2021-2022 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Mar 18, 2024  
2021-2022 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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POLS 230 State and Local Government (5 credits)



Distribution Area Fulfilled Social Sciences; General Transfer Elective
Course Description
This course looks at the different levels of government in the United States system, with emphasis on the state and local level, including their power, structure and how they interact. The constitution and politics of the government in Washington state will receive particular attention.

Student Outcomes
1. Explain the elements of federalism and role of state and local politics in determining the relationships among states and between states and the national government.
2. Compare the characteristics of state constitutions and the elements of constitutional politics in the states.
3. Explain the impact of the people upon the state, including initiatives and referenda, and identify the effects of party politics upon the functioning of state governments.
4. Analyze the prerogatives, perquisites, and power of legislators and governors.
5. Describe the federal case decisions that most affected state courts and analyze what the impacts of these decisions were.
6. Identify and discuss the most common influences on local government decision-making and the general impact of each of these influences.
7. Identify and discuss the most common forms of metropolitan government and their advantages and disadvantages.



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