This course teaches the origins and key functions of the American government. Topics include the Constitution; federalism; civil rights and liberties; the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government; political culture and public opinion; media and politics; political parties and interest groups; elections; and public policy.
This course goes beyond a general understanding of civics to incorporate the core concepts of the American system of government, the workings of its myriad of actors and agencies, the key components of "politics” in the American system, and how American government shapes and influences the individual freedoms and rights of its citizens.
A survey course that introduces the student to the discipline's concepts, terminology, and methods and explores instances of applied political science through real world examples.
