TTh 10:40-11:55 MPC 201

Dr. Moncrief; 126B PAAW; office hours: daily 8:15-9:30 am

E-mail: gmoncri@boisestate.edu tel: 426-3686

 

At the heart of a representative democracy is the process by which representatives are selected and public opinion is expressed. In most systems with some measure of democracy, these two processes are linked together—however loosely—through the electoral system. Elections are usually viewed not only as a process by which to choose leaders, but also as a way to express to some broad policy preferences. The manner in which this is done is the basic topic of this course.

In addition to the study of how public opinion and voting behavior are translated through the American electorate, we will devote time to an examination of candidacy and campaigns in the United States. We will explore how mass media and changing technologies have a major impact on campaigns and on how elections are framed within the U.S., especially at the national level.

Finally, we will spend time investigating alternative electoral systems. To fully appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the American electoral system, one must understand its advantages and disadvantages in comparison to the electoral arrangements found in other political systems.

This class is intended for upper-division students majoring or minoring in political science. We assume students have some knowledge of the major concepts of political science and some familiarity with political science methodology.

From this course students should gain an understanding of the variety of electoral systems that humankind has developed. Students should also gain a working knowledge of how public opinion polls are conducted, and how to analyze the results of such surveys. We will also learn the rudiments of how to conduct a political campaign, and how campaign strategies have changed over time. Further, we will gain an understanding of the critical role played by the mass media in both campaigning and in the process of governing. Finally, students should develop a clear understanding of voting patterns in the U.S., and why partisanship has declined as a voting cue in the American system.

There will be one mid-term exam (100 points) and one final exam (100 points). Each exam is a combination of essays, short answers, and multiple choice questions. Students also have the option of writing a modest (6-8 page) paper in which the student investigates in greater detail some aspect of the material covered in this class. The paper topic must be approved by the professor. The grade on the paper (70 points) will be averaged with the exam grades to determine the final course grade. The paper will be graded for both content and technical accuracy (proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.). Final papers are due December 4. If the student chooses to submit a first draft for review, it is due November 20.

There are 3 books for the course. They are Herbert Asher, Polling and the Public (5th ed.); Flanigan and Zingale, Political Behavior of the American Electorate (9^th ed.); and Douglas Amy, Behind the Ballot Box. In addition, there will be a few readings on reserve in the library (indicated by an asterisk * on the reading schedule) and some handouts in class. The student is responsible for ALL readings.

Some useful websites from which to begin to explore electoral systems are the following:

www.ifes.org

www.aceproject.org/main/english/es/default.htm

www.electoral-reform.org.uk/sep/votingsystems/systems.htm

www.fairvote.org

www.campaignline.com/

FINAL EXAM: Tuesday, Dec 18; 10:30-12:30