COURSE SYLLABUS

Texas Government
GOVT 2306 400 CRN: 36023

Date: 06/06/2022 - 07/10/2022

Location: WLB-207

Casper Kamau Njuguna, PhD

Course Information
This course focuses on the State Government and Constitutions of Texas. The course covers several topics
federalism, state structures, and policy. The course examines Origin and development of the Texas Constitution,
structure and powers of the government.

Course Objectives
Upon passage of this course, you should be able to:
• Define various key terms regarding government, like federalism and separation of powers
• Describe how the political theories influence the Constitution.
This course will provide you with three types of knowledge: 1) a basic understanding of the Texas political and
governmental system and the relevant aspects of Texas’ political history and culture to explain how the Texas
political system has developed and operated. 2) the class will introduce you to the ways that political scientists try to
describe and explain political phenomena. You will begin to understand and appreciate the subtleties and
complexities of developing social scientific explanations for political life. 3) the course will teach you to think more
critically about politics and political issues. Seldom are questions in the political world or the larger world in which
it is enmeshed, simple, or subject to simple explanations. The class will show you a variety of solid arguments on a
range of empirical and normative issues. It will force you to deal honestly with them, not dismiss them out of hand,
but subject them to close comparative evaluation. These critical skills of perspective and assessment – the capacity
to make sense of the bits of information that swirl about you – lie at the heart of the liberal arts and the idea of an
educated mind. Information/data is essential, but any fool can look up "facts;" actual knowledge consists of knowing
what to do with the information you receive and seek out.

Upon passage of this course, you should be able to:

o Describe how the political theories and concepts like Locke and Federalists influence constitutions
in America.
o Examine the State’s government's organization, functions, and processes, with particular attention
to parties, pressure groups, and other forces that influence its course.
o Understand and comprehend several topics in government, including federalism, the separation of
powers, the courts, etc.

Grading Criteria and Assignments

Grading Criteria and Assignments:
• 60% Quizzes: Quiz 1 = 20%; Quiz 2 = 20%, Quiz 3 = 20% (Test are online on your computer in class)
• 15% Reports: Locke Paper
• 5% Participation: Attendance and Class participation
• 20% Final
• A: 90 -100%; B: 89-80%; C: 79-70%; D: 69-60; F: Below 60%.

Readings:
• Book (WE): Governing Texas, 4th edition by Champagne, Harpham, Casellas, Norton & Co.
• Readings: Online PowerPoints Notes
• Locke's Two Treaties: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/#TwoTreaGove
• Federalist Paper 51: https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/text-51-60

Class Rules and Code:

• Class Disorder:
o Class disruptions will lead to both incident reports and class exclusion. A report will be filled with
the Dean of Students and other relevant offices.
o After initial warning without compliance 5% will be effectuated per instance up to 20% of the
classes total grade.
o If you need to leave early inform me before class
o Leaving and entering must be respectful - imit your entry and exit during lectures
o Backpack packing starts 1 minute before class ends
o If you are to miss class for any reason, make sure to email me.
o Computers are allowed, but cellphones will be under classroom restrictions.
o Class disruptions will lead to both incident reports and class exclusion

• Papers: Turn all papers on Canvas

• Class Participation:
o I expect both in-class and online participation

• Syllabus:
o subject to change at the discretion of the Professor
o Withdraw date of based on University set date.
▪ In accordance with Political Science department policy, students may not drop the course
after the official university course adjustment deadline. In other words, there will be no
late withdrawals—i.e., no WPs or WFs. Check the University calendar for last day to
withdraw.
• Public Health:
o Maintain social distancing rules and watch out for campus emails concerning Public Health issues.
If you become sick 1) do not come to class, 2) email me

• Academic Integrity Code:

o I expect students to conduct themselves and complete all assignments in accordance with
principles of academic integrity.

• Plagiarism/academic dishonesty consequences:

o You will receive an “F” on the work and will be reported to the Dean of Students
o For reports, you are to read the required reading without external sources like "sparknotes"
o Citations are required for all other work.
o All work must be your own. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in this course and are
grounds for a failing grade and referral to the Dean. If you are unsure of the application of the
Honor Code to this course or a particular assignment, please speak with me.

• Mental Health:
o There may be times when personal stressors interfere with academic performance and/or
negatively impact daily life. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges
at Collin County, please connect with the Counseling Center. Counseling Center services are free
and confidential. Other available support resources to consider on campus include, but are not
limited to: the Office of the Dean of Students, the Health Center, and the Office of Disability
Services.

