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.
Course Content
A. The relationships of the levels of government in the United States system
B. The general characteristics of state constitutions and the specific features of the Washington State Constitution.
C. The power, structure and politics of state governments.
D. The power, structure and politics of local governments.
E. The problems of state and local governments.
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.
Degree Outcomes
Social Sciences: Graduates analyze and interpret social phenomenon using social science theories and methods.
Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.
Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50
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