1. POL 110 – Student Notes
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course serves as an introduction to American government
and politics. It is designed to familiarize students with the
origins and evolution of American national government, its
basic institutions, and its fundamental decision-making
processes with regard to domestic and foreign policy. It covers
the basic terms and facts relating to government, the functions
and development of the U.S. branches of government, including
the role of parties and interest groups, and the value preferences
within American society which affect the formation of public
policy. It also develops a basic understanding of how federal,
state, and local governments interact in the U.S. political
system.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources
Wilson, J. Q., DiIulio, J. J., & Bose M. (2014). American
government: Brief version. (11th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
Supplemental Resources
Books
Barber, J. D. (1985). The presidential character. (3rd ed.).
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
King, A. (1990). The new American political system.
Washington, DC: American Enterprise Institute.
Sidlow, E., & Henschen, B. (2011) GOVT. (2nd ed.). Boston,
MA: 4LTR Press/Cengage.
Wilson, J. Q., & Dilolio, J. J. (2011). American government:
Institutions and policies. (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
Academic Journals with full-text available in the Strayer
University LRC databases

2. American Journal of Political Science, found in EBSCO Host
Daedalus Journal, found in e-Library
Policy Studies Journal, found in EBSCO Host and e-Library
Political Science Quarterly, found in EBSCO Host
National Newspapers with full-text available in the Strayer
University LRC databases
The Atlanta Constitution-Journal
The Boston Globe
The Chicago Tribune
The Christian Science Monitor
The New York Times
The Los Angeles Times
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The Wall Street Journal
The Washington Post
· Database: Proquest Newspapers Database
· Note: Numerous newspapers also make articles available on
their Web pages.
· Note: Additional newspapers are available in the e-Library
database.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Identify informed opinions on issues and questions involving
the U.S. government, national political processes, policy
making, and the notion of democracy.
2. Employ terminology used to study political science and
American government.
3. Distinguish between civil rights and civil liberties in the
context of Supreme Court protection of freedom of expression.
4. Explain why the separation of powers and federalism became
key parts of the Constitution even though they made the system
less democratic and less efficient.
5. Develop reasoned written and spoken presentations on issues
and questions involving the U.S. government and national

3. political processes using information in the course.
6. Infer a theory why the U.S. has only two major political
parties.
7. Explain why interest groups play such an important role in
the American political process.
8. Describe the basic values of American political culture.
9. Explain how the federal system of government works.
10. Explore different perspectives on issues and questions about
the U.S. government and national political processes.
11. Describe the importance of an informed, effective
citizenship for the national government and political processes.
12. Use concepts from our study of U.S. national government
and politics (such as models of democracy) to discuss
government and politics in state, local, and international
contexts.
13. Examine the evolution of presidential power in military
affairs.
14. Use technology and information resources to research issues
in the field of U.S. government and politics.
15. Write clearly and concisely about U.S. government and
politics using proper writing mechanics.
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for
students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This includes
preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of delivery
mode.
Certain discussions are tied to scenarios. Please view these
scenarios prior to participating in the related discussions.
Week
Preparation, Activities, and Evaluation
Points
1
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 1: What Should We Know About American

4. Government?
· Chapter 2: The Constitution
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· None
20
2
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 3: Civil Liberties
· Chapter 4: Civil Rights
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· None
20

5. 3
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 5: Federalism
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· None
20
4
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 6: Public Opinion and the Media
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· Exam 1: Chapters 1 though 5
20
125
5
Preparation

6. · Reading(s)
· Chapter 7: Political Parties and Interest Groups
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· None
20
6
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 8: Campaigns and Elections
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· Assignment 1: What Is Federalism?
20
200
7
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 9: Congress

7. · Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· None
20
8
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 10: The Presidency
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· Exam 2: Chapters 6 through 9
20
125
9
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 11: The Bureaucracy
· Chapter 12: The Judiciary
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation

8. · None
20
10
Preparation
· Reading(s)
· Chapter 13: Making Domestic Policy
· Chapter 14: Making Foreign and Military Policy
· Scenario
Activities
· Discussions
Evaluation
· Assignment 2: Political Parties and the Electoral Process
20
225
11
Preparation
· None
Activities
· Discussions

