Learn about the structure and processes of the U.S. political system: its constitutional foundations, the electoral process, political participation, the Congressional decision-making process, the executive branch, and federal courts.
In this course, we examine core concepts of the American system of government, the workings of its myriad actors and agencies, the critical components of "politics" in the American system, and how the American government shapes and influences individual freedoms and rights.
First, we explore the core concepts and theoretical underpinnings of the American system of government: American political culture, the Constitution, and federalism. A solid grasp of these concepts provides a foundation for the structure of the American political system. Next, we explore the processes citizens use to learn about politics, including public opinion, the mass media, political parties, interest groups, campaigns, elections, and electoral participation. Then we examine the organizations and processes that impact the political and electoral landscape and how candidates and voters are affected.
Then, we analyze the major U.S. governing bodies: Congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy, and the courts. Next, we explore how the U.S. government shapes and influences the individual freedoms and rights of its citizens. Finally, we look at U.S. social, economic, and foreign policies and how the broad themes of constitutional principles, political behavior, and governmental institutions have intersected to shape them.
- Unit 1: American Political Foundations
- Unit 2: American Political Behavior
- Unit 3: Political Parties, Campaigns, Elections, and Interest Groups
- Unit 4: American Political Institutions
- Unit 5: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
- Unit 6: Policymaking in American Government
- Explain the development of the U.S. Constitution;
- Describe the relationship between political socialization, public opinion, the media, and political participation;
- Explain the influence of interest groups and political parties on campaigns and elections;
- Describe the roles, functions, and structure of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches;
- Differentiate civil rights and civil liberties and their impact on American politics; and
- Define public policy and distinguish economic, domestic, and foreign policy.