5 To promote a sensitivity to ethical issues and to promote moral reasoning

6 To prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively in written form

7 To prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively in spoken form

8 To foster studentsrsquo abilities to access and evaluate information objectively and

effectively

4 LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The student will

1 Meet with the mentor a minimum of five times as per schedule

2 Complete all reading and written assignments as directed by mentor

3 Orally report to the mentor on materials assigned to the student based upon a

memo organizational outline which the instructor shall teach to the student

4 Seek assistance from the mentor whenever necessary

Students should expect approximately nine hours of work per week for a three credit course This

includes face-to-face meetings with the mentor consulting with same over the telephone time

spent reading the text and briefing the materials time engaged in researching and completing the

required essays

The professor will keep a record of assignments and post-students progress accordingly in the

student record forms

4

5 MEMOS COURSE CONTENT AND ASSIGNMENTS

Memos

Each Memorandum shall consist of

1 Conclusion

2 Issue (the questions presented)

3 Discussion and analysis which synthesizes the materials read which resolves the issue

and is a basis for your conclusion

4 Conclusion

In short each Memorandum shall begin with your conclusion as an opening statement and

conclude with the identical statement

Further your writing should be clear and precise You must define your terminology There are

simple methods for doing this which I will show you during our meetings

Course content

During the semester you will complete five modules and a final examination The

modules consist of reading assignments and written memoranda which you should be

prepared to discuss and report upon orally during your mentoring sessions

Required Text American Government Power and Purpose (Brief 13th Ed) Lowi

Theodore J Ginsburg Benjamin Shepsle Kenneth A Ansolabehere

Stephen W W Norton amp Company 2014

ISBN978-0-393-92246-2

Assignments

Submission of modules

Modules should be submitted online electronically Further such briefings shall provide a basis

for oral presentations during meetings with the mentor

5

6 MODULES

Module 1

Read Chapters 1-3 in the text See (httpplatostanfordeduentrieslocke-political) See

(httpwwwconstitutionorgfedfedera68htm)

1a Our Government System our government is constitutional republican and democratic

Explain what each of these terms means within the structure of our government In terms of

definition are these terms mutually exclusive or inherently contradictory Further while

juxtaposing the concepts of participatory democracy and republicanism have we resolved the

question of the dichotomy between freedom and order establishing the most effective form of

government while simultaneously insuring individual rights See generally

(httpusgovinfoaboutcomlibraryfedblfedindex)

1b History of our government provide a detailed explanation of the historical development of

our governmental system Your answer should include

a description of the transition from the articles of Confederation to the US Constitution

An explanation of the underlying mechanisms by which the US Constitution both

structures and limits the three branches of government (concentrate upon checks and

balances separation of powers and the courts as the ultimate arbitrators of the law)

Module 2

Read chapters 3 and 4 in the text The Youngstown Steel Case

(httpcaselawlpfindlawcomscriptsgetcaseplcourt=USampvol=343ampinvol=579) and

McCulloch v Maryland (httpwwwlawcornelledusupremecourttext17316)

2aWe have a federal form of government Explain what that means including the role of

separation of powers in our system and the tension between rights of the states versus federal

government

2b Civil Rights - what are our civil rights What is the relationship between the development of

due process rights (both procedural and substantive) and the development of civil rights Is the

unequal application of the law a violation of civil rights Or alternatively is a statute which

discriminates on its face (between suspect classifications of individuals) unconstitutional

Please discuss current controversies involving civil rights and the key principles underlying the

development of civil rights in the United States

4

5 MEMOS COURSE CONTENT AND ASSIGNMENTS

Memos

Each Memorandum shall consist of

1 Conclusion

2 Issue (the questions presented)

3 Discussion and analysis which synthesizes the materials read which resolves the issue

and is a basis for your conclusion

4 Conclusion

In short each Memorandum shall begin with your conclusion as an opening statement and

conclude with the identical statement

Further your writing should be clear and precise You must define your terminology There are

simple methods for doing this which I will show you during our meetings

Course content

During the semester you will complete five modules and a final examination The

modules consist of reading assignments and written memoranda which you should be

prepared to discuss and report upon orally during your mentoring sessions

Required Text American Government Power and Purpose (Brief 13th Ed) Lowi

Theodore J Ginsburg Benjamin Shepsle Kenneth A Ansolabehere

Stephen W W Norton amp Company 2014

ISBN978-0-393-92246-2

Assignments

Submission of modules

Modules should be submitted online electronically Further such briefings shall provide a basis

for oral presentations during meetings with the mentor

5

6 MODULES

Module 1

Read Chapters 1-3 in the text See (httpplatostanfordeduentrieslocke-political) See

(httpwwwconstitutionorgfedfedera68htm)

1a Our Government System our government is constitutional republican and democratic