9. Evaluation
· Exam 3: Chapters 10 through 14
125
GRADING SCALE – UNDERGRADUATE
Assignment
Total Points
% of
Grade
Assignment 1: What Is Federalism?
200
20%
Assignment 2: Political Parties and the Electoral Process
225
22.5%
Exam 1: Chapters 1-5 (open book with a 2-hour time limit)
(25 questions, worth 5 points apiece)
125
12.5%
Exam 2: Chapters 6-9 (open book with a 2-hour time limit)
(25 questions, worth 5 points apiece)
125
12.5%
Exam 3: Chapters 10-14 (open book with a 2-hour time limit)
(25 questions, worth 5 points apiece)
125
12.5%
Participation (10 discussions, worth 20 points apiece)
Note: Week 11 discussions are not graded.
200

10. 20%
Totals
1,000
100%
Points
Percentage
Grade
900 – 1,000
90% – 100%
A
800 – 899
80% – 89%
B
700 – 799
70% – 79%
C
600 – 699
60% – 69%
D
Below 600
Below 60%
F
POL 110 – U.S. Government
© 2014 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document
contains Strayer University Confidential and Proprietary
information and may not be copied, further distributed, or
otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed
written permission of Strayer University.
POL 110 Student Version 1142 (1054 12-17-2013) FinalPage 1

11. of 13
Assignment 1: What Is Federalism?
Due Week 6 and worth 200 points
Write a three to four (3-4) page paper on American federalism
in which you:
1. Provide three (3) examples of how federalism has evolved
from its origins to the American political system in place today.
2. Examine three to five (3-5) factors that have allowed the
concept of federalism to shape American political behavior.
3. Discuss at least two (2) factors that illustrate how the
relationship between the states and the U.S. federal government
influences the creation of American policies overall.
4. Use at least three (3) quality academic resources in this
assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites to not qualify
as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size
12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references
must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your
professor for any additional instructions.
· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the
date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this
assignment are to:
· Determine how the Constitution divides power between the
state and federal governments.
· Use technology and information resources to research issues in
the field of U.S. government and politics.
· Write clearly and concisely about U.S. government and
politics using proper writing mechanics.

12. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality,
logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing
skills, using the following rubric.
Points: 200
Assignment 1: What Is Federalism?
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets Minimum Expectations
60-69% D
Fair
70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Provide three (3) examples of how federalism has evolved
from its origins to the American political system in place today.
Weight: 25%
Did not submit or incompletely provided three examples of how
federalism has evolved from its origins to the American
political system in place today.
Insufficiently provided three examples of how federalism has
evolved from its origins to the American political system in
place today.
Partially provided three examples of how federalism has
evolved from its origins to the American political system in
place today.
Satisfactorily provided three examples of how federalism has
evolved from its origins to the American political system in
place today.

13. Thoroughly provided three examples of how federalism has
evolved from its origins to the American political system in
place today.
2. Examine three to five (3-5) factors that have allowed the
concept of federalism to shape American political behavior.
Weight: 25%
Did not submit or incompletely examined three to five (3-5)
factors that have allowed the concept of federalism to shape
American political behavior.
Insufficiently examined three to five (3-5) factors that have
allowed the concept of federalism to shape American political
behavior.
Partially examined three to five (3-5) factors that have allowed
the concept of federalism to shape American political behavior.
Satisfactorily examined three to five (3-5) factors that have
allowed the concept of federalism to shape American political
behavior.
Thoroughly examined three to five (3-5) factors that have
allowed the concept of federalism to shape American political
behavior.
3. Discuss at least two (2) factors that illustrate how the
relationship between the states and the U.S. federal government
influences the creation of American policies overall.
Weight: 25%
Did not submit or incompletely discussed at least two (2)
factors that illustrate how the relationship between the states
and the U.S. federal government influences the creation of
American policies overall.
Insufficiently discussed at least two (2) factors that illustrate
how the relationship between the states and the U.S. federal
government influences the creation of American policies
overall.
Partially discussed at least two (2) factors that illustrate how
the relationship between the states and the U.S. federal

14. government influences the creation of American policies
overall.
Satisfactorily discussed at least two (2) factors that illustrate
how the relationship between the states and the U.S. federal
government influences the creation of American policies
overall.
Thoroughly discussed at least two (2) factors that illustrate how
the relationship between the states and the U.S. federal
government influences the creation of American policies
overall.
4. Writing / Support for ideas (5%)
Never uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas
Rarely uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas
Partially uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas
Mostly uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas
Consistently uses reasons and evidence that logically support
ideas.
5. Writing / Grammar and mechanics
(5%)
Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, and
punctuation
Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
6. Writing and Information Literacy / Integration of Sources
(5%)
Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional
or accidental plagiarism or failure to use in-text citations.
Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of
quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, using in-text citations
Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of
quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, using in-text citations
Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of
quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, using in-text citations
Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of

15. quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, using in-text citations
7. Information Literacy / Crediting Sources in APA (5%)
Lack of citations and/or lack of reference section and/or
citations don’t correspond to listed references
In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA
format
Partially shows correct (or approximately correct) use of in-text
citations, with matching references using APA-format
Mostly shows correct use of in-text citations with matching
references using APA-format
Consistently shows correct use of In-text citations with
matching references using APA-format
8. Information Literacy / Research (5%)
Quantity and/or quality of sources are unacceptable
Too few references and/or references are of poor quality
Number of sources is less than expected and/or the quality of
sources is questionable.
Number of sources is sufficient and the quality of sources is
mostly good.
Number of sources is sufficient and the quality of sources is
good.
Assignment 2: Political Parties and the Electoral Process
Due Week 10 and worth 225 points
Write a three to four (3-4) page paper on the relationship
between political parties and the electoral process in which you:
1. Identify three to four (3-4) ideological differences between
America’s two (2) major political parties.
1. Analyzekey reasons why third parties have never been
successful at the presidential level.
1. Determine the role of the campaign process in maintaining
the two-party system. Use examples to support your response.
1. Use at least four (4) quality academic resources in this
assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites to not qualify
as academic resources.

16. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size
12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow
APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for
any additional instructions.
· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the
date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this
assignment are to:
· Infer a theory why the U.S. has only two major political
parties.
· Develop reasoned written and spoken presentations on issues
and questions involving the U.S. government and national
political processes using information in the course.
· Use technology and information resources to research issues in
the field of U.S. government and politics.
· Write clearly and concisely about U.S. government and
politics using proper writing mechanics.
Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality,
logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing
skills, using the following rubric.
Points: 225
Assignment 2: Political Parties and the Electoral Process
Criteria
Unacceptable
Below 60% F
Meets Minimum Expectations
60-69% D
Fair

17. 70-79% C
Proficient
80-89% B
Exemplary
90-100% A
1. Identify three to four (3-4) ideological differences between
America’s two (2) major political parties.
Weight: 25%
Did not submit or incompletely identified three to four (3-4)
ideological differences between America’s two (2) major
political parties.
Insufficiently identified three to four (3-4) ideological
differences between America’s two (2) major political parties.
Partially identified three to four (3-4) ideological differences
between America’s two (2) major political parties.
Satisfactorily identified three to four (3-4) ideological
differences between America’s two (2) major political parties.
Thoroughly identified three to four (3-4) ideological differences
between America’s two (2) major political parties.
2. Analyze key reasons why third parties have never been
successful at the presidential level.
Weight: 25%
Did not submit or incompletely analyzed key reasons why third
parties have never been successful at the presidential level.
Insufficiently analyzed key reasons why third parties have never
been successful at the presidential level.
Partially analyzed key reasons why third parties have never
been successful at the presidential level.
Satisfactorily analyzed key reasons why third parties have never
been successful at the presidential level.
Thoroughly analyzed key reasons why third parties have never

18. been successful at the presidential level.
3. Determine the role of the campaign process in maintaining
the two-party system. Use examples to support your response.
Weight: 25%
Did not submit or incompletely determined the role of the
campaign process in maintaining the two-party system. Did not
submit or incompletely used examples to support your response.
Insufficiently determined the role of the campaign process in
maintaining the two-party system. Insufficiently used examples
to support your response.
Partially determined the role of the campaign process in
maintaining the two-party system. Partially used examples to
support your response.
Satisfactorily determined the role of the campaign process in
maintaining the two-party system. Satisfactorily used examples
to support your response.
Thoroughly determined the role of the campaign process in
maintaining the two-party system. Thoroughly used examples to
support your response.
4. Writing / Support for ideas (5%)
Never uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas
Rarely uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas
Partially uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas
Mostly uses reasons and evidence that logically support ideas
Consistently uses reasons and evidence that logically support
ideas.
5. Writing / Grammar and mechanics
(5%)
Serious and persistent errors in grammar, spelling, and
punctuation
Numerous errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Partially free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Mostly free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation
6. Writing and Information Literacy / Integration of Sources
(5%)

