POL 112 - American State and Local Government

Credit(s) 3.00
Lecture Hours: 3.00
This course provides an introduction to politics, government and public policy at the state and local level, with particular emphasis on the state of Iowa. It includes an analysis of the relationship among federal, state and local governments; the structure and powers of state and local governments; the scope of political participation in state and local parties; and public policymaking by state and local governments.

SLOs:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe the structure and functions of state and local governments, including the roles of governors, legislatures, courts, and local officials.
Explain how state and local governments interact with federal government and how policies are shaped through those relationships.
Identify key factors in state and local elections, including voter participation, political parties, and ballot initiatives.
Analyze real-world public policy issues at the state and local level, such as taxation, public education, criminal justice, and infrastructure.
Compare governance structures across different states and municipalities, recognizing how political culture and historical context shape decision-making.
Evaluate how individuals and groups can influence state and local government, including voting, lobbying, advocacy, and grassroots organizing.
Discuss contemporary challenges in state and local governance, such as economic inequality, climate policy, and immigration policy.
Apply course concepts to local and state government case studies, encouraging engagement with local issues and civic participation.
Demonstrate an understanding of social science methods used in analyzing social phenomena associated with diverse human perspectives.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in political analysis.