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The US Congress and Interest Groups
Spring 2009
Access to the Internet is required for this class.
Text:
No textbook is required. Reading assignments will be web based.
Description:
Topics in American Government is a seminar class. Students will be given weekly reading or research assignments and will be expected to actively participate in class discussions. Topics will change each semester. A student may take one or both semesters. To receive high school credit for American Government students will need to take both The Presidency and Politics & the US Congress and Interest Groups.
This course will examine, through research, analysis, and discussion, the framework of the Constitution and how it applies to the Congress. Areas to be studied include the structure and procedures within Congress, primary responsibility of Congress-lawmaking, other responsibilities, and the powers of Congress.
Interest groups have a powerful influence on Congress and state legislatures. This course will examine various types of special interest groups and their role in the legislative process.
Goals:
- To understand the functions and powers of the US Congress and the Texas Legislature
- Make students aware that it is their responsibility, as a good citizen, to monitor their government leaders
- To encourage students to take an active role in their government.
Requirements:
- Come to class prepared. You will be expected to have read each week’s assignment before class and be prepared to intelligently discuss the material.
- Class discussion is essential to this course. Student participation will be a determining factor in a student’s final grade. Please feel free to interrupt a lecture to ask questions and to interject personal observations and opinions. If you do not agree with me or other students, say so in a polite way and express your point of contention. Be assured that your viewpoint will not have a negative affect on your grade.
- Assignments are given in advanced and should be turned in on time.
- Attendance is expected at every class. This course covers a lot of material in a short span of time. Some assignments are group projects, which means other students are depending on you to contribute your share of the work. You cannot keep up with consistent absences. If you must miss a class please notify me ahead of time when possible. Missed work is due when you return as well as the assignment due on the day you return.
- This class focuses on discussion, entertaining a variety of viewpoints. It is imperative that all students listen and discuss in a courteous manner. I will not tolerate insulting, rude or otherwise abusive language.
Resources:
- The Internet
- Podium Power Government User Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/governement_topics. Students will need to go to this site and request permission to join. Membership is open only to Podium Power students and parents.
Evaluation: Students will be graded on the following:
- Class participation (class discussion & web posts)
- Tests
- Oral reports
- Formulate and write a bill; vote on it in committee
- Research a bill in the Texas legislature, prepare information packets on the bill for legislators, and lobby legislators on the bill.
- Written papers
Field Trips:
- Texas State Capitol to lobby the Texas Legislature
Schedule:
Will be given to students on the first class day.
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