The Legislative Process
Professor Bethany Blackstone
Fall 2019 Class Meetings: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:30 pm to 1:50 pm, BLB 255
Fall 2019 Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Course Description
This course examines the primary responsibilities of the United States Congress--lawmaking and representation-- and the relationships among members, party organizations, committees, constituents, and the president. We will discuss the constitutional underpinnings of Congress, the behavior of members of Congress in their districts and in Washington, and the rules and procedures Congress uses to make policy. A large section of the course will focus on participation in a legislative simulation in which you will apply what you learn in class to be an effective legislator.
Fall 2019 Class Meetings: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:30 pm to 1:50 pm, BLB 255
Fall 2019 Office Hours: Tuesdays, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Course Description
This course examines the primary responsibilities of the United States Congress--lawmaking and representation-- and the relationships among members, party organizations, committees, constituents, and the president. We will discuss the constitutional underpinnings of Congress, the behavior of members of Congress in their districts and in Washington, and the rules and procedures Congress uses to make policy. A large section of the course will focus on participation in a legislative simulation in which you will apply what you learn in class to be an effective legislator.
Textbook
- E. Scott Adler, Jeffrey A. Jenkins, and Charles R. Shipan. 2019. The United States Congress, 1st edition. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN: 978-0393680195.
- The textbook is available for purchase or rent at the UNT bookstore and is on reserve at Eagle Commons Library. You may also borrow my copy during office hours.
- LegSim is a web-based legislative simulation. You will need to register and pay a non-refundable $16 fee by credit/debit card to participate in the class simulation. Some assignments will be submitted in LegSim.
- Some assignments will be submitted in Canvas and student grades will be posted in Canvas.
- We will use Slack for all class-related communication. Join using your UNT email using the link in Canvas.
All assignments and exams in the course will be assessed as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, with the requirements for Satisfactory articulated for each assignment. There is no partial credit--an assignment meets the assignments goals and specifications or it does not. The only letter grade you will receive in the course will be your final letter grade; it will reflect the "bundle" of assignments you have satisfactorily completed in the class.
Built into this system is a good deal of choice as to how much you wish to learn and how hard you want to work to demonstrate and apply that learning. You might choose that passing the course with a C is sufficient for your goals; if you strive to get an A, recognize the work you are taking on and make sure you are in a personal and academic situation to achieve the required level of engagement.
This grading system allows me (and you) to easily track student progress, it provides a mechanism for improving unsatisfactory work, and rewards mastery instead of a "hunt for partial credit.”
Quizzes. I will give announced and unannounced quizzes during the semester. You may use notes you have taken on readings if they are printed in hard copy. Occasionally, unannounced or announced in- class activities may be administered for quiz credits. Missed quizzes and in-class activities cannot be made up.
Exams. There will be two exams in the course. Each exam will consist of two sections—a Basic Section and an Advanced Section. The Basic Section will be administered as a closed book/note test during a regularly scheduled class meeting. You must earn 70% of available points to earn Satisfactory credit. The Advanced Section will be a take-home, open book/note test.
LegSim Assignments. The majority of assignments are related to our congressional simulation. Detailed instructions for all assignments are posted in Canvas and under the "Assignment Details" tab on this page.
Built into this system is a good deal of choice as to how much you wish to learn and how hard you want to work to demonstrate and apply that learning. You might choose that passing the course with a C is sufficient for your goals; if you strive to get an A, recognize the work you are taking on and make sure you are in a personal and academic situation to achieve the required level of engagement.
This grading system allows me (and you) to easily track student progress, it provides a mechanism for improving unsatisfactory work, and rewards mastery instead of a "hunt for partial credit.”
Quizzes. I will give announced and unannounced quizzes during the semester. You may use notes you have taken on readings if they are printed in hard copy. Occasionally, unannounced or announced in- class activities may be administered for quiz credits. Missed quizzes and in-class activities cannot be made up.
Exams. There will be two exams in the course. Each exam will consist of two sections—a Basic Section and an Advanced Section. The Basic Section will be administered as a closed book/note test during a regularly scheduled class meeting. You must earn 70% of available points to earn Satisfactory credit. The Advanced Section will be a take-home, open book/note test.
LegSim Assignments. The majority of assignments are related to our congressional simulation. Detailed instructions for all assignments are posted in Canvas and under the "Assignment Details" tab on this page.
Grade Bundles
To earn a particular grade, you must earn Satisfactory credit for every item in the grade bundle list.
Basic portions of both exams
Advanced portions of both exams
7 quizzes
7 LegSim Mini-Projects
Minor Bill Assignment
Major Bill Assignment
Re-Election Campaign Assignment
Report on Your Legislative Accomplishments
Evaluation of Another Member’s Accomplishments
Substantial contributions to the simulation
Advanced portions of both exams
7 quizzes
7 LegSim Mini-Projects
Minor Bill Assignment
Major Bill Assignment
Re-Election Campaign Assignment
Report on Your Legislative Accomplishments
Evaluation of Another Member’s Accomplishments
Substantial contributions to the simulation
Basic portions of both exams
Advanced portion of one exam
5 quizzes
6 LegSim Mini-Projects
Minor Bill Assignment
Major Bill Assignment
Re-Election Campaign Assignment
Report on Your Legislative Accomplishments
Substantial contributions to the simulation
Advanced portion of one exam
5 quizzes
6 LegSim Mini-Projects
Minor Bill Assignment
Major Bill Assignment
Re-Election Campaign Assignment
Report on Your Legislative Accomplishments
Substantial contributions to the simulation
Basic portions of both exams
3 quizzes
5 LegSim Mini-Projects
Minor Bill Assignment
Re-Election Campaign Assignment
Basic contributions to the simulation
3 quizzes
5 LegSim Mini-Projects
Minor Bill Assignment
Re-Election Campaign Assignment
Basic contributions to the simulation
Basic portions of both exams
4 LegSim Mini-Projects
Minor Bill Assignment
4 LegSim Mini-Projects
Minor Bill Assignment
Tokens
Each student begins the course with 2 virtual tokens that can be exchanged for some leniency or opportunity for revision. You may use 1 token for an opportunity to revise and resubmit one of the first five LegSim Mini-Projects or a bill assignment or to submit one of those assignments up to 48 hours late. For 2 tokens, you can re-take the Basic Section of the midterm or the final exam or the Advanced Section of the midterm.
You can earn 1 additional token for completing the SPOT evaluation and 1 additional token if you miss no more than 1 class day dedicated to simulation activities. Leftover tokens cannot be redeemed for anything at the end of the semester--use them or lose them.
Each student begins the course with 2 virtual tokens that can be exchanged for some leniency or opportunity for revision. You may use 1 token for an opportunity to revise and resubmit one of the first five LegSim Mini-Projects or a bill assignment or to submit one of those assignments up to 48 hours late. For 2 tokens, you can re-take the Basic Section of the midterm or the final exam or the Advanced Section of the midterm.
You can earn 1 additional token for completing the SPOT evaluation and 1 additional token if you miss no more than 1 class day dedicated to simulation activities. Leftover tokens cannot be redeemed for anything at the end of the semester--use them or lose them.
Institutional Design & Historical Development
August 27 (T) |
Read syllabus, join 3110 Slack workspace |
August 29 (R) |
Read Adler, Jenkins, and Shipan (AJS) Chapter 1, "Congress: Governing and Representation in a Separated System" |
September 3 (T) |
Read AJS Chapter 2, "The Historical Development of Congress" |
September 5 (R) |
Reading TBA |
September 8 (Su) |
Mini-Project #1: Ideology Self-Assessment due by 11:59 pm |
September 10 (T) |
Read AJS Chapter 3, "Representation" Students will choose states to represent for the simulation in class. Bring a list of your top choices to class. |
Parties & Committees
September 12 (R) |
Read AJS Chapter 5, "Committees" |
September 15 (Su) |
Mini-Project #2: LegSim Profile due by 11:59 pm (in LegSim) |
September 17 (T) |
Reading TBA |
September 19 (R) |
Read AJS Chapter 6, "Parties" |
September 22 (Su) |
Mini-Project #3: Legislative Agenda due by 11:59 pm |
September 24 (T) |
LegSim Day - Parties caucus in class |
Interactions with Other Institutions
September 26 (R) |
Read AJS Chapter 9, "Congress and the President" |
October 1 (T) |
Read AJS Chapter 10, "Congress and the Bureaucracy" LegSim Day - Parties elect leaders in class |
October 3 (R) |
Read AJS Chapter 11, "Congress and the Courts" |
October 8 (T) |
Read AJS Chapter 12, "Congress and Interest Groups" |
Midterm
October 10 (R) |
Basic Section of Midterm Exam (administered in class) |
October 13 (Su) |
Advanced Section of Midterm due by 11:59 pm in Canvas |
Policymaking & Legislative Effectiveness
October 15 (T) |
Read AJS Chapter 7, "Policy Making" |
October 17 (R) |
Read AJS Chapter 8, "Legislative Effectiveness" |
October 20 (Su) |
Mini-Project #4: Committee Request Assignment due in Canvas and sent to your party leader by 11:59 pm |
LegSim Procedures and Bill Writing
October 22 (T) |
Read LegSim Tutorials LegSim Day: Introduction to Bill Writing |
October 24 (R) |
LegSim Day: Bill Writing Workshop |
October 27 (Su) |
Minor Bills due in LegSim and Canvas by 11:59 pm Mini-Project #5: Procedures Assessment due by 11:59 pm in Canvas |
October 29 (T) |
LegSim Day: Procedures Practice |
October 31 (R) |
LegSim Day: Parties and Committees Meet in Class |
LegSim Days
Between November 5 and November 21, class days will be used primarily for in-class committee meetings, debates on legislation, floor voting, etc. Committees may need to meet outside of class time and/or online through the LegSim site. Legislation will be debated and voted on in class and on the LegSim site. Participation in online voting/debate is tracked—be sure to participate there as well as in class.
- Reminder: The final Mini-Projects (#6 and #7) are Debate Preparation assignments. These assignments are completed in Canvas. In order to earn credit for a Debate Prep Mini-Project, you must complete it prior to the class period in which debate on the bill is scheduled to occur.
- If the legislature does not have business to consider, we will cover new material.
November 3 (Su) |
Major Bills due in LegSim and Canvas by 11:59 pm |
November 5 (T) |
LegSim Day |
November 7 (R) |
LegSim Day |
November 12 (T) |
LegSim Day |
November 14 (R) |
LegSim Day |
November 19 (T) |
LegSim Day |
November 21 (R) |
LegSim Day: Legislature adjourns, sine die |
Elections
November 26 (T) |
Read AJS Chapter 4, "Elections" |
November 28 (R) |
No Class Meeting |
December 3 (T) |
Report on Your Legislative Accomplishments due by 11:59 pm in Canvas Report on Another Legislators Accomplishments due by 11:59 pm in Canvas |
December 5 (R) |
Last Class Day Re-Election Campaign Strategy Assignment due in Canvas by the start of class. |
Final Exam
December 12 (R) |
Basic Section of Final Exam administered during assigned final exam period, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm |
December 12 (R) |
Advanced Section of Final Exam due by 11:59 pm in Canvas |
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is defined in the UNT Policy on Student Standards for Academic Integrity. Any suspected case of academic dishonesty will be handled in accordance with the University Policy and procedures. Possible academic penalties range from a verbal or written admonition to a grade of F in the course. Further sanctions may apply to incidents involving major violations. You will find the policy and procedures at http:// facultysuccess.unt.edu/academic-integrity.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodations
The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking reasonable accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with a reasonable accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request reasonable accommodation at any time, however ODA notices of reasonable accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of reasonable accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. Students are strongly encouraged to deliver letters of reasonable accommodation during faculty office hours or by appointment. Faculty members have the authority to ask students to discuss letters during their designated office hours to protect the privacy of the student. For additional information see the ODA website at http://www.unt.edu/oda. You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.
Classroom Conduct
Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students’ opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student’s conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university’s expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classrooms, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at https://deanofstudents.unt.edu/conduct.
Sexual Discrimination, Harassment, and Assault
UNT is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or experiences any of these acts of aggression, please know that you are not alone. The federal Title IX law makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are civil rights offenses. UNT has staff members trained to support you in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and more.
UNT’s Dean of Students website offers a range of on-campus and off-campus resources to help support survivors, depending on their unique needs: http://deanofstudents.unt.edu/resources_0. Renee LeClaire McNamara is UNT’s Student Advocate and she can be reached through e-mail at [email protected] or by calling the Dean of Students’ office at 940-565-2648. You are not alone. We are here to help.
UNT’s Dean of Students website offers a range of on-campus and off-campus resources to help support survivors, depending on their unique needs: http://deanofstudents.unt.edu/resources_0. Renee LeClaire McNamara is UNT’s Student Advocate and she can be reached through e-mail at [email protected] or by calling the Dean of Students’ office at 940-565-2648. You are not alone. We are here to help.
Emergency Notification and Procedures
UNT uses a system called Eagle Alert to quickly notify you with critical information in an event of emergency (i.e., severe weather, campus closing, and health and public safety emergencies like chemical spills, fires, or violence). The system sends voice messages (and text messages upon permission) to the phones of all active faculty staff, and students. Please make certain to update your phone numbers at www.my.unt.edu. Some helpful emergency preparedness actions include: 1) ensuring you know the evacuation routes and severe weather shelter areas, determining how you will contact family and friends if phones are temporarily unavailable, and identifying where you will go if you need to evacuate the Denton area suddenly. In the event of a university closure, your instructor will communicate with you through Canvas regarding assignments, exams, field trips, and other items that may be impacted by the closure.
Mini-Project #1: Ideology Self-Assessment (due Sunday, September 8)
Mini-Project #2: LegSim Profile (due Sunday, September 15)
Mini-Project #3: Legislative Agenda (due Sunday, September 22)
Mini-Project #4: Committee Request Assignment (due Sunday, October 20)
Mini-Project #5: Procedures Assessment (due Sunday, October 27)
Mini-Projects #6 & 7: Debate Preparation Assignments (open due dates, must be submitted prior to scheduled debate)
Bill Assignments (due Sunday, October 27 and Sunday November 3)
Simulation Contributions
Report on Legislative Accomplishments (due Tuesday, December 3)
Report on another Member's Legislative Accomplishments (due Tuesday, December 3)
Re-Election Campaign Strategy Assignment (due Thursday, December 5)
Mini-Project #2: LegSim Profile (due Sunday, September 15)
Mini-Project #3: Legislative Agenda (due Sunday, September 22)
Mini-Project #4: Committee Request Assignment (due Sunday, October 20)
Mini-Project #5: Procedures Assessment (due Sunday, October 27)
Mini-Projects #6 & 7: Debate Preparation Assignments (open due dates, must be submitted prior to scheduled debate)
Bill Assignments (due Sunday, October 27 and Sunday November 3)
Simulation Contributions
Report on Legislative Accomplishments (due Tuesday, December 3)
Report on another Member's Legislative Accomplishments (due Tuesday, December 3)
Re-Election Campaign Strategy Assignment (due Thursday, December 5)