This course is a part of:
Associate's Degree Program
Bachelor's Degree Program

In this introductory course in American Government, students will acquire a basic understanding of the American political process. The primary focus is on the individuals, groups, and institutions that form and inform our federal government, and how our laws have evolved. By learning about how our government functions at the national, state, and local levels, we come to understand the workings of a participatory democracy. Students will be encouraged to become active contributors to the political system by learning how government impacts their lives and how they can make a difference in the lives of others.

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, the student will have acquired knowledge and understanding of:

• How the American democracy functions
• The Constitution: its history and current debates
• Understanding civil liberties and civil rights
• How the mass media impacts the political process
• How Americans participate in politics
• Political parties
• The Electoral College
• Special interest groups and lobbies
• The President, Congress, and how laws are made
• The Federal Judicial System
• Policymaking in the 21st century
• Healthcare and public policy
• National security