PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410)
State and Local Government
Term: Fall 2015
Class Schedule and Location:
Mondays AND Wednesdays, 11:00am - 12:15 pm – Marshall 115
Instructor:
Professor Athena M. King (PhD, MPA)
Email: AKing56@emich.edu
Phone: 734-487-0058
Fall 2015 Office Location/Hours:
601G Pray-Harrold
Mondays and Wednesdays, 2-3 pm, and by appointment as necessary
Course Description, Outcomes, and Learning Objectives:
This course provides an overview of subnational (i.e. state and local governments) in the United States. In recent
years, actions of state and local governments have taken center stage in the American political arena. Issues
regarding illegal immigration/border control, adoption of the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) at the state
level, and fiscal stress leading to bankruptcy in the City of Detroit, Michigan have captured the nation’s attention.
Yet, despite the newly increased attention and added focus on state and local law-making, policy-making, and
taxing, these levels arguably remain the most obscure and poorly understood by the average American citizen.
Perhaps this is because media (both national and local) focus first on national level government activity and second
on state and local activity deemed by the media as “important”. No attention, it seems, is given to the everyday
functioning of state and local governments, which have more direct impact on the lives of average citizens. Despite
the impact of state and local government on the lives of average citizens, the fact remains that knowledge of
representatives, voting participation, and general levels of interest of the average citizen is much higher at the
national than the state and local level.
This is an introductory course in political science and presumes no previous college level course work in
government. Students who have had the American Government course will have a point of reference and
comparison for much of the class discussion. As the course title suggests, however, the focus here is on state and
local governmental units in our federal system. Given the number and diversity of such units, we will be
emphasizing general patterns and common characteristics. Equally important, we will look to our own state and
local units as examples, becoming more familiar with Michigan along the way.
This course will introduce students to the foundations, structures, functions, processes, and behaviors of our 50
state governments and their nearly 100,000 local governments. (The central theme of the course is “the growing
capacity and responsiveness of state and local government”.) Throughout, the approach will focus on the role of
citizens in state government and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. We will examine the states as
“laboratories of democracy” with varying innovative approaches to governmental problem-solving through policy
making functions. The course will rely on lectures, textbook readings, and the student’s own research. Students
will have two short writing assignments and four (non-cumulative) exams.
The course has three general sections, with the following particular objectives, which will be reflected in the
readings, lectures, exams, and course assignments.
I. UNDERSTANDING THE POLITICAL REALITIES OF POLITICS AT THE STATE LEVEL,
ANDHOW IT DIFFERS FROM POLITICS AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL:
PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410) – American Government – Fall 2015
Page 1
tes;
II. LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF STATE GOVERNMENTS:
-making function of state courts.
III. DEVELOPING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
The overall objective of this course is to enable the students to become more informed and effective citizens at
the state and local level, including:




Developing your own ideas about the proper role, function, size, and scope of state/local governments in
the U.S.;
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of political involvement in state and local government;
Becoming informed about the means of influencing government and political decisions at the state/local
level; and
Developing an understanding of the structures and functions of American state/local government and the
reasons why political actors at the state and local levels behave as they do.
Political Science 202 meets the Social Science requirement under Knowledge of the Disciplines because it
provides students critical exposure to the methods used by social scientists in creating knowledge. It provides a
thorough grounding in sub-national governments in the American federal governmental system. It also provides
a strong introduction to the discipline of political science. In this course, students gain exposure to how knowledge
is generated in the social sciences through the lens of one content area, that of state and local government. Through
material covered in the course, students gain practice in asking important questions about politics and government
and answering them using the methods practiced in this social science discipline.
Textbook(s)/readings/Web assignment link:
1. Ann O’M. Bowman and Richard C. Kearney: State and Local Government: The Essentials (5th Ed.).
Wadsworth Publishing. New York. ISBN-13: 9781111341497
2. Canvas LMS (Eastern University): https://canvas.emich.edu/
There is one required text for this course, it is available in the EMU bookstore and can also be found online as an
e-book. However, you are free to purchase/rent the book from alternate sources such as Amazon.com, usually at
reduced cost. Note: If you choose to utilize an alternate source and you do not receive the materials in a timely
manner, you are still responsible for all written assignments, exams, quizzes, and other methods of evaluation for
this course.
PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410) – American Government – Fall 2015
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Course Requirements and Evaluation:
Unless otherwise stated, all written assignments (except in-class exams) to be handed in are to be proofread by
you for spelling/grammatical errors, typewritten, double-spaced, with 11 or 12-point font, and 1-inch margins; be
sure to include your name, course number, and the date submitted. Assignments that do not follow these
guidelines, along with late assignments, risk a penalty.
Like all courses, this course requires you to conscientiously complete all the assigned readings, the written
assignments, and to attend class. (Please note that attendance and participation may make the difference in your
grade, so it behooves you to attend all classes.) However, this course will also require you to participate in class
discussions as well as demonstrate your ability to think critically and apply the material to real-world situations.
In addition to the formal requirements set below, the class may be given in-class or homework assignments based
on class videos or discussions, and video material is often incorporated in the exams. To reiterate, it behooves you
to attend all classes, participate in class discussions, and utilize all resources suggested.
The formal requirements for this course are as follows:
Requirements
% of Total Course Credit
Exam #1
20
Exam #2
20
Exam #3
20
Exam #4 (final)
20
Short paper #1
10
Short paper #2
10
TOTAL
100%
Grading Scale:
All grades in this class will be based upon a 0 to 100 scale, whereas: A = 100 to 94; A- = 93 to 90; B+ = 89 to 86;
B = 85 to 83; B- = 82 to 80; C+ = 79 to 76; C = 75 to 73; C- = 72 to 70; D+ = 69 to 66; D = 65 to 63; D- = 62 to
60; F = 59 and below.
1. Exams
There will be four exams for this course. All exams will be closed-book and in-class (unless otherwise
stated), and are not cumulative (i.e. will address the latest chapters covered). The exams consist of multiple choice,
true/false, and short answer/essay questions. Exams test for factual knowledge and require students to demonstrate
their ability to synthesize the readings, grasp concepts, and apply them to policy issues. Pop-quizzes may be
implemented, if, in the estimation of the instructor, students are failing to properly prepare for class. If utilized,
pop-quiz grades will be factored into the overall grading; adjustments may be made in the value of an exam to
accommodate the pop quiz grades. In no instance will pop quizzes be allowed to be made up.
There will be NO makeups for exams unless exigent circumstances are presented (e.g. the Dean has
informed me that you are in the hospital or had a family emergency); if you are late for an exam, you are
encouraged to show up anyway and take the exam in the remaining time left in the class period.
PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410) – American Government – Fall 2015
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2. Short Writing Assignments
Two short writing assignments will be required, and, quite probably, are essential to both your
understanding of local government and your ability to participate as a citizen in local government activities. You
are required to attend at least two (2) sessions, at least three (3) weeks apart, of one of the listed examples of state
and local government in action. Prior to your first session, you should go the website of the governmental unit
and research the potential participants (e.g. mayor and council members). The information should include term
expiration date and ward/districts represented. Pay attention to names and, if photos are available, the different
demographic groups – e.g., the number of women, men, and people of color within the governmental unit.
Following your first session, hand in a (minimum) 4-page report of your experience (what you saw, your
impression of what was happening, how you felt about what you saw and was happening, whether or not you were
surprised by what you saw and why, and how what you saw contributed to your understanding of state/local
government).
The second paper will also be a (minimum) four (4) pages in length, and should describe in more detail
and with much explanation of why what you observed happened. This is an observation a second time of the
same governmental unit and activity. You should now demonstrate an understanding of what you observe (i.e.
what part structure, function, and behavior play in what you observe). You are encouraged to utilize the textbook
to demonstrate what you observed; for example, if there is a conflict between members of the council, Chapter 11
(Local Leadership and Governance) explains why that may be the case. Don’t just describe it this time, explain
what’s taking place and why it’s happening. Again, you must attend the same activity both times (e.g. city council
meeting of Ypsilanti).
The governmental activities you may choose from include:

City Council, County Board, Township, or other government unit meeting. (Should be a taxing
body.)

County court, city court, traffic court, or other court session (1 hour minimum attendance 1st meeting, 2
hour minimum attendance 2nd session, must observe something worth writing about). (Hint, if you want
to go to a particular court, call in advance to the clerk and ask for an interesting day to attend.)

Visit any elected official (e.g., mayor, council member) or any top-level appointed official (e.g. city
manager) for observation purposes. See how they function in their official capacities. (Call and arrange
two meetings, explain what you’re doing and why. You may give them my phone number so they can
check if they want.)

Other activity that is cleared with me.
The two papers will have announced due dates, but you should plan on making your first visit on Week 5 and the
second at least three weeks after that (preferably Week 10, but no later than Week 14). Check schedules early, as
your chosen venue may not meet when you think. Council meeting dates (as of August 2015) and websites for the
closest governmental units are listed on the last page of the syllabus. Should you choose to attend meetings of
governmental units not listed, please let me know well in advance.
Class Participation and Attendance:
This class combines (mostly) lecture and discussion; attendance is expected. I expect you to complete the readings
for each day and will feel free to call on you. Participation may be factored into your grade along with attendance;
therefore, a person who attends all class sessions and contributes regularly to the discussion may receive extra
credit, compared to someone with frequent absences and little to no participation. As such, your level of
participation and attendance may raise or lower your course grade. Students who contribute to the discussion
regularly (i.e. when called upon, or asking questions that are germane to the material and discussion) may receive
as much as two extra credit points (added to final grade) for the semester; students who fail to contribute to the
PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410) – American Government – Fall 2015
Page 4
discussion (i.e. can’t/won’t answer questions when called upon or ask irrelevant or tangential questions) will
receive no extra credit points. Therefore, no matter how you may perform on the written material, your overall
grade may be raised based on your attendance and class participation!
•
•
•
•
Students who are not present when the roll is called or who leave class prior to its dismissal will be
considered absent for purposes of determining compliance with the attendance requirements (unless
tardiness or early dismissal has been pre-planned and discussed with the instructor in advance).
Students adding courses after classes begin are responsible for work covered from the first day of classes.
All classes missed are counted as absences.
Any student who is absent on the day of a quiz/exam will be assigned a grade of “0” UNLESS
 Students with pre-planned absences should inform the instructor in advance of those dates; however,
the absences will still count against the student.
 Make-up exams will be given in accordance with the reason for absence (i.e. you were rushed to
the emergency room last night and the dean has contacted me about your situation – make-up will
be scheduled; you overslept – no make-up).
 If you show up late to class on the day of an exam (without a reasonable, valid excuse for tardiness),
you can still take it; however, you will only have the remaining time left in the class period to finish.
Policies:
All written work must be completed; late work will be penalized. Make-ups will be given only upon the approval
of the instructor. The request must be made in a timely and reasonable manner. All written work is due at the
beginning of class and handed in by you. I do not accept emailed work except under extraordinary situations and
only after you consult with me.
I expect everyone to be on time to class and to complete all business before class so as not to disrupt the class by
leaving early or answering phones. That means a) go to the bathroom before class and b) turn off your phones
(completely – not just the ringer or putting it on vibrate). If you must leave class early, please tell me before class
and sit near the door. I reserve the right to invite you to leave for a day if you miss a large segment of a class or
are consistently late.
(1)
Due dates for assignments are important. Written assignments are due at the beginning of class. After
the beginning of class, any written assignment is considered late; online assignments are due before 11:59
pm on its due date. The student will be penalized ½ letter grade for each day (defined as a 24-hour period
marked from the beginning of class on the assigned due date) that the assignment is not submitted –
beginning with a B after the time assignments are requested on the date the paper is due. A student may
submit an “F” assignment for possible simple course credit (up to 50% of the assignment’s grade points).
You should submit all written assignments directly to the instructor. However, you may put written work
in my campus mailbox prior to its due date; written work submitted after the due date and put in my
mailbox must be signed and dated by an official representative of the college such as an Administrative
Assistant. Again, do not E-mail written assignments (unless otherwise instructed to do so).
(2)
All written assignments must be typed or word processed. I will inform you of certain exceptions which
may be made during the course of the semester.
(3)
Instructors are prohibited by federal privacy law from public dissemination of a student’s performance or
grades; this includes discussions with other people, E-mail, phone, or any public posting. Therefore, I
cannot inform you of your grade in an email or phone call or give that information to another person (e.g.,
parents) without your permission.
(4)
E-mail protocol: When you use E-mail to contact an instructor, please follow these guidelines: In the
subject heading, please include: E-mail topic, class name, and student’s full name. In the E-mail
PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410) – American Government – Fall 2015
Page 5
passage itself: greeting, body of the E-mail, and signature. Finally, please adhere to the rules of grammar
when writing/responding – this includes not using “text speak” (e.g. using “u” for “you”, “2” for
“two/to/too”, or acronyms for whole words, such as “IMO”, “TTYL”, etc.). I will not respond to E-mails
sent without this format.
