American Government
9QET9TE7 · 18 modules
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the structure, institutions, and processes of American government, along with the political behaviors and civic dynamics that shape public life in the United States. Students will examine the constitutional foundations of the American political system, the distribution of power across federal, state, and local governments, and the protections and guarantees afforded to individuals through civil liberties and civil rights. The course also explores how citizens engage with government through public opinion, voting, media consumption, party affiliation, and organized interest advocacy.\n\nBeyond foundational institutions, the course examines the three branches of the federal government—Congress, the Presidency, and the Courts—as well as the administrative bureaucracy that implements policy. The course concludes with an examination of domestic and foreign policy, illustrating how the political system translates institutional design and civic input into concrete governmental action.\n\nThis textbook is designed to serve as the primary learning resource for an introductory undergraduate American Government course, equipping students with the analytical tools to critically evaluate political institutions, participate meaningfully in civic life, and understand how policy is made and contested in a democratic society.
Prerequisites
None; this is an introductory-level course suitable for students with no prior coursework in political science or American government.
Module Outline
18 modules
American Government and Civic Engagement
Introduces the foundational principles of American democracy, forms of government, and the nature of citizen participation in civic life.
The Constitution and Its Origins
Explores the historical context, drafting, ratification, and structural principles of the U.S. Constitution.
American Federalism
Examines the distribution of powers between national, state, and local governments and how federalism has evolved over time.
Civil Liberties
Covers the individual freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights, including speech, religion, and due process, and their legal limits.
Civil Rights
Traces the struggle for equal protection under the law and the expansion of rights for marginalized groups throughout American history.
The Politics of Public Opinion
Explains how public opinion is formed, measured, and used to influence political outcomes.
Voting and Elections
Analyzes the mechanics of elections, voter behavior, campaign strategy, and the electoral college system.
The Media
Examines the evolving role of traditional and digital media in shaping political information, discourse, and accountability.
Political Parties
Explores the development, structure, and function of political parties in organizing political competition and governance.
Interest Groups and Lobbying
Investigates how organized interests influence policymaking through lobbying, campaign contributions, and grassroots mobilization.
Congress: The First Branch of Government
Details the structure, powers, and legislative processes of the U.S. Congress, including committee work and lawmaking.
The Presidency
Analyzes the constitutional powers, informal influence, and evolving role of the presidency in American governance.
The Courts
Examines the structure of the federal judiciary, judicial review, and the courts' role in shaping public policy.
State and Local Government
Explores the structures, powers, and policy roles of state and local governments within the federal system.
The Bureaucracy
Explains the organization and function of federal administrative agencies and their role in implementing policy.
Domestic Policy
Surveys major domestic policy areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, and the institutional processes behind them.
Foreign Policy
Examines the goals, tools, and key institutional actors involved in shaping American foreign policy.
Capstone: Designing a Comprehensive Policy Analysis
Students synthesize constitutional, institutional, and behavioral concepts from across the course to design and defend a comprehensive analysis of a contemporary policy issue involving multiple branches and levels of government.