(Introduction to) American Politics PS 125(D) My info • Dr. Casey Dominguez • caseydominguez@sandiego.edu • http://home.sandiego.edu/~caseydominguez/pols125 – Has the SYLLABUS, powerpoints, assignments • Office: 285 IPJ • Office Hours: – Wednesday, after class 1 hour – Also Tu & Th 9:15-11:15 • E-Reserve Password POLS125 Policies • Tardiness: It’s rude. I notice. I do not repeat information. • Late papers: 1/3 grade for every day late • Cheating: I will report you to the Dean for even a minor infraction. – ALL Reading summaries and major essays must be uploaded to turnitin.com. Grades • Final exam (Dec. 21) 20% • Midterm (Nov. 7) 15% • Reading journal 15% (will be turned in on random days) • Two news reports, with explanatory essays 10% • Class attendance and active participation 5% • Citizenship journal, together with final essay (due Dec. 14) 20% • Two Citizenship class presentations, with review essays 15% Citizenship test • Who elects the president of the United States? • The Electoral College • How long is an elected Senator’s term? • 6 years • Who are California’s two US Senators? • Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer • What is the legislative branch of our government? • The Congress • What are the duties of the Supreme Court? • To interpret the laws and the Constitution • What is the Constitution? • The supreme law of the land • ??? • What special group advises the president? • The cabinet • ??? • In what month is the new president inaugurated? • January • What is the head executive of a city government called? • The Mayor • Name three rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights • Freedom of speech, press, religion, to bear arms; freedom from government troops in your home, from the government taking your property without a warrant, from being tried twice for the same crime, from being prosecuted without a lawyer, or without a trial, and from cruel or unusual punishment. • Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights • All persons in the United States, citizens and non-citizens • What is the most important right granted to US citizens? • The right to vote • ? • What is the basic belief stated in the Declaration of Independence? • That all men are created equally • What ship brought the Pilgrims to America? • The Mayflower • Who said, “Give me Liberty or Give me Death?” • Patrick Henry • What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? • Free the slaves • ? • How many stripes are on our flag? • Thirteen • Who were America’s enemies in World War II? • Italy, Germany, and Japan • What are the 49th and 50th states in the union? • Alaska and Hawaii • Name one purpose of the United Nations • For countries to talk about world problems and try to solve them peacably What does US citizenship mean to you? What should US citizens know? What responsibilities does citizenship require?