GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

In this course, students will be introduced to the principles which undergird the American regime. This includes the major structural and operating features of the American system of government, and what legitimizes their basic rights and privileges in a representative democracy. It is essential to begin by examining first principles that are foundational to the American administrative state. These principles are set forth in the Declaration of Independence, proceeding by degrees thereafter to a consideration of the Confederation period, the Constitutional Convention, the ratification debates (The Federalist Papers), and other prominent legal events that decisively shaped the republic during its opening decades. With these foundations firmly in mind, we will then examine in greater detail the structure and history of the nation’s uniquely constituted form of government, with particular emphasis on the importance of federalism and the separation of powers. Each of the federal branches will be studied, including the operations of the federal system, and students will understand how the U.S. Constitution establishes the separation powers and how these powers are simultaneously cooperative and competitive. U.S. Constitution protects civil liberties of American citizens.

This course will provide students with a comprehensive study of the United States of America government institutions and the political process.

Students will be able to trace and identify the historical development of the U.S. Constitution. Upon completion of the course, students will:
•List important dates of the Founding era (Declaration of Independence, Constitutional Convention, Federalist Papers, Constitution ratification);
•Learn the development and significance of the Declaration, the Federalist Papers, and the Constitution by locating the arguments, as well as the development of federalism;
•Compare the principles of government developed by the Framers with pre-existing establishments of the Founding era.

Students will be able to identify how the U.S. Constitution establishes the separation of powers. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
•Compare the powers of the three branches of government as set forth in the Constitution;
•Learn the structure and functions of Congress, the judiciary, the Executive;
•Describe the checks and balances that exist among Congress, the judiciary, and the Executive.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

The course will consist of lectures, open and group discussion, and individual and group activities. Students will be required to utilize critical thinking skills to formulate arguments and analyze concepts and principles in both oral and written form. Feedback for the quizzes and midterm exams will be given in class. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of office hours should they wish to get more personalized feedback on how to improve their performance.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[対面/face to face]：Introduction

The American system of government: representative democracy, popular sovereignty, and constitutionalism

2[対面/face to face]：The American Founding I

Roots of the American constitutional debate, American Revolution, Declaration of Independence

3[対面/face to face]：The American Founding II

Confederation era and the Constitution

4[対面/face to face]：The American Founding III

Ratification of the Constitution, Federalists, and Anti-Federalists

5[対面/face to face]：Congress I

Constitutional foundations of the legislature (Article I)

6[対面/face to face]：Congress II

The legislative process, congressional ethics

7[対面/face to face]：Political Parties, Campaign and Elections

Evolution or parties, campaigns and elections, public opinion and media

8[対面/face to face]：Review and Midterm

Multiple choice and short-essays

9[対面/face to face]：Presidency I

Constitutional foundations of the Executive (Article II)

10[対面/face to face]：Presidency II

Precedent and administration, war powers

11[対面/face to face]：Federalism and the Bureaucracy

Constitutional explanation of Federalism, structure and functions of the bureaucracy, government waste

12[対面/face to face]：Judiciary

Constitutional foundations of the judiciary (Article III), the Federal court structure

13[対面/face to face]：Civil Liberties

The First Amendment, Crime and Due Process

14[対面/face to face]：Final Exam and Wrap-up

Multiple choice and short essays

Prior to class meetings, students are expected to review their notes from previous classes and do the assigned readings. Students will be assigned homework (current event preparation). Before an exam, students should review their notes. Preparatory study is four hours for each class session. Review for an exam takes a minimum of two to three hours.

None.

Reading materials are on the course website.
Wall Street Journal subscription.

Students are evaluated based on the following:

Participation in class discussions: 10%
Assignments and Quizzes: 20%
Midterm examination: 35%
Final examination: 35%

None.

Use of mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices during class is prohibited.
Students are expected to have passed Introduction to Political Science. However, this prerequisite may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background.

None.