• Disability Accommodations:
o If you have a disability and may require some type of instructional and/or examination
accommodations, please contact me early in the semester so that I can provide or facilitate
provision of any accommodations you may need.

• Diversity and Inclusivity:

 o JMU is a community dedicated to diversity and inclusivity. I seek to promote a learning
environment that supports a diversity of perspectives and experiences, while respecting each
other’s diverse worldviews. Please do not hesitate to discuss steps that might be taken to help
create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE WRITING REQUIREMENTS

Course Level Goals Requirements

American Federal 1. Demonstrate a coherent Write a minimum of two take-home analytic

Government overview and understanding of essays requiring the careful development of a
the material presented in the coherent analytical position (a minimum of at least
course. three pages). These essays should go beyond mere
description, synthesize, critically evaluate, and
2. Development of solid analytic make meaning out of the relevant material.
and writing skills (i.e., Evaluation of essay assignments should focus on
familiarity with evaluation and these dimensions:
construction of written
arguments) a. Substantive content: e.g., clarity of content,
ability to identify core concerns, grasp of
competing explanations

b. Form and style of argument: e.g., logical

structure, appropriate documentation, clarity
of prose, language usage skills

REPORT EXPECTATIONS Locke Report, Federalist 51 Report

• Only use assigned text, answer each question in the course calendar in paragraph form.
• Only use one "1" LINE for your name and class number, day of the meeting, and class name
• Only use one "1" LINE for the title
• Paragraph per question category: Fully answer all questions listed in the syllabus in paragraph form to
receive full credit – include quotes from the text to support your assertion.
• Do not use sources outside those given in the syllabus
• Use quotes in the text to support your arguments.
• I examine your understanding of the general arguments/themes/theories within the text, and not simply
copy/paste the text or 2-sentence responses will not be regarded as full credit.
• Format: Use whichever form you have familiarity with and be consistent
• Font: Time New Roman 12 Double space
• Length: no less than 2 pages
• Layout: Standard, do not mess with the layout
• See me in class or Email me early for assistance before the assignment is due!

PUBLIC POLICY FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVE LETTER ASSIGNMENT

CLASS OBJECTIVE:

We are going to write a letter to a federal government official discussing and examine an area of public policy. This
assignment will examine the plurality of policy ideas and choices, the outcomes and effects of different actions and
the morals in the ethical process of decision making.
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

This is a letter writing assignment.

1. You will pick an ethical issue that aligns with your “ism” world view, values or ideology and then find a
bill that is currently before Congress that deals with that issue.
2. Next, the student must write a letter to your actual House Representative, or one our U.S. Senators
discussing the following elements:
○ Identify and explain your support or opposition to the bill chosen (1 paragraph)
○ Use two credible sources to identify and explain two specific areas that would be affected by this
bill. For example, if you are supporting the bill then you might explain two specific areas that
would improve should this bill be passed. However, if you are not in support of this bill, then you
might identify two specific areas that will be negatively impacted with the passage of this bill (2
paragraphs)
■ Note: We have been talking about empirical reasoning, therefore, you have to use facts,
data, and other quantifiable metrics to support your claim.
○ Use one credible source, to explain the long-term impact and consequences likely to result should
the bill pass or fail to pass. (1 paragraph)

LETTER WRITING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The letter needs to meet the 2-page minimum length standard set forth in the assignment instructions
2. The letter should be typed. Use Times New Roman, 12pt font, and normal margins.
2. The letter should be single spaced and arranged in business letter format.
○ A simple Google search for business letter format will give numerous examples of what a business
letter looks like. Additionally, a sample letter has been provided at the end of this instruction.
3. Spelling and grammar will be taken into consideration when grading this assignment as well as the rubric
provided. (remember you can get assistance from the writing center second floor of the library at Collin
Wylie).
4. Be sure to include the recipient’s address in your letter as well as a proper greeting and salutation
5. Be sure to use the correct title for the person you are writing. For example, Ted Cruz should be referred to
as Senator Cruz.
6. If you are not comfortable putting your personal address on the letter, please use the Collin College address
for your home campus.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:

● Do not turn in your letter without proofreading it (use Grammarly)

