Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2004 - 2005

Module Title	American Political System
Module Code	LG113
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Professor Robert Elgie	Office Number	C219
Level	1	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

To introduce students to the political system of the United States of America. To highlight the differences between the US system of governance and typical European models.

Learning Outcomes

Students should acquire an insight into the complex politics of the USA and how the system of checks and balances at the heart of its system of governance operates.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	24
Tutorials	0
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	51

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

1. Constitution Building the Historic Context the 'Founding Fathers' the Federalist Papers the Compromises 2. The US Constitution Separation of Powers Federalism the Bill of Rights The Rigid Amendment procedure 3. The Presidency 4. The Congress 5. Judicial Review 6. The Political Parties 7. The Electoral System and voting behaviour 8. Federalism 9. Interest Group Politics 10. American Exceptionalism 11. Election 2004

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Indicative Reading List

Bowles, Nigel (1993) The Government and Politics of the United States. Macmillan. McKay, David (1993). American Politics and Society. Blackwell. Maidment, Richard, Robert McKeever and John Zvesper (1998). Politics USA. Hemel Hempstead: Prentice Hall.

Programme or List of Programmes

Bachelor of Business Studies

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSc in Computer Applications

EBT

BA in European Business (Trans.Studies)

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO