Course Wrap Up

Well, you did it! We're at the end of the class. To recap, here is the list of overarching outcomes that you should now be able to accomplish:

Define the concepts of federalism and demonstrate an understanding of the essential differences between the State and Federal governments.
Identify and explain the effectiveness of checks and balances in the federal government.
Identify and explain the ideological differences that separate the two major American parties.

In addition to these outcomes, a number of course objectives were also achieved week-to-week. These objectives, taken together, should help you accomplish the above objectives.

Identify the various levels and types of government and briefly describe the theory under girding each.
Trace, analyze and critically evaluate American political thought from its origins to the present.
Name the most significant events in the development of constitutions of the United States and the State of California.
Identify the most important intergovernmental relations within the Federal and California State systems of government and explain why these relations are accorded this importance.
Define the concept of civil liberties and identify which derive from the Federal system and which from that of the State of California.
Trace the struggle for equal rights as it has occurred at both the Federal and California State levels; relevant legislation and judicial decisions should be cited and the importance of these critically assessed.
Articulate and explain the rights and obligations of citizenship.
Identify and critically evaluate the role of political parties and interest groups in the process of government at both the California State and Federal levels.
Identify both the ways in which public opinion affects the governmental process and explain how it may develop to the point that it is an influential factor in these processes.
Exhibit knowledge of the interrelationship between political campaigns, voting behavior and elections.
State how the legislative, judicial and executive branches of both the government of the State of California and the Federal system are organized, including the powers that reside in each.
Describe in a general way with selected specific examples, the administrative systems of both the Federal and California State system of government; this shall include a definition and assessment of the role of bureaucratic organization in both.
Critically evaluate the role of government in promoting the general welfare.
Explain the relationship between foreign policy and national security, identifying the relevant legislative, executive, and judicial provisions.

Finally, if you are interested in pursuing a degree in Political Science (or a new interdisciplinary degree called Global Studies), check out Political Science Links to an external site.and Global Studies Links to an external site.at COD.

Have a great rest of the summer!

Professor Koné!