● Be sure that you are writing to a federal official.
● Write to only one person
● Do not double space your letter, including the address section.
● No work citied page, you can simply explain where you got the data/quote to the representative in the
letter.
● Make sure you are using the correct address for the member of Congress
● Make sure you have complied with all the formatting requirements (i.e., Times New Roman, 12pt font,
normal margins, etc
SAMPLE LETTER IN BLOCK FORMAT:

Amho Q. Professor
Collin College – Wylie Campus
2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy. Plano, TX 75074

August 7, 2018

Senator Njuguna X. Joseph

1234 Congress AVE
Washington, DC 20310-0200

Dear Senator Joseph,

In this paragraph, deliver a friendly and clear introduction. State the main point/s of your letter here. Keep this
section short and to the point. An example would be: My name is Kirby, and I am a student at Collin College. I
reside in your district. I am writing to you asking for you to vote in support of HB 1211 “The….”. I firmly believe...

In this paragraph, use 1 credible source to identify and explain the first area that would be impacted by this bill. If
you are supporting the bill then you might explain one specific area that would improve from where it is now should
this bill be passed. If you are not in support of this bill, then you might identify one specific area that will be
negatively impacted with the passage of this bill. You should use facts, data, and other quantifiable metrics to
support your claim. Remember, you can disagree with the person you are writing to but be sure to remain
respectful.

In this paragraph, use a second credible source, identify and explain the second specific area that would be impacted
by this bill. If you are supporting the bill, then you should explain a specific area that would improve from where it
is now should this bill be passed. If you are not in support of this bill, then you should identify a specific area that
will be negatively impacted with the passage of this bill. You should use facts, data, and other quantifiable metrics
to support this second claim. Remember, you can disagree with the person you are writing to but be sure to remain
respectful.

In this paragraph use one credible source and explain another larger reason why the member of Congress should
vote for or against that bill and why. Remember, while it is permissible in this part of your letter to state your
opinion, most Federal and State/Local officials are not easily persuaded with appeals to their emotions. Instead,
consider using a facts-based argument.

Close your letter by thanking the elected official for the work they do and remember to be respectful.

Respectfully,

Amho Q. Professor
CALENDAR

Dates Readings Assignments Due Dates

Module 1: Foundations & Theory

Week 1 Welcome and TX Govt

Jun 06-09 Read Locke
The Study of Govt Read Federalist Paper 51

Week 2 Federalism and State Due:

Jun 13-16 Power Locke Report
Quiz 1

The premise of Locke’s arguments on the government:

Topic: 4. The Two Treatises Of Government
URL -
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/#TwoTreaGove
Topic: 4.1 The Second Treatise of Government
URL -
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/#SecoTreaGove
Question 1: What factors led Locke to write his philosophy
on government?

Human Nature:
Topic: 4.2 Human Nature and God’s Purposes
URL -
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/#HumaNatuGodsPurp
Question 2: What is the purpose of man?

State of Nature:
Topic 2. State of Nature
URL - https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke-
political/index.html#StatNatu
Questions 3: What is the state of nature?
• What are the conditions in the state of nature?
• What is the law of nature, and how is it revealed?

Question 4: What is the significance of the State Nature in

supporting Locke’s assertions?

The Social Contract:

Topic: 3. Social Contract Theory

URL -
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/#SociContTheo
Question 5: What is the social contract?
• Why do people enter a social contract?
• What is consent?

Question 6: Why is it of significance to the legitimate

government?
• What form of government is best?

Civil Government:
Topic: 4.4 The Function of Civil Government
 URL -
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/#FuncCiviGove
Question 7: What is the aim of legitimate government?
• What are the functions of government?

Consent, Obligation, Ends of Government, Rebellion:

Topic 4.5 Rebellion and Regicide
URL - https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke/#RebeRegi
Topic: Consent, Political Obligation, and the Ends of
Government
URL- https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/locke-
political/index.html#ConsPoliObliEndsGove
Question 8: What is the extent of our obligation after
consent?
• What are the limits of political obligation?
Question 9: What are legitimate reasons for the ends of
citizens’ obligations?
What are the ends of government?

Module 2: Constitution

Week 3 Texas Constitution Due:

Jun 20-23 Quiz 2
Choose Public Policy Paper Topic

Module 3: Institutions

Week 4 State Government and State Representative Letter Due

Jun 27-30 Institutions

Module 3

Week 5 Local Government and Due:

Jul 04-10 Institutions Quiz 3

Module 4 July 4th Holiday

Final