Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2008 - 2009

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. The US Constitution - Separation of Powers and checks and balances

2. The Presidency

3. The Congress

4. The Supreme Court

5. Federalism

6. The Political Parties

7. The Voting behaviour

8. Interest Group Politics

9. Electing a President

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Indicative Reading List

S. Kernell and G. Jacobson, The Logic of American Politics, 2nd. ed., CQ
Press, 2003.
R. Singh (ed.), Governing America: the politics of a divided democracy, OUP,
2003.
T. Lowi, B. Ginsberg and K. Shepsle, American Government. Power and Purpose,
7th. ed., Norton, 2002.
G. C. Edwards, M. Wattenberg and R. Lineberry, Government in America, Longman,
2002

Programme or List of Programmes

CCS

BA in Contemporary Culture and Society

EBT

BA in European Business (Trans.Studies)

EPL

BA in Economics, Politics and Law

IFCEPL

Int Foundation Cert (Econ, Pol & Law)

BA in International Relations

BA in Journalism

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