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Description
Introduces the basic structures of the political process in the U.S. It combines attention to political activity at both the national (federal) and the state and local levels. The topics covered include analyses of the federal and states’ constitutions, the American political economy, state/federal relationships, inter-branch matters between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary branches, the elective process, activities of the public and interest groups, and the governments’ handling of the public purse.
- Understand the origins and the evolution of federal and state constitutions, describing the origins of the U.S. Constitution and discussing the ways in which the application of the U.S. Constitution has changed.
- Explain the value of the participatory dimension in American government and provide examples of what it means to have sovereignty rest with the people.
- Understand the impact of American pluralism on the vote and of outside influences on government functions.
- Describe how executive, legislative, and judicial branches interact, along with the respective roles of the three branches of government.
- Identify the major issues of current American government.
