INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS

This course is an introduction to the principles, processes and institutions of American government.  The class begins by examining the Constitution in an effort to understand the principles upon which our system of government is based. The class then investigates the ways in which citizens are linked to the government and how linkage institutions such as parties, media and interest groups influence government and policy.  Finally, we turn toward the institutions of government, paying special attention to how they exercise the powers granted to them under the Constitution.

Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate:

• A thorough understanding of the major provisions of, and the fundamental principles underlying, the U.S. Constitution, including such structural arrangements as checks and balances, separation of powers, and federalism.
• An understanding of the roles played by various institutions in linking Americans to their government, and an ability to evaluate the performance of linkage institutions according to the fundamental principles underlying the American political system.
• An understanding of the processes and procedures within the major institutions of U.S. government, the main actors within those institutions, and their effect on public policy.
• Substantive knowledge about major public policy debates of the day.
• An ability to independently ask questions and find answers about American politics and government.