POLS 1033 - State and Local Government

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture None Lab None
Course Description: This course introduces students to the dynamic world of state and local politics. It’s primary focus is on state constitutions, political parties and interest groups, voting and elections, state legislatures, governors and mayors, and state courts. This course also gives special attention to Minnesota state politics, history, and culture.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 9 Ethical/Civic Responsibility

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. State and Local Government
2. State Constitutions
3. Interest Groups
4. Legislatures
5. Political Parties
6. Voting and Elections
7. Governors
8. Judiciary
9. Public Policies
10. Local Government

1. Describe the cultural and historical context of Minnesota state politics.
2. Summarize the functions of state legislatures, governors, mayors, and state courts.
3. Describe the structures and functions of state political parties.
4. Distinguish between forms of local and municipal government.
5. Point out the roles and functions of county governments.
6. Describe the major activities and functions of interest groups in state politics.
7. Identify the current issues facing state and local governments.
8. Give examples of how state constitutions have been reformed.

05. 03. Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
09. 03. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.

09. 04. Recognize the diversity of political motivations and interests of others.

09. 05. Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

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