With Rick Elder 10/25/ SS 236: People Power and Politics an Introduction to American Government

Meet Your Instructor 10/25/ Hi, my name is Rick Elder, and I will be your instructor for SS236: People, Power, and Politics, An Introduction to American Government. This is an audio seminar.

I Live in Brimley, Michigan 10/25/ Brimley

My Home in Brimley, MI 10/25/ This house was ordered out of a Montgomery Ward’s Catalog back in 1915 (garage excepted). It arrived in Brimley by ship from Chicago and was off loaded in a now closed harbor on the shore of Lake Superior. This is your “first history lesson for this class.”

SS 236: People Power and Politics an Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Source: Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Longman

SS 236: People Power and Politics an Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Source: gop.org

SS 236: People Power and Politics an Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Source: democrats.org

SS 236: People Power and Politics an Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Unit 1 Overview Welcome to People, Power, and Politics: An Introduction to American Government In this unit you will examine the structure, purpose, and functions of contemporary, American government. You will investigate the historical and philosophical roots of America’s Constitution, the Presidency, Congress, the Judiciary, and external influences such as political parties, the modern media, and interest groups. Source: Kaplan University 2012

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Introduce Yourself You and American Government Throughout this course, you will have many opportunities to discuss topics and respond to classmates’ ideas. Please take this opportunity to introduce yourself and to learn something about your fellow learners. Be sure to include the following information: Tell us who you are (What part of the country or world do you live in? What are some of your hobbies? Interests?) What are your career goals? What are your expectations for this course? If you could interview one person from government and/or politics in the past, present, or future, who would it be, and why? What do you find most interesting about American government and politics? Source: Kaplan University 2012

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Your first DB Question is … U.S. Government policies directly and indirectly influence the lives of Americans on a daily basis. Most U.S. laws reflect the majority political will of the citizens, be it on a national, state, or local level. Look at the most recent demographic data from the U.S. Census website listed below and address the following questions. Source: Kaplan University 2012

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ How do changing U.S. demographics influence current or future federal governmental policies? How do changing U.S. demographics influence your state’s current or future governmental policies? The U.S. Census Bureau offers information on the demographic, geographic, and economic make-up of our country. This site includes the ability to search for state-level data: Source: Kaplan University 2012http://

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ This class includes a graded weekly seminar, and 9 graded quizzes, and a final exam. This class also requires 3 written projects which are due in Week’s 3, 5, and 7.

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ The readings in this unit introduce you to the political landscape of American Government. You will also become familiar with the courses expectations, readings, supplemental multimedia, and the Final Project. Read about the Kaplan Library and review the APA information. Under Course Home, review the APA Quick Reference and the Kaplan Library Presentation. Source: Kaplan University 2012

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Review the Course Syllabus You should take the time to thoroughly read the course Syllabus (found on the Course Home Page). Your success in this class depends on your understanding of and adherence to the policies contained in this document. In the Syllabus you will find instructor contact information, grading policies, late coursework policies and other information about what is expected of you throughout the term. If you have any questions, you should contact your instructor. Remember that it is your responsibility to stay current with your coursework, and the best way to do that is to spend regular periods of time working on it. Source: Kaplan University 2012

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Reading The readings in this unit introduce you to the historical and philosophical tenets of American Government. Chapter Reading For this unit you will read: Chapter 1: The Political Landscape, in American Government: Roots and Reform Source: Kaplan University 2012

10/25/ MyPoliSci Lab In each unit you will have essential resources to review in MyPoliSci Lab. This lab is located on the left-hand side of your classroom within each unit. Review the following items to accompany Chapter 1 in your textbook: Video: Who is in the Middle Class? Video: Vaccines: Mandatory Protection Simulation: What Are American Civic Values? Comparative: Comparing Political Landscapes MyPoliSci Library:  Roe v. Wade (1973)  Civil Rights Act (1964

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ In the Seminar we will be discussing Public Policy and American Government. How is the public policy approach helpful in studying American government? What are the five steps in this process? Think of some recent or historical examples of agenda building. What specific examples come to mind? What are the differences between empirical and normative policy analysis? Which type of analysis seems to be the most important when formulating policy? How can the formulation, adoption, and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) help us to better understand the policymaking process? Source: Kaplan University 2012

SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ Complete one of the following options below: Option 1: Participate in a synchronous Seminar. Option 2: Complete the Seminar Quiz The Seminar Option 2 Quiz contains true/false questions and is worth 10 points. Be sure to study your materials beforehand. You will have one attempt to complete the Quiz. You will be given 2 hours to take this Quiz, but it most likely will not take you that long. You will be timed out after 45 minutes of inactivity. Access your Seminar Option 2 Quiz from the links under the unit heading on the left hand side of the classroom. Source: Kaplan University 2012

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SS 236: People Power and Politics: An Introduction to American Government 10/25/ The End