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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2016 - 2017

Module Title American Political System
Module Code LG113
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorProfessor Robert ElgieOffice NumberC219
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

To examine the key features of the contemporary US political system and to account for the development of the system over time. To investigate the context in which the US Constitution was established and to analyse the system of separation of powers and checks and balances. To identify the main political parties in the US, to consider their policies, and to account for their electoral success and failure. To evaluate interest group politics in the US and the role of lobbying

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the key institutions of the US political system
2. Account for the dynamics of political competition in the US
3. Acquire an insight into the development of the US political system
4. Engage in logical thinking via class simulations



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Independent Study103No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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 Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    None
    Programme or List of Programmes
    AFUAge Friendly University Programme
    BAJGBachelor of Arts (BAJG)
    BAJIBachelor of Arts (BAJI)
    BAJMBachelor of Arts (BAJM)
    BAJPBachelor of Arts (BAJP)
    EBCBA in Global Business (Canada)
    EBTBA in Global Business (USA)
    EPLBA in Economics, Politics and Law
    IFCEPLInt Foundation Cert (Econ, Pol & Law)
    IRBA in International Relations
    JHLPOBachelor of Arts Jnt Hons(Law&Politics)
    JHPFRBachelor of Arts J. H. (Politics&French)
    JHPILBachelor of Arts J.H. Pol with Int. Lang
    JHPOMBachelor of Arts J.H.(Politics&Med Stu)
    Archives: