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Skidmore College
First-Year Experience

Scribner Seminar Program
Course Description

Real Democracy

Instructor(s): Robert Turner, Political Science

How well does democracy work in Saratoga Springs? How do we know? The foundation of democracy in the United States is its institutions of local government. The men and women chosen by their fellow citizens to govern them determine not only what their governments do, but the quality of the democratic process. The hotly contested fall Saratoga Springs city election will provide a real life laboratory for studying the practice of democracy in 21st century America. Students will observe city council meetings; attend campaign events; interview local political elites; and conduct a survey of citizens’ vote choice in the November Saratoga Springs city election.

 

Course Offered: