POS-1010 American National Government

Credits: 3
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.

Course Outcomes

Explain why political parties exist and what roles they serve in American politics
Describe the interrelated national and state structures of government
Analyze the basic American civil liberties found in the Bill of Rights and in other Constitutional amendments
Analyze important powers and duties of Congress, the Presidency, and the Judiciary in the Constitutional system of checks and balances
Analyze the performance of both individual politicians and larger institutions within the American political system