POLS 112 Module 1: Conflict, Cooperation and Constitutions

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, you are expected to complete all the readings prior to class meeting times. You are strongly encouraged to bring copies of readings to class each day, as well as to take notes as you read. This schedule is subject to change.
 

The Beautiful Problem of Collective Action

• Link: Pubic/Private Goods 
• Article: Garrett Hardin, “The Tragedy of the Commons” (PDF)
   

Political Institutions as Collective Action Solutions

• Article: David Easton, “An Approach to the Analysis of Political Systems” (PDF)
• Article: Governing the Commons 
• Article: Ostrom, Understanding Collective Action (PDF)
   

Conflict, Cooperation and Constitutional Design  

• Video: Articles of Confederation
• Article: U.S. Constitution
• Brutus, “Anti-Federalist 3”
• Article: James Madison, “Federalist 10”
• Article: James Madison, “Federalist 62”
   

Federalism as a Solution to Policy Dilemmas  

• Article: Jenna Bednar, “The Madisonian Scheme to Control the National Government” (PDF)
• Article: Alberta Sbragia, “American Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations” (PDF)
• Article: Trickle-up Government
   

Policy Outcomes: Common Defense, Public Safety and the Environment 

• Video: President Eisenhower’s Farewell Address
• Article: A National Strategic Narrative (PDF)
• Video: A Reality Check on Renewables
• Article: Environmental Policy is partisan.  It wasn’t always
• Article: Anthony Bourdain talks guns
• Article: Fareed Zakaria, “The solution to gun violence is clear”
   

Policy Outcomes: Economic Prosperity, Education and Social Welfare  

• Article: Federal Reserve “What is the difference between monetary policy and fiscal policy and how are they related?"
• Video: EconStories, Fear the Boom and Bust
• Video: Thomas Picketty on Inequality and Capital in the 21^st Century
• Video: GPS Road Map for Saving Health Care
• Video: GPS Fix Education, Restore Social Mobility
• Video: The Key to Success? Grit
• Video: Ken Robinson “Escaping education’s death valley” 
• Video: Brian Stevenson, “We need to talk about an injustice”
• Video: A Tale of Two Americas
• Video: My trip through the whitest towns in America