POLS 601 State and Local Government

Semester: Fall 2009

Section: 01

Class Time: Monday 7:00-9:50pm

Classroom: Butte Hall 706

Syllabus: http://www.csuchico.edu/~ccturner/syllabi/statelocalfall09.html

Instructor: Dr. Charles C. Turner

Email: ccturner@csuchico.edu

Phone: (530)898-6506 (office)

Office: 741A Butte Hall

Office Hours: Monday 3-7pm (and by request)

Scope and Purpose

This graduate seminar explores both the theory and practice of sub-national government. We will begin with an examination of California’s role in the nation, then explore three broad themes over the course of the semester: federalism and design; institutions and processes; and problems, policies, and solutions. In each theme we will study both academic and professional approaches to explaining state and local government.

The format of the class will emphasize and encourage student involvement. Most weeks will consist of a short lecture by the instructor, presentation of one or more additional reading reports, and discussion and critique of the week's readings. Discussion questions will be generated through short writing assignments. You should expect to come to class each week having completed the assigned reading and prepared to discuss its merits and the questions it raises.

I assume that you are all familiar with some of the nuts and bolts of state and local government--the textbook kind of material that you might read in an undergraduate class. If you would like to brush up on some of this material, just let me know. I am happy to recommend some good textbooks.

We will be discussing a wide range of issues in this class. Sometimes you will have questions: feel free to ask them. Sometimes you will disagree with a classmate. Sometimes you will disagree with me. That's okay! The political process is about deliberation and reasonable people often disagree.

 

Course Readings

There are eight books required for this class. That is a lot and books are expensive. Current books featuring contemporary research in the field are also the key to graduate education. I recommend that you find a “book buddy” and cut your costs in half. Libraries, electronic texts, Amazon, used, etc. are all good options. The following books are required for the course and are available at the Associated Students Bookstore (underlined title is a link to the book’s web page--you are welcome to purchase the book from whatever source you like):

 

Bonneau, Chris W., and Melinda Gann Hall. 2009. In Defense of Judicial Elections. New York: Routledge. 978-0-415-99133-9.

 

Florida, Richard. 2005. Cities and the Creative Class. New York: Routledge. 978-0-415-94887-6.

 

Miller, Lisa L. 2008. The Perils of Federalism: Race, Poverty, and the Politics of Crime Control. New York: Oxford: New York University Press. 978-0-19-533168-4.

 

Pinello, Daniel R. 2006. America’s Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage. New York: Cambridge University Press. 978-0-52161-3033.

 

Rose, Melody. 2007. Safe, Legal, and Unavailable? Abortion Politics in the United States. Washington, DC: CQ Press. 978-1-933116-89-1.

 

Rosenthal, Alan. 2009. Engines of Democracy: Politics & Policymaking in State Legislatures. Washington, DC: CQ Press. 978-0-87289-459-4.

 

Samish, Arthur H., and Bob Thomas. 1971. The Secret Boss of California: The Life and High Times of Art Samish. New York: Crown Publishers.

 

Schrag, Peter. 2008. California: America’s High-Stakes Experiment. Berkeley: University of California Press. 978-0-52025-4053.

 

These books will be supplemented with readings from other sources. These additional readings are available on the internet (see below). You will need to access this syllabus and/or the Vista site on the web on a regular basis in order to complete the readings and other class assignments.

Course Requirements and Grading

For the University grading guidelines, consult the University Catalog.

 

Your grade for the course will be based on the following:

These are the outcomes:

weekly précis

100 pts.

25%

formal book review

60 pts.

15%

research paper

200 pts.

50%

participation

40 pts.

10%

 

400 pts.

100%

 

 

A 

372-400 pts.

93-100%

A-

360-372

90-92%

B+

352-359

88-89%

B 

332-351

83-87%

B-

320-331

80-82%

C+

312-319

78-79%

C 

280-311

70-77%

F 

0-279 pts.

