The (Dis)United States of America: Federalism and State Politics - JPB102

• Title: The (Dis)United States of America: Federalism and State Politics
• Guaranteed by: Department of Political Science (23-KP)
• Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences
• Actual: from 2022
• Semester: winter
• E-Credits: 6
• Examination process: winter s.:
• Hours per week, examination: winter s.:1/1, Ex [HT]
• Capacity: unlimited / unlimited (50)
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: no
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Teaching methods: full-time
• Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan; enabled for web enrollment; priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan
• Guarantor: PhDr. Jakub Dopieralla
• Teacher(s): PhDr. Jakub Dopieralla
• Class: Courses for incoming students

Annotation

Last update: PhDr. Jakub Dopieralla (04.10.2022)

When introductory Comparative Politics courses cover the United States, the almost always limit themselves to covering the federal level of the US political system. Federalism is mentioned as a general principle, but rarely covered in any detail. This course aims to fill that particular gap by focusing on the state-level politics. It will cover the most important aspects of politics at the sub-national level, from institutional layouts, constitutional designs, to the most important political issues that are resolved at the level of the states.

Aim of the course

Last update: PhDr. Jakub Dopieralla (04.10.2022)

The main aim is to analyze how states differ from the very rigid federal political system in the sense that it is much easier to exact fast and wide-ranging changes of policy. Also, strong attention will be paid to the concept of partisan polarization and the vast differences between united and divided government on the state level. Students will learn to analyze institutional designs, the processes of passing public policy and the basics of electoral geography in the context of the United States. 

Course completion requirements

Last update: PhDr. Jakub Dopieralla (27.09.2023)

The final exam will take the form of a take-home essay. Each registered student will be sent two questions that will be answered in the form of two essays (approximately 500 words each). Questions will cover topics that will be talked about during the lectures. 

Each question will be graded on a scale of 0-50 points, for a grand total of 100 points. To pass the course, students will have to receive at least 51 points. Grading is in in accordance with the Dean´s provision No. 17/2023.

Teaching methods

Last update: PhDr. Jakub Dopieralla (04.10.2022)

Lectures with Q and A time. 

Syllabus

Last update: PhDr. Jakub Dopieralla (04.10.2022)

Outline of lecture topics (order subject to change based on current events in the U. S.)

1)      The theoretical basis of federalism, American specifics, federal versus state power

2)      Political systems of US states – state constitutions, separation of powers, bicameralism, decentralization

3)      Executive power – governors, vetoes, executive orders

4)      Legislative power: State legislatures – processes, institutions

5)      Judicial power: state supreme courts, elected judges, interpretations

6)      Elections at the state level – federal limits, gerrymandering, entrenched power, democratic backsliding

7)      United vs divided government, partisan polarization and the effectiveness of state political systems

8)      Direct democracy at the state level – initiatives, referendums, constitutional amendments

9)      Public policy at the state level I: the politics of abortion

10)   Public policy at the state level II: education

11)   Public policy at the state level III: healthcare

12)   Public policy at the state level IV: economy, budgeting, welfare

13)   Public policy at the state level V: criminal policy, death penalty

14)   Overview – states as laboratories of democracy, or centers of democratic backsliding?