Politics has been described as who gets what, when, and why.  This course focuses on the American process of determining who gets what, when, and why.  Are we democratic?  What is democracy?  How can 270 million people make decisions together?  The course will look at the formal institutional process -- Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court -- as well as the subtle forms of influence that characterize the national bureaucracy, including campaigning, PACS, political consultants, mass media.  Throughout, we will attempt to identify the underlying value choices we make, as a society, and as individual citizens.

Why study American politics?  Quite simply, it affects and shapes your options in life.  Power and control are central concerns.  The better we as citizens understand politics, the more control we retain over our lives and our society.  Empowerment can only come from knowledge.

Study Guides and Exam Resources

http://www.wwnorton.com/college/polisci/lowi/lowi10/
Class Powerpoints:  Ch1   Ch2   Ch3   Ch4   Ch5   Ch6   Ch7   Ch8   Ch9   Ch10   Ch11   Ch12   Ch13   Ch14   California

Election 2008 Resources

The Democratic National Convention (includes streaming video of all speeches)
The Republican National Convention (includes streaming video of all speeches)
Indecision 2008 (The Daily Show)

Other Resources

Articles of Confederation
U.S. Constitution
Articles and Constitution Compared
Powers of the Congress, the President, and the Courts
Learning Resource Center

Additional Resources of Interest to Political Scientists

Federal Government Offices and Agencies

FedWorld (US Gov Web Directory)
Directory (Commercial)

Federal Statutes and Regulations

Federal Law Resources (Technical)
United States Code (Searchable Code of Federal Statutes)
US Code of Federal Regulations (Searchable)

Academic Policy and Politics Resources

American Political Science Association (APSA)
International Political Science Resources

Political Science Resources and Departments (Directories)

Poly-Cy (Cal Poly) Directory of Resources
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs (NASPAA)

The Presidential Election

CNN's Election Coverage 2008
CNN's Election Coverage 2004
CNN's Election Coverage 2000

Issue Areas

Facts on Congress
Odd Facts of Federal Elected Officials (Salaries, Names, Histories, etc.)
Federal Government and Resources
State Government Resources