1. American Government and Organization PS1301 Instructor: Jeffrey Karp TA: Marshall Garland

2. Introduction to Course ThemesSyllabusBooksScheduleExams

3. Themes Reforming the Republic Redistricting Redistricting Early voting Early voting Comparative Perspective (other countries/other U.S. states) Proportional representation Proportional representation ‘logic of collective action’ (politics is process of individuals reaching collective decisions)

4. Democrat's return could end standoff Richard Michael Pruitt / DMNSen. John Whitmire flew home to Houston Tuesday, saying, "I just don't understand the rationale of staying in New Mexico when we're not in session." John Whitmire, the Senate's longest-serving member, flew home from New Mexico on Tuesday, putting himself in a position where Republicans may force the Democrat to attend a special session aimed at bolstering GOP power in Congress. A return by just one senator to the Capitol would give the 31- person Senate enough members to conduct business if Gov. Rick Perry calls a third special session.

5. Congressional Districts Texas population, 2000 Census: 20,851,820 Texas population, 2000 Census: 20,851,820 Total congressional districts in Texas: 32 Total congressional districts in Texas: 32 Ideal population per district: 651,619 Ideal population per district: 651,619 17 Democrats, 15 Republicans. 17 Democrats, 15 Republicans.

7. Syllabus Subject to change Annotated version available on web www.jkarp.com/f2003/ps1301 www.jkarp.com/f2003/ps1301 Office hours e-mail/phone contact

8. Office Hours/E-mail Karp Holden Hall 219; 742-4048 Holden Hall 219; 742-4048 email: j.karp@ttu.edu email: j.karp@ttu.eduj.karp@ttu.edu Subject should be: PS1301 Subject should be: PS1301 Office Hours: T 10:00-11:00am and W 3:00-5:00pm Office Hours: T 10:00-11:00am and W 3:00-5:00pmGarland Holden Hall 16; 742-0168 Holden Hall 16; 742-0168 email: marshall.garland@ttu.edu email: marshall.garland@ttu.edu Office Hours: MW 9:00am-9:50pm; TH 11:00- 11:50am Office Hours: MW 9:00am-9:50pm; TH 11:00- 11:50am

9. Books Kernell, Samuel and Gary Jacobson, The Logic of American Politics 2nd ed. [Kernell] Donovan, Todd and Shaun Bowler, Reforming the Republic [Donovan]

10. Schedule Possible changes Readings prior to class meeting

11. Evaluation Exams 3-Oct MIDTERM I (Friday) – 25% 3-Oct MIDTERM I (Friday) – 25% 7-Nov MIDTERM II (Friday) – 25% 7-Nov MIDTERM II (Friday) – 25% Final Examination - December 17: 10:30am- 1pm -- 40% Final Examination - December 17: 10:30am- 1pm -- 40% Makeup Exams – if granted, on day of final Makeup Exams – if granted, on day of final Unannounced quizzes – 10% (an example of collective action)

12. Student Responsibilities Attend the course: Do the work: Do the work: Be courteous to the instructor and your classmates. Understand and follow university and class policies: Class Email list:

13. Instructor Responsibilities: Be prompt and prepared for class meetings Be respectful of all points of view. Be available for questions or advice during scheduled office hours. Respond to e-mail in a timely manner.