POLS 1301 – American Government & Organization

1. POLS 1301 – American Government & Organization Instructor: Dr. Jeff Karp TA: Josh Ozymy

2. Some announcements: • Books – no need to purchase Politics after Sept. 11. – no class reading from book • Even if do not have books now must complete the reading prior to exams • Notetaker

3. Outline for Day • Instructions for Clickers • Does the republic need reform?

4. Instructions for Clickers • Response pads can be purchased at the campus bookstore. Registration codes can be purchased online for a reduced price (see details below).

5. Purchase Device • You are required to purchase and register an eInstruction response pad which will be used to participate in course exercises. • You can purchase the device at the university bookstore for $4. The cost for registration is $15 which can be completed through the eInstruction website (see below). • Alternatively there are a limited number of registration codes for purchase at the university bookstore for $22.50.

6. Register device • After you purchase the device you must register it at http://www.einstruction.com/. • On the home page select “students” in the top right hand corner and then select Texas Tech from the drop down menu and “choose course” The class key is S2072P457. • You must purchase and register these devices in your name by Tuesday, September 16, 2004.

7. Do Presidential Election Campaigns Matter? • Ad Wars • Convention • http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,129669,00.html • Talk Show Appearances • http://www.comedycentral.com

8. "Trial Heat" • Bush’s share of vote = Gallup Poll published right after Labor Day + growth rate for real Gross Domestic Product for the second quarter • James Campbell • www.politicalforecasting.com

9. “Jobs Model” = 51.16% • Bush’s share of vote = • July presidential popularity • six-month GNP change (interacted with whether or not the president is running) • incumbent party advantage • job growth over the administration.  • All measures are taken mid-summer of the election year.

10. From Primary to General Election 54.7 % • Bush’s share of vote = • Primary support of the major-party nominees • Long-term partisanship • Presidential vote cycle • Helmut Norpoth

11. SOURCE: www.politicalforecasting.com

12. Questions: • What about campaigns? • Conventions • Media coverage • Advertising • Is popular vote the important outcome? • Effects on elections lower on the ballot? • What is the purpose of an election?

13. About the course: • Instructor: Prof. Jeffrey Karp • email: j.karp@ttu.edu • Office: Holden Hall 219; 742-4048 • Office Hours: W 10:00-12:00pm; TH 4:30-5:30pm • TA: David Watson • email: davidthomas92@hotmail.com • Office: Holden Hall 216; 742-2631 • Office Hours: M 3-4; T,TH 2-3; W 2-4; F 9-10

14. Books • www.atomicdog.com webpage for book • http://www.jkarp.com/f2004/ Course webpage • HH only www.einstruction.com

15. Next Class Meeting • Reading – Squire ch. 1 Donovan ch. 1 • Topics: Does the Republic Need Reforming?