POLS& 202: American Government

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Class Program

Political Science

Credits

Weekly Contact Hours

Course ID

091946

Meets Degree Requirements For

Social Science

Description

Focus is given to the system, process, and organizational functions of the American government. It also puts primary attention on the relationships between citizens and their national government by exploring the key theoretical precepts that shaped the Constitution and its federal structural arrangements. Close attention is paid to the policy making process and its key actors, as well as various public policies.

Grading Basis

Graded

Course Learning Outcomes

Understand and appreciate the American Federalist system as codified under the American Constitution and other original documents such as the Declaration of Independence, and the Federalist Papers.

Develop an understanding of the rights and liberties granted to the American people under the American Constitution. Fundamental democracy principles such as majority rule and minority rights, as well as equality under law will be closely examined. Also, the struggles for inclusion in the American political system by historically excluded groups will receive close examination.

Understand the various philosophical and theoretical ideas that shaped the American Constitution and the federalist structure of government.

Understand how public opinion is shaped and measured and how the media influences public opinion and government policy.

To be more compelled to engage as citizens in the American political system.

Core Topics

American Political Culture
The Founding and the Constitution
Congress
Presidency
Federal Courts
Civil Liberties
Civil Rights
Political Parties
Campaigns and Elections
Media