I have a 48-hour (maximum) turnaround period for email responses. Weekends, holidays, and college
closings do not count in that 48-hour period. Unless otherwise instructed, assignments are not to be Emailed. Also, do not attach files to E-mail correspondence.
Academic Honesty
Since the integrity of the academic enterprise of any institution of higher education requires honesty in scholarship
and research, academic honesty is required of all students at Eastern Michigan University.
I will enforce the University’s policy on academic honesty. Any violation of the Student Conduct regulations on
academic honesty will be addressed by the professor and, if necessary, by the department chair and/or dean.
Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating, fabrication (e.g., falsification of citations or material), facilitating
dishonesty (helping anyone to break the Code), plagiarism (knowingly representing the words or ideas of another
as one's own work), or submitting prewritten term papers (e.g., written for another class or by another person).
Anyone caught engaging in academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade for the assignment and, possibly, the
course, depending on the nature and severity of the infraction. If you are unsure of what constitutes plagiarism,
we will review this in class and you should see me if questions remain. The full policy is available at
http://www.emich.edu/studentconduct/facultylinks/academic_integrity.php. Since students are expected to be
familiar with this policy and the commonly accepted standards of academic integrity, ignorance of such standards
is not normally sufficient evidence of lack of intent.
Disability Statement:
Any student eligible for and requesting academic accommodation due to a disability is requested to provide
Documentation Confirmation from the Disability Resource Center (in the Student Center) within the first two
weeks of class. Please call (734) 487-2470 (Email: DRC@emich.edu) if you have questions or if you need to
schedule
an
appointment.
Additional
information
can
be
found
on
the
website:
http://www.emich.edu/drc/index.php
Course Topic Outline/Course Calendar with Assignments:
In order to get the most out of the course, students should read the assigned material prior to the classes for which
it is assigned. It is imperative that students do the assigned readings and attend all classes in order to avoid falling
behind.
Note that this is an ambitious schedule, and it is possible that we may not get through all of the chapters. Students
should be aware that factors beyond our control (e.g. inclement weather, instructor absences) may alter the
schedule. Additionally, an interesting discussion in class may prolong certain topics. In any event, we will
endeavor to address as many topics shown below (and stay as close to the schedule) as possible. PLEASE NOTE:
Should change become necessary, the instructor reserves the right to adjust the requirements, pace, or
scheduling of this course. Any change will be announced (in class, posted online or via email) before it becomes
effective.
PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410) – American Government – Fall 2015
Page 6
Class Week/Date
Week
1
(September 9)
Week 2 (Sept. 1416)
Week 3 (Sept. 2123)
Week 4 (Sept. 2830)
Week 5 (Oct. 5-7)
Reading(s)/Discussion Topic/Activity
Assignment Due
Dates/Exam Dates
Introduction; syllabus review; (begin) Chapter 1
Conclude Chapter 1; Chapter 2
Chapters 3 and 4
Chapter 5; video – Street Fight (83 minutes)
(Oct. 5) - Exam #1 (Chapters 1-5); Chapter 6
Conclude
first
local
government visit this week
Week 6 (Oct. 12- Chapter 7; video – Arnold Schwartzeneggar – First writing assignment
Terminator Governor (45 minutes)
(local government) due by
14)
October 12
Chapters
8
and
9
Week 7 (Oct. 1921)
Week 8 (Oct. 26- Chapter 10; (Oct. 28) - Exam #2 (Chapters 6-10)
28)
Week 9 (Nov. 2-4) Chapter 11; video – American Greed (Kwame
Kilpatrick)(43 minutes)
Conclude
second
local
Week 10 (Nov. 9- Chapters 12 and 13
government
visit
this
week
11)
Week 11 (Nov. Chapters 14; (Nov. 18) - Exam #3 (Chapters 11-14) Second writing assignment
(local government) due by
16-18)
November 16
NO
CLASS;
THANKSGIVING
HOLIDAY

Week 12 (Nov.
23-25)
Week 13 (Nov. 30 Chapters 15 and 16
– Dec. 2)
Absolute last day to submit
Week 14 (Dec. 7- Chapters 17 and 18
second writing assignment
9)
(local
government)
–
December 9
Class
evaluations;
review
and
wrap-up
Week 15 (Dec.
14)
Final Exam (noncumulative):
Friday, December 18, 2015, 9:30-11:00 am
(Schedule set by University. You will be informed in advance of any changes in dates/times.)
PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410) – American Government – Fall 2015
Page 7
Meeting Schedules – local governments
To aid you in completing your writing assignments, I have replicated the meeting schedules for a few local
governments, scheduled to be held during the semester.
(1) Meeting Schedule – City of Ypsilanti (City Council)
City Council Meetings are held at the City Council Chambers at City Hall on the first and third Tuesdays of
every month at 7:00 p.m. and additionally as needed. Each meeting begins at 7 pm, in Council Chambers (1
South Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI). All interested persons are invited to attend open meetings of City Council.
Council holds an Audience Participation hearing at the beginning and end of each regular meeting. Speakers are
allotted 3 minutes to speak on any topic of concern.
Dates: October 6 - October 20 - November 3 – November 17 – December 1 – December 15
http://cityofypsilanti.com/Government/MayorCityCouncil/MeetingSchedulePublicParticipation
(2) Meeting Schedule – City of Ann Arbor (City Council)
City Council meets in regular session at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday of every month. Council
work sessions also take place monthly, generally on the second Monday. On occasion throughout the year, a
Council meeting may instead be scheduled on a Tuesday or Thursday due to a federal-holiday Monday or
Election Day Tuesdays. Please consult the Council calendar for the annual schedule. Meetings are held City
Council Chambers at Larcon City Hall, 301 E. Huron Street, 2nd floor, Ann Arbor, MI.
Dates: October 5 – October 19 – November 5 – November 16 – December 7
http://www.a2gov.org/departments/city-council/Pages/Home.aspx
(3) Meeting Schedule - Washtenaw County (Board of Commissioners)
Regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners of Washtenaw County take place on the first and third
Wednesday of each month at 6:45 PM. They are preceded by the Ways and Means Committee at 6:30pm.
Board Working Sessions take place on the first and third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are
held in the Board Room of the Administration Bldg, at 220 N. Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor. The public
is welcome to attend all meetings. Meetings may be confirmed by calling (734) 222-6850.
Dates: October 7 – October 21 – November 4 – November 18 – December 2
http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/boc/board-of-commissioners-2012-calendar (The information
contained within is correct, even though the URL has an error.)
(4) Meeting Schedule – Ypsilanti Township (Board of Trustees)
The Township Board will meet at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month in February, March,
April, May, October, November and December and on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in January, June, July,
August and September. Meetings are held at the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center 7200 S. Huron River Drive
Ypsilanti.
Dates: October 6 – October 20 – November 3 – November 17
http://ytown.org/index.php/board-of-trustees
PLSC 202-2 (CRN 17410) – American Government – Fall 2015
Page 8
(5) Meeting Schedule – City of Jackson (City Council)
Regular meetings of the City Council take place at 6:30 pm on the second and fourth Tuesday of each
month. Meetings are held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 161 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI.
Dates: October 13 – October 27 – November 17
http://www.cityofjackson.org/289/City-Council
(6) Meeting Schedule – City of Saline (City Council)
City Council meetings take place on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are
held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 100 N. Harris Street, Saline, MI.
Dates: October 5 – October 19 – November 16 – December 7
http://www.cityofsaline.org/?module=Page&sID=government--departments--elected-officials
http://www.cityofsaline.org/?module=Events&filter-tags=Government
(7) Meeting Schedule – Dearborn Heights (City Council)
City Council meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 8:00 p.m. Meetings are
held in Council Chambers at City Hall, 6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights, MI. (Phone 791-3433)
Dates: October 13 – October 27 – November 10 – November 24 – December 8
http://ci.dearborn-heights.mi.us/clk_council.cfm
http://www.egovlink.com/dearbornheights/events/calendar.asp
(8) Meeting Schedule – City of Dearborn (City Council)
City Council meetings take place on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m.; schedule is
slightly altered for the month of November. Meetings are held in City Council Chambers at the Dearborn
Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI.
Dates: October 6 – October 20 – November 10 – November 24 – December 8
http://www.cityofdearborn.org/government/city-council
http://www.cityofdearborn.org/public-meetings
(9) Meeting Schedule – City of Detroit (City Council)
According to the calendar, no city council meetings are scheduled to take place from September to
December. Meetings are generally held at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward, Detroit, MI.
You may wish to call the Council’s office at (313) 224-3443 to find out if any meetings are taking place during
this time period.
http://www.detroitmi.gov/Government/City-Council
http://www.detroitmi.gov/Government/City-Council/City-Council-Sessions
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