DRAKE UNIVERSITY

Politics and Parliaments

PS 168

Prof. Eleanor Zeff Fall, 2003: T-TR 11-12:15+

Off. Hrs. TR 1-2; TW 3:30-5:30, by appt.

Off. Meredith: Room #209

eleanor.zeff@drake.edu Off. # 271-3102

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The British Parliament (sometimes known as the "Mother of Parliaments") has a long and illustrious history. Its institutional structure has been copied in many different countries around the world. Understanding how this institution of government works and the ways in which it has changed over time, and how it has been adapted to fit the cultures and politics of countries around the world is a true exercise in comparative politics. This course emphasizes the importance of institutions and uses the British Parliamentary model to compare parliaments and politics in Britain, Canada, Australia and India. Institutions help us organize the task of regulating power and human action, and once they are established, they are often persistent. Understanding how parliamentary and cultural institutions emerge and how they have affected the politics and policy making of these four countries is central to this course.

We will begin with the British parliamentary and constitutional example, and we will add concepts, such as federalism, as we progress from one country to another. We will look at the relationship between institutions, such as culture, parliaments and political processes (like voting) to see how they influence policy outcomes. We will study several policy issues (devolution/centralization, welfare, constitutional changes, federalism, etc.) so that we can better understand how issues interact with government institutions in real life situations.

REQUIRED READINGS:

On Britain: Dunleavy, Gamble, Holliday and Peele, eds. Developments in British

Politics, revised 6^th ed. St. Martinπs Press 2002

On Canada: Stephen Brooks, Canadian Democracy, 3rd ed., Oxford Press, 2003

Annual Editions, Canadian Politics, 5^th Ed., Dushkin/McGraw-Hill (On Reserve in the Library) for selected readings

2 Pew Case Studies: "Beer Brawls" and ≥The Canadian/US Free Trade Agreement and the Cultural Industries≤. Each student will only report on one of these cases.

Australia: Brennan and Castles, Australia Reshaped, Cambridge University

Press, 2003

Jaensch, The Australian Politics Guide, MacMillan Education Australia Pty. Ltd., 1996. This book will be on Reserve in the Library for Reference and some copies may be available to buy in the University Bookstore.

India: Ganguly and DeVotta, Eds. Understanding Contemporary India, Lynne

Rienner Publishers, 2003

1 Pew Case Study: ≥On the Brink of War-India/Pakistan-1990-Kashmir

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. 4 Written Reports with Oral Components: 60 points (15 points each)

A. A British Parliament Simulation Report

B. A Case Study Report on Canada

C. Australian Parliament Simulation Report

D. Indian Case Study Report

2. A Final Exam: 30 points

3. Participation, Group and Oral work 10 points

COURSE ORGANIZATION:

The course is divided into four parts, one part for each of the countries. Classes combine lectures, discussions and prepared debates. At the end of each of the country studies, after we have studied the politics of that country, there will be a written and oral project (either a simulation or a case study debate). Students need to wear business attire for all the debates. There are four required books, three case studies and also other references I will put on Reserve. Come to class prepared to discuss the readings. You are allowed no more than 2 unexcused absences or your grade will be lowered. The written reports should be grammatically correct with well-organized arguments. Papers are due the first class day after each debate. See my class policies sheet for more information on procedures and organization.

The first project will be a simulation of debate in the British Parliament concerning whether to join with other European Union member-states and adopt the ≥Euro.≤ This debate will take place in class Sept. 18. I will assign each student to be a member of one of the three major British political parties. As a member of one of these parties you will have to work with your party group to come up with realistic, party positions, for the simulation, about joining ≥Euroland≤. The purposes of the debates are twofold: one is to learn about important issues in British politics and the other is to learn how, and under what conditions, decisions are made in Parliamentary governments. While your argument in the simulation may be similar to the argument of other students in your party grouping, your paper must be individually written. Be sure to have footnotes (or endnotes) and a bibliography (or ≥works cited≤ section) with every paper. Part of your grade will be based on your oral presentations.

For the second project, students write and debate the issues presented in two case studies for Canada. I will assign positions (The Canadian or US) and cases when we study Canada. Half the class will debate one case study, and the other half will prepare the second case. Each student will be responsible for one case study report. Look for federal, nation/state and sovereignty issues to discuss.

The third project is a simulation of the Australian Parliament. The format and purpose are similar to the British simulation. Each student will be a member of a political party and have to defend the party position. The topic is should Australia become a Republic. Look at decision-making and sovereignty issues.

The fourth debate is the Indian case study. Look for issues concerning sovereignty, federalism, religion, development and the state.

COURSE OUTLINE:

August 26-September 23: British Politics

Each section is followed by some questions for you to consider while you read the chapters. Be prepared to discuss these issues. I might have you write an answer to any one of these or other questions at the beginning of class, so always arrive ready to debate. This format will be followed all semester.

Readings for Britain: Dunleavy, Gamble, Holliday and Peele, Developments in British Politics, Revised 6^th ed. (D, G, H, &P)

August 26 & 28 Introduction; Theories of Parliamentary and Presidential Governments

Changing British Politics and the new Political Culture

Readings: D, G, H&P, Chs. 1, 2, & 12

September 2 & 4 The British Constitution and Laws; Changing Models of the State and the Political Parties; Modernizing Westminster and Executive and Legislative Power

Readings: D, G, H & P: Chs. 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9

September 9 & 11 Political Participation, Elections, Economic and

Welfare Policies; the EU and the ≥Euro≤

Readings: D, G, H & P: Chs. 4, 11, 13 & 14

September 16 Multi-level Governance

Readings: D, G, H & P: Chs. 3 & 17

September 18 British Parliament Simulation on the ≥Euro≤

Questions to Consider:

1. Does class still influence the party system? 2. What kind of ties exist between specific interest groups and parties in Britain, and do these same kind of links exist between parties and interest groups in the US? 3. Do the British need a written constitution? 4. How are the new constitutional reforms changing the face of British politics? 5. What are the major differences between the parties in Britain and have these differences changed recently? 6. What are the differences between elections in Britain and the US? 7. Should the British change their voting system? 8. What are the major differences between the British Prime Minister and the US President? 9. Is the Monarchy an outdated institution? 10. What is the relationship between elected Ministers and career civil servants in Britain? 11. What are the differences between the 3 major parties on the question of devolution and the ≥Euro≤? 12. How is the Welfare State changing and what are the party positions on these changes? 13. Why are the British reluctant members of the EU? 14. Should Britain become a federal state? 15. What is multi-level governance and how does it work in Britain where Parliament is the ≥Supreme Law of the Land≤? 16. What is Parliamentπs role in decision making and how does it differ from decision making in Presidential systems?

September 23-October 23: Canadian Politics

Readings: Stephen Brooks, Canadian Democracy, 3^rd. Ed.: Two Case Studies; Annual Editionsπ Canadian Politics, 5^th articles on Reserve.

September 23 Theories about Federalism

Readings: Brooks, Chapter 5

September 25 & 30 The Canadian Identity, Social and Economic Setting and the Constitution, Intro to Canadian Federalism

Readings: Brooks, Chs. 1-4

October 2 & 7 Gov't Institutions, Parties, Interest Groups & Elections

Readings: Brooks, Chs. 6-8 and Annual Editions on Reserve, section on Aboriginal Issues (161- 179)

October 9 & 14 Rights and Freedoms, the Media, the Quebec Issue, Language and Aboriginal Politics and Federalism

Readings: Brooks, Chs. 9-12 and Annual Editionsπ Politics of Culture (pp. 141-159)

October 16 & 23 In-class debates on the two case studies

One half of the class reports on each case. Papers due after each debate. (3-4 pages)

Oct. 16: Case Study Debate: "Beer Brawls: GATT 'settles' the Market Access Dispute Between US and Canadian Brewers≤

Oct. 23: Case Study Debate: "The Cultural Identities≤

Oct. 20-21: Fall Break

Questions:

1. Is there a distinct Canadian identity different from a British or American identity? 2. What role does ethnic nationalism play in Canadian decision making? 3. What are the major points of the Canadian constitution and how are they changing today? 4. What is the Canadian collectivist view of politics?

1. What is federalism and how can it be compatible with Parliamentary

Government? 6. How is federalism different in Canada from the US?

7. How has the 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms changed the face of Canadian politics? 8. How is the Canadian Parliament different from the British Parliament? 9. How much power does the legislature/parliament have in comparison to the bureaucracy or to the cabinet/executive in Canada? 10. What are the ideological and cultural differences which divide the citizens, and how are these difference expressed politically? 11. How do parties and elections operate? 12. What is the future for an independent Quebec? 13. Does protection of linguistic rights threaten the Canadian State? 14. Has Canadian democracy effectively promoted women? 15. Is there an American problem? 16. How much has the Canadian gov't evolved from the British model, and where is it similar or different? 17. What role do Aboriginal issues play in govπt?

October 28- Nov. 13: Australian Politics

Readings: Brennan and Castles, Australia Reshaped

October 28 & 30 Sovereignty, Australian Identity, Changing the Constitution, Federalism, Parliament

November 4 & 6 Political Parties, Elections, Political Economy and Trade (looking east), Foreign Policy

November 11 Problems in Australian politics: Dependency, the Environment and Aborigines, Women in Politics

November 13 In Class Simulation on whether Australia

Should Become a Republic: Argue party lines.

Readings: Finish book

Questions:

1. How are parties aligned and how do they differ from parties in Canada and UK? 2. How has the Australian Parliament evolved from the British model? 3. Where is the power in Australian gov't? 4. Describe how Federalism and Nationalism operate in the Australian context? 5. What is the role of interest groups? 6. What is the role of aborigines and women in policy making?

7. Is Corporatism a factor in decision making in Australia? 8. What role do Immigration issues play in Australian politics?

Nov. 26-: Thanksgiving Break

November 18-December 11: Indian Politics

Dr. Zeff will be out of town (in India) the week of Nov. 18 and 20, but the video, Gandhi will be shown in class. Classes will also be held Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Readings: Ganguly, Understanding Contemporary India, 2003

November 18, 20 Gandhi Video

Readings: Ganguly, Chapters 1-4

November 25 Lecture on Development and Development Theories

Readings: Chs. 8 & 9

December 2 & 4 Indian Politics, Economics and International Relations

Readings: Ganguly, Chs. 5, 6 & 7

December 9 & 11 Ethnicity, Religion and Caste

Readings: Ganguly, Chs. 10 & 11 & 13

Dec. 9 In-class debate on the Indian case study.

Questions: 1. What is the British legacy? 2. Democracy in India 3. Divisions and Corruption 4. Explain some specific government and development problems? 5. How does federalism operate in India? 6. What role for the State in India?

FOR E-RESERVES, COWLES LIBRARY, FALL 2003

The following articles are on E-Reserve for you through Cowles Library at the Drake Universityπs web site. Please use them as we study each country and in preparation for the debates and simulations. Each source has the country listed with it. The Password for getting these articles is (Zeff168)

POLS 168

Politics and Parliaments

1. Norris, Pippa. 1. ≥The Twilight of Westminster,≤ and 2. ≥ Democratic Divide,≤ papers presented at the Annual Conference of the American Political Science Association, 31 August-2 September 2000. Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

≥Democratic Divide≤ is drawn from Chapter 5 of the book by Pippa Norris, Digital Divide? Civic Engagement, Information Poverty and the Internet Worldwide. Cambridge University Press 2001.

2. Mahler, Gregory S. ≥Parliament and Congress: Is the Grass Greener on the Other Side?≤ Reprinted in Dushkin/McGraw-Hillπs Annual Editionsπ Comparative Politics, courtesy of Canadian Parliamentary Review, winter 1985-86, pp. 19-21. This article and the Rose article have been reprinted for at least 10 years in these Annual Editions.

3. Rose, Richard. ≥Presidents and Prime Ministers,≤ From Dushkin/McGraw-Hillπs Annual Editions, Comparative Politics, reprinted by permission from Society, Vol.25. No. 3, March/April, 1988, pp. 61-67.

4. Dushkin/McGraw-Hill, Canadian Politics 5^th ed. ≥The Politics of Culture≤ Introduction and 4 separate articles, pp. 140-159, are included in this section.

5. Dushkin/McGraw-Hill, Canadian Politics, 5^th Ed. ≥Aboriginal Issues,≤ Introduction and 6 articles, pp. 160-179.

Economist articles:

1. Economist, May 3, 2003, p. 56, ≥Waiting For Blair.≤ (Britain)

2. Economist, May 3, 2003, p. 57, ≥Five Tests and a Funeral.≤ (Britain)

3. Economist June 14, 2003, p. 46, ≥What a Pity, What a Relief.≤ (Britain)

4. Economist, July 12, 2003, p. 34, Campaign Finance in Canada, ≥Closing the Private Purse.≤ (Canada)

5. Economist May 10, 2003, p. 32, ≥Ontarioπs Student Bulge.≤ (Canada)

6. Economist June 8, 2002, p. 33, Jean ChrÈtien v Paul Martin: Now Itπs Really War.≤ (Canada)

7. Economist, May 24, 2003, p. 32, Prairie Madness and the Strong Loonie.≤ (Canada)

8. Economist, April 19, 2003, pp. 33-34, ≥A Spring Surprise.≤ (Canada)

9. Economist, M arch 29, 2003, p. 36, ≥All About Eves.≤ (Canada)

10. Economist, March 29, 2003, p. 35, ≥Redrawing the Federal Map,≤ (Federalism)

11. Economist, March 29, 2003, p. 39, Kashmir, ≥A Bloody Reminder.≤ (India)

12. Economist, June 21, 2003, p. 9, ≥A Tiger Falling Behind a Dragon.≤ (India)

13. Economist, March 8, 2003, p. 41, ≥A Budget for Votes, Not reform.≤ (India)

14. Economist, April 19, 2003, p. 36, ≥Missing Sisters.≤ (India)

15. Economist, May 12, 2003, p. 33, India and Pakistan, A Third and Final Chance.≤ (India)

16. Economist, May 24, 2003, p. 36, ≥Goodbye to All VAT.≤ (India)

17. Economist Nov. 30, 2002, p. 38, ≥Tough on Muslims.≤ (Australia)