American Politics

An analysis of the American political system. Topics include the central theme of democracy in American politics as well as structural factors including the Constitution, our federal system, media, public opinion, interest groups, and social movements. Additional topics deal with how federal institutions such as the Congress, the Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Supreme Court work. The course looks at federal policy in civil rights and liberties, the economy, social welfare, foreign policy, and national defense.