Students study general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and analyze specific topics, including:

• Constitutional Underpinnings;
• Political Beliefs and Behaviors;
• Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media;
• Institutions of National Government;
• Public Policy; and
• Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

An integral part of the course includes analysis and interpretation of basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics, and the development of connections and application of relevant theories and concepts.

Course Goals and Objectives:

 Students successfully completing this course will:

• Describe and compare important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics. 

• Explain typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures). 

• Interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats). 

• Critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum.