American National Government

Catalog description

This is an introduction to the study of the United States Constitution and the American national political system.  Students learn about various political parties in the American political system, why these parties exist, and the roles they play in American politics. Students then examine the interrelated national and state structures of government, including the powers and duties of Congress, the Presidency, and the Judiciary in the Constitutional system of checks and balances. Furthermore, students explore how the Bill of Rights and other Constitutional amendments protect basic American civil liberties. Finally, students study the performance of both individual politicians and larger institutions within the American political system.