19. Serious errors in the integration of sources, such as intentional
or accidental plagiarism or failure to use in-text citations.
Sources are rarely integrated using effective techniques of
quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, using in-text citations
Sources are partially integrated using effective techniques of
quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, using in-text citations
Sources are mostly integrated using effective techniques of
quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, using in-text citations
Sources are consistently integrated using effective techniques of
quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, using in-text citations
7. Information Literacy / Crediting Sources in APA (5%)
Lack of citations and/or lack of reference section and/or
citations don’t correspond to listed references
In-text citations and references are given, but not in APA
format
Partially shows correct (or approximately correct) use of in-text
citations, with matching references using APA-format
Mostly shows correct use of in-text citations with matching
references using APA-format
Consistently shows correct use of In-text citations with
matching references using APA-format
8. Information Literacy / Research (5%)
Quantity and/or quality of sources are unacceptable
Too few references and/or references are of poor quality
Number of sources is less than expected and/or the quality of
sources is questionable.
Number of sources is sufficient and the quality of sources is
mostly good.
Number of sources is sufficient and the quality of sources is
good.
POL 110 – Assignments and Rubrics

20. Weekly Course Schedule
The purpose of the course schedule is to give you, at a glance,
the required preparation, activities, and evaluation components
of your course. For more information about your course,
whether on-ground or online, access your online course shell.
The expectations for a 4.5 credit hour course are for students to
spend 13.5 hours in weekly work. This time estimate includes
preparation, activities, and evaluation regardless of the delivery
mode.
Instructional Materials
In order to be fully prepared, obtain a copy of the required
textbooks and other instructional materials prior to the first day
of class. When available, Strayer University provides a link to
the first three (3) chapters of your textbook(s) in eBook format.
Check your online course shell for availability.
Review the online course shell or check with your professor to
determine whether Internet-based assignments and activities are
used in this course.
Strayer students are encouraged to purchase their course
materials through our designated Strayer Bookstore.
http://www.strayerbookstore.com If a lab is required for the
course, the Strayer Bookstore is the only vendor that sells the
correct registration code so that Strayer students may access
labs successfully.
Discussions
To earn full credit in an online threaded discussion, students
must have one original post and a minimum of one other post
per discussion thread.
Please note: Material in the online class will be made available
three weeks at a time to allow students to work ahead, however,
faculty will be focused on and responding only to the current
calendar week. As it is always possible that students could lose
their work due to unforeseen circumstances, it is a best practice
to routinely save a working draft in a separate file before
posting in the course discussion area.

21. Professors hold discussions during class time for on-ground
students. Check with your professor if any additional discussion
participation is required in the online course shell outside of
class hours.
Tests
Tests (quizzes, midterm and final exams, essay exams, lab tests,
etc.) are available for student access and completion through the
online course shell. Check the online course shell to determine
how students are expected to take the tests. Do not change these
questions or their point values in any way. This disrupts the
automated grade book preset in the online course shell.
· Online students are to complete the test by Monday 9:00 a.m.
Details regarding due dates are posted in the Blackboard
Calendar tool.
· On-ground students are to complete the tests after the material
is covered and before the next class session.
Assignments
A standardized performance grading rubric is a tool your
professor will use to evaluate your written assignments. Review
the rubric before submitting assignments that have grading
rubrics associated with them to ensure you have met the
performance criteria stated on the rubric.
Grades are based on individual effort. There is no group
grading; however, working in groups in the online or on-ground
classroom is acceptable.
Assignments for online students are always submitted through
the online course shell. On-ground professors will inform
students on how to submit assignments, whether in paper format
or through the online course shell.
Resources
The Resource Center navigation button in the online course
shell contains helpful links. Strayer University Library
Resources are available here as well as other important
information. You should review this area to find resources and
answers to common questions.
Technical support is available for the following:

22. · For technical questions, please contact Strayer Online
Technical Support by logging in to your iCampus account at
https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under
“Student Center,” then “Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable
to log in to your iCampus account, please contact Technical
Support via phone at (877) 642-2999.
· For concerns with your class, please access the
Solution
Center by logging in to your iCampus account at
https://icampus.strayer.edu/login and submitting a case under
“Student Center,” then “Submit Help Ticket.” If you are unable
to log in to your iCampus account, please contact the IT Help
Desk at (866) 610-8123 or at mailto:[email protected].
TurnItIn.com is an optional online tool to assess the originality
of student written work. Check with your professor for access
and use instructions.
The Strayer Policies link on the navigation bar in the online
course shell contains academic policies. It is important that
students be aware of these policies.