1. J. Bryan Cole POLS 1336: U.S. and Texas Politics and Constitution
Course Introduction What is Politics? What is Government? January 20, 2015
J. Bryan Cole
POLS 1336: U.S. and Texas Politics and Constitution

2. Who am I? J. Bryan Cole Basic Information Personal Interests
Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana
PhD in Political Science (American Politics), The Ohio State University, 2012
Personal Interests
Reading
Swimming
Hiking/backpacking/camping…anything outside!

3. Getting Help
Contact information
Office: PGH 381 (the building w/ the Einstein Bros. Bagels); Phone:
Office hours: MW 1:00-2:30, TR 10:00-11:15 and by appt., Google Chat Tuesdays from 7:30-9:00
Sending s
Be sure to check the syllabus BEFORE sending an ; the syllabus usually has the answer!

4. TA Information Delaram Peimani
Office information:
Location: PGH 426
Office hours by appointment
Procedural/logistical questions should go to Ms. Peimani; other questions should go to me

5. Who Are You? Please share with me… -Your name -Where you’re from
-Year in school
-Major (it’s ok if you’re undecided; just tell me what you’re leaning toward)
-Your expectations for the course (What do you want to learn? Be specific, e.g. a certain current event you want to discuss, etc.)
-Are you also taking POLS 1337 this semester? Who’s your instructor?
-An interesting fact about yourself

6. Grading Attendance @ 10% 2 website assignments @ 20% (10% each)
Learn Smart 25%
2 midterms and a 45% (15% each)

7. MANDATORY SYLLABUS QUIZ
Once you buy the eBook access, you will need to take a short syllabus quiz that covers course policies
You must score 100 percent on it no later than Sunday, January 11:59 PM!
Any student who does not meet this requirement will be dropped from the course!

8. Clickers 10% of your grade
You MUST purchase a clicker and register it on Blackboard
Clickers are optional this week, mandatory next week
NO APPS

9. Attendance Participate in discussions -Be courteous to all
-Offer arguments, not opinions
Don’t do the following: cell/texting/headphones/ Facebook/talking
Ask for help when you need it

10. Website Assignments 20 percent of your grade (10 percent each)
You’ll sign up in class for 2 of 4 website assignments
Additional guidelines appear in the syllabus

11. Textbook
We’ll use an eBook with an optional upgrade to a print edition
Make sure to complete the assigned readings before class on the first day on which they’re listed on the syllabus
Learn Smart modules count 25 percent of course grade; due the nights before exams at midnight

12. Exams
Midterms and final (not cumulative), each worth 15 percent of course grade
50 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes
You’ll take them at CASA; their website is
More information is also available on Blackboard

13. My Responsibilities Facilitator of learning
Begin and end class on time
Grade papers and respond to s on a timely basis

14. What Can You Expect?
This class deals with political behaviors; POLS 1337 concerns political institutions
Therefore, we are interested in learning about how people participate in politics
We’ll also talk about current events, including the upcoming state and federal elections
What current event is taking place TODAY???

15. Why Study Participation?
It’s all about you!
Our government is “of the people, by the people and for the people”
What if people don’t participate? What if they don’t vote?

16. Why Do Some People Participate While Others Abstain?
People Participate Because
People Abstain Because

17. Why Do Some People Participate While Others Abstain?
People Participate Because:
People Don’t Participate Because:

18. Why Vote?
A Lonely Voter
“‘I just think it’s important to vote. If you have the right, you ought to exercise it – whether you are going to make a difference or not’” (Traci Hodgson, from “Voter Flocks to the Polls – And Casts Precinct’s Only Ballot.” By Brian C. Mooney. Boston Globe. Sept. 28, 1989).
Is voting alone sufficient?

19. What is “politics?”
Politics is “who gets what, when and how” (Harold Lasswell 1936)
We see politics everywhere
But we will be studying politics in the government

20. What is “government?”
Government is an “organization extending to the whole of society that can legitimately use force to carry out its decisions” (Dye 2001)
“Extending to the whole of society”
Legitimate use of force 20 20

21. Types of Government - Aristotle
Ruled by True Corrupt
One Kingship Tyrant-dictator
Few Aristocracy Oligarchy
Many Constitutional Democracy
government 21 21

22. Is the United States a Democracy or a Republic?
Everyone votes on all applicable laws
Examples: Ancient Greek city-states, some towns in New England, initiatives and referenda in Western states
The people vote on representatives who will vote on laws on their behalf
Examples: US Congress, Texas Legislature, Houston City Council

23. Might Aristotle Have Been Right?23 23

24. Course Overview Outline of the course Participation
How can we participate in government and politics?
What benefits does participation afford us? As individuals? What about society as a whole?
What is required for effective participation?
Should anyone refrain from participation? If so, who? Why or why not?
Could you pass the citizenship test?