69% and below

 

Weekly Précis: On each of five weeks over the course of the semester (beginning September 14th at the earliest) you should come to class with a 2 page (typed, double spaced) précis of the week's assigned reading. The précis should succinctly summarize the main points of the reading, critique the strengths and weaknesses of the author's argument(s), and raise questions for class discussion (these questions will be used to form part of the class discussion of that reading). Your first one should include a printed and signed copy of Chico State's Policy on Academic Integrity. Sign it to indicate that you understand what plagiarism is, staple these two things together and bring them to class. These are worth 20 points each for a total of 100 points. Only the first two pages will be read.

Formal Book Review: On September 14th you will sign up for an additional reading for your book review. You will be responsible for writing a thorough review (about 4-5 pages) of the reading you select, due the day we discuss that topic. Your review should thoroughly describe the form and content of the author's argument, assess and critique the book’s strengths and weaknesses within the context of its contribution to our understanding of state/local government, assess and critique the book’s organization and method, and discuss appropriate audiences for the book. You are responsible for bringing enough copies of the review for distribution to the entire class and two copies for the professor (preferably double-sided). You are also responsible for leading a brief discussion (about 5 minutes) on that topic during class and for helping guide the discussion of the evening’s reading. Since your book might not be readily available at Meriam Library (meaning that you might need to use inter-library loan), you need to get started on this early.

Research Paper: On December 7th you will turn in a research paper (about 15-20 pages) that investigates a topic of interest in state or local government. We will discuss how to select a topic and design a research paper in class and you need to have your topic approved by the instructor. Your bibliography must include at least 8 academic sources, including at least 3 articles from scholarly journals.

Participation: Class attendance and participation are vital elements of a graduate seminar. You should come to each class prepared to discuss the week's readings. We will be learning a lot through active participation in discussions--working though our ideas and interpretations out loud, with our classmates. I will call on you to answer questions if I have to, but would prefer that you all participate voluntarily. I'm not expecting "right" answers--sometimes there isn't a right answer; I am expecting thoughtful and intelligent answers that demonstrate you have done the reading and are paying attention.

Other Details

You must make arrangements with the instructor ahead of time if you cannot attend a class session or complete an assignment on time. Late assignments will be assessed a full one letter grade penalty (10%) for each class period they are late. Students are expected to complete their own work. Academic dishonesty will result in a zero on the assignment and formal charges with Student Judicial Affairs. For questions or concerns about plagiarism, please ask me or consult the University Catalog's section on Academic Honesty and the University's Policy on Academic Integrity. The instructor reserves the right to check papers via Turnitn.com. (If you object to the use of turnitin.com, you are welcome to choose an alternative recommended by turnitin: “turn in a photocopy of the first page of all reference sources used, an annotated bibliography, and a one page paper reflecting on your research methodology.”) If you are unhappy with a grade you receive on an assignment, do not understand my comments, or believe that I have mis-interpreted your writing, come talk to me. It is always possible that I have erred. This syllabus is subject to change and/or revision during the academic term. Turn off cell phones and other distracting devices during class. Do not text. If your cell phone rings during class you will be expected to leave the classroom for the remainder of the period.

 

If you have a documented disability that may require reasonable accommodation, please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) for coordination of your academic accommodations. DSS is located in Room 170 of the Student Services Center. The DSS phone number is 898-5959 V/TDD or Fax 898-4411. Visit the DSS Web site at http://www.csuchico.edu/dss/

Since even graduate students are not perfect writers  , you are encouraged to take advantage of Chico State's Student Learning Center. Indeed, there are many writing assignments, so you should look at this class as an opportunity to enhance your writing skills. Writing well is a lifelong learning process, so don't feel like you have to be a "bad" writer to take advantage of student writing services, or that there is no need for help once you are a "good" writer. There is always room for improvement! Also, if you do not already own one, a writing guide/manual is an invaluable tool. Our library has several print examples and several web sites that provide citation guides. Some good print examples are:

Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. Sixth Edition, St. Martin's Press. 2007.

Lunsford, Andrea, and Robert Connors. EasyWriter: A Pocket Guide. Third Edition, Bedford/St.Martin's Press. 2006.

Scott, Gregory M., and Stephen M. Garrison. The Political Science Student Writer's Manual. 6th ed., Pearson. 2008.

Strunk, William, Jr. Elements of Style.

Semester Schedule

Readings should be completed before each class meeting.

Month

Day

Topics

Readings

Additional Readings (for book reviews)

August

24

Welcome and Introductions

None. We will discuss the syllabus in class.

 

 

 

31

California: A Noble Past (or not)

Samish

California Constitution

·     Peter Schrag. Paradise Lost: California's Experience, America's Future.

·     Richard Edward DeLeon, Left Coast City: Progressive Politics in San Francisco, 1975-1991.

·     Gladwin Hill, Dancing Bear: An Inside Look at California Politics.

September

7

No class—Labor Day holiday.

None

 

 

14

California: The Present and Future

Schrag

·     Keith O. Boyum, Phillip L. Gianos, and Alan L. Saltzstein, eds., California Government in National Perspective.

·     Mark Baldassare. A California State of Mind: The Conflicted Voter in a Changing World.

·     Bryan O. Jackson and Michael B. Preston, Racial and Ethnic Politics in California.

 

21

Federalism and Design: The Dangers of Doing it Wrong

Miller

 

(Vista) Malcolm E. Jewell, "The Neglected World of State Politics." 1982. Journal of Politics, 44(3): 638-657.

·     G. Ross Stephens and Nelson Wikstrom, American Intergovernmental Relations.

·     Virginia Gray and Russell L. Hanson, Politics in the American States: A Comparative Analysis.

·     Daniel J. Elazar, American Federalism: A View from the States.

·     Thomas Dye, American Federalism.

 

28

Federalism and Design: The Opportunity for Success

Florida

·     Richard Florida. The Rise of the Creative Class.

·     Donald Kettl, System Under Stress: Homeland Security and American Politics.

·     Paul E. Peterson, The Price of Federalism.

·  Matthew J. Burbank, Gregory D. Andranovich, and Charles H. Heying. Olympic Dreams: The Impact of Mega-Events on Local Politics.

·  Rufus P. Browning, Dale Rogers Marshall, and David H. Tabb, eds., Racial Politics in American Cities.

·  David Osborne and Ted Gaebler, Reinventing Government.

October

5

Institutions and Processes: The Legislature

Rosenthal, chapters 1-6

·        Thad Kousser. Term Limits and the Dismantling of State Legislative Professionalism.

·        Alan Rosenthal. Heavy Lifting: The Job of the American Legislature.

·        Alan Rosenthal. The Decline of Representative Democracy.

·        John M. Carey, Richard G. Neimi, and Lynda W. Powell. Term Limits in the State Legislatures.

·        Carl E. Van Horn, The State of the States, 3rd ed.

 

12

Institutions and Processes: Legislative & Executive Relations

Rosenthal, chapters 7-12

·        Ralph G. Wright. Inside the Statehouse.

·        Alan Rosenthal, The Third House: Lobbyists and Lobbying in the States.

·        Ester Fuchs, Mayors and Money.

·        Elisabeth S. Clemens, The People's Lobby: Organizational Innovation and the Rise of Interest Group Politics in the United States, 1890-1925.

·        Jacob Lentz. Electing Jesse Ventura: A Third-Party Success Story.

 

19

Institutions and Processes: The Judiciary

Bonneau & Hall

·         Milton Kotler, Neighborhood Government.

·         J. Cherie Strachan, High-Tech Grass Roots: The Professionalization of Local Elections.

·         Beth A. Rosenson, The Shadowlands of Conduct: Ethics and State Politics.

·         Malcolm E. Jewell and Sarah M. Morehouse. Political Parties and Elections in the American States.

 

26

Institutions and Processes: Local Structures

Charter of the City of Chico

 

(Vista) Chi Choi, Charles C. Turner, and Craig Volden. “Means, Motive, and Opportunity: Politics, Community Needs, and Community Oriented Policing Services Grants.”  2002. American Politics Research, 30(4): 423-455.

·         Bernard H. Ross and Myron A. Levine. Urban Politics: Power in Metropolitan America.

·         Paul E. Peterson, City Limits.

·         Peter F. Burns, Electoral Politics Is Not Enough.

·         Mark Sidel, The Urban Voter.

·         Robert H. Nelson, Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government.

·         Clarence Stone, Regime Politics.