Explain what each of these terms means within the structure of our government In terms of

definition are these terms mutually exclusive or inherently contradictory Further while

juxtaposing the concepts of participatory democracy and republicanism have we resolved the

question of the dichotomy between freedom and order establishing the most effective form of

government while simultaneously insuring individual rights See generally

(httpusgovinfoaboutcomlibraryfedblfedindex)

1b History of our government provide a detailed explanation of the historical development of

our governmental system Your answer should include

a description of the transition from the articles of Confederation to the US Constitution

An explanation of the underlying mechanisms by which the US Constitution both

structures and limits the three branches of government (concentrate upon checks and

balances separation of powers and the courts as the ultimate arbitrators of the law)

Module 2

Read chapters 3 and 4 in the text The Youngstown Steel Case

(httpcaselawlpfindlawcomscriptsgetcaseplcourt=USampvol=343ampinvol=579) and

McCulloch v Maryland (httpwwwlawcornelledusupremecourttext17316)

2aWe have a federal form of government Explain what that means including the role of

separation of powers in our system and the tension between rights of the states versus federal

government

2b Civil Rights - what are our civil rights What is the relationship between the development of

due process rights (both procedural and substantive) and the development of civil rights Is the

unequal application of the law a violation of civil rights Or alternatively is a statute which

discriminates on its face (between suspect classifications of individuals) unconstitutional

Please discuss current controversies involving civil rights and the key principles underlying the

development of civil rights in the United States

5

6 MODULES

Module 1

Read Chapters 1-3 in the text See (httpplatostanfordeduentrieslocke-political) See

(httpwwwconstitutionorgfedfedera68htm)

1a Our Government System our government is constitutional republican and democratic

Explain what each of these terms means within the structure of our government In terms of

definition are these terms mutually exclusive or inherently contradictory Further while

juxtaposing the concepts of participatory democracy and republicanism have we resolved the

question of the dichotomy between freedom and order establishing the most effective form of

government while simultaneously insuring individual rights See generally

(httpusgovinfoaboutcomlibraryfedblfedindex)

1b History of our government provide a detailed explanation of the historical development of

our governmental system Your answer should include

a description of the transition from the articles of Confederation to the US Constitution

An explanation of the underlying mechanisms by which the US Constitution both

structures and limits the three branches of government (concentrate upon checks and

balances separation of powers and the courts as the ultimate arbitrators of the law)

Module 2

Read chapters 3 and 4 in the text The Youngstown Steel Case

(httpcaselawlpfindlawcomscriptsgetcaseplcourt=USampvol=343ampinvol=579) and

McCulloch v Maryland (httpwwwlawcornelledusupremecourttext17316)

2aWe have a federal form of government Explain what that means including the role of

separation of powers in our system and the tension between rights of the states versus federal

government

2b Civil Rights - what are our civil rights What is the relationship between the development of

due process rights (both procedural and substantive) and the development of civil rights Is the

unequal application of the law a violation of civil rights Or alternatively is a statute which

discriminates on its face (between suspect classifications of individuals) unconstitutional

Please discuss current controversies involving civil rights and the key principles underlying the

development of civil rights in the United States

6

Module 3

Read chapters 5 and 6 in the text

3a Enacting a law what is the process by which a federal law is made What are the respective

roles of our federal institutions in such process

3b The Presidency What are the specific powers of the President the implied and express and

what are the limits of Presidential powers As applied to the Presidents exercise of power both

domestically and in the conduct of US foreign affairs how and by what means have the

powers exercised by the President changed What is the role of congressional delegation in

relation to Presidential power How is Presidential power augmented by such delegation

Module 4

Read chapters 7 and 9 in the text and See Marbury v Madison

(httpwwwlawcornelledusupcthtmlhistoricsUSSC_CR_0005_0137_ZOhtml)

4a The Executive Branch of Government How are the powers of the executive branch structured

and what are the legitimate domains for the exercise of such powers

4b The Federal Courts What is the function of judicial review within the United States

Identify some early cases defining the roles of the various branches of government as well as the

function of the judiciary)

Kindly discuss the relationship between the respective roles of the government and the judiciary

as the final arbitrator of the law

7

Module 5

Read chapters 10 11 12 and 13 in the text

5a Elections in America What are the respective roles of political parties the media and

interest groups in the electoral process

5b The public v The private sector What are the major differences between the public and

private sectors Explain the function of public policy in articulating and achieving both domestic

and foreign objectives

7 FINAL EVALUATION

The student will be evaluated on

Each module and ensuing discussions with the mentor shall be evaluated as 15 of the total

grade The remaining 25 of the final grade shall be determined by a final examination

7 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In addition to the text set forth above the mentor reserves the right to supplement additional

reading materials at the start of the first module and continuing thereafter