November

2

Problems, Policies, and Solutions: Political Culture and Abortion Politics

Rose

·        Richard J. Ellis. Democratic Delusions: The Initiative Process in America.

·        Daniel A. Smith and Caroline J. Tolbert, Educated by Initiative.

·        Frank Bryan and John McClaughry, The Vermont Papers: Recreating Democracy on a Human Scale.

·        Larry J. Sabato, Howard R. Ernst, and Bruce A. Larson, eds., Dangerous Democracy? The Battle Over Ballot Initiatives in America.

·        David D. Schmidt, Citizen Lawmakers.

 

9

Problems, Policies, and Solutions: The Future of Same-Sex Marriage

Pinello

·        Thomas Frank. What’s the Matter With Kansas?

·        James R. Bowers and Wilbur C. Rich, eds., Governing Middle-Sized Cities: Studies in Mayoral Leadership.

·        Thad Beyle, Governors and Hard Times.

·        Buzz Bissenger, A Prayer for the City.

·        William L. Riordon, Plunkitt of Tammany Hall.

 

16

State and Local Politics in Film: Milk

Read about Harvey Milk

·        Kathryn McDermott, Controlling Public Education.

·        Melissa M. Deckman, School Board Battles.

·        Brad A. Bays and Erin Hogan Fouberg, eds., The Tribes and the States: Geographies of Intergovernmental Interaction.

·        Steven P. Erie, Rainbow's End: Irish-Americans and the Dilemmas of Urban Machine Politics, 1840-1985.

 

23

No class—Thanksgiving holiday.

None.

 

 

30

Class Presentations I

None.

 

December

7

Class Presentations II

None.

 

 

14

Culminating Activity: All the King’s Men

Read about Huey Long.

·         Robert Penn Warren, All the King's Men.

·         Joseph H. Lane, Jr., "The Stark Regime and American Democracy: A Political Interpretation of Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men." 2001. American Political Science Review. 95(4): 811-828.

·         Frank Norris, The Octopus.

·         Edwin O'Connor, The Last Hurrah.

 

Some Sources for Information on State and Local Government

California Specific Sites

http://www.rtumble.com/--Rough&Tumble.

Welcome to California --official California home page.

http://130.166.124.2/capage1.html --digital atlas of California.

http://www.chicoer.com/ --the Chico Enterprise-Record.

http://www.latimes.com/ --the Los Angeles Times.

http://www.ocregister.com/ --the Orange County Register.

http://www.sacbee.com/ --the Sacramento Bee.

http://www.uniontribune.com/ --the San Diego Union-Tribune.

http://www.sjmercury.com/ --the San Jose Mercury.

http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/ --the San Francisco Chronicle.

http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm --California Secretary of State's elections and voter information page.

http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections_f.htm --information on California political parties.

http://www.vote-smart.org/ --find out who your elected officials are.

http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/defaulttext.asp --the California State Assembly.

http://www.senate.ca.gov/ --the California State Senate.

http://gov.ca.gov/ --California governor's page.

http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ --the California court system.

http://www.dof.ca.gov/HTML/BUD_DOCS/Bud_link.htm --the California budget.

General Sites

State Government Offices, Local US Government, City Government and Federal Government --official state and local pages for all of the states.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/50states/front.htm --Washington Post links to state news.

http://www.governing.com/ --Governing Magazine (which focuses on state and local government).

http://www.csg.org/ --Council of State Governments site.

http://www.commoncause.org/site/pp.asp?c=dkLNK1MQIwG&b=4860185 --Common Cause's state politics page.

http://www.ncsl.org/ --National Conference of State Legislatures.

http://www.nga.org/ --National Governors' Association.

http://www.ncsconline.org/ --National Center for State Courts.

http://www.narc.org/ --National Association of Regional Councils.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nrdp/ --National Rural Development Partnership.

http://www.nlc.org/ --National League of Cities.

http://www.natat.org/ --National Association of Towns and Townships.

http://www.nsba.org/ --National School Boards Association.

http://www.usmayors.org/ --United States Conference of Mayors.

http://www.icma.org/ --International City/County Management Association.

 

page last updated 10 June 2009.