Introduction
The course is an examination of the historical, institutional, political, and social context of civic life in the United States. The place of the individual in a democratic society is explored. The course will examine government structures and how businesses and advocacy groups interact with public officials. The course is divided into two units. The first unit is about the institutions which collectively serve as a framework for the American polity. The second unit will cover the interactions between these institutions and actors that create policy.
Textbook
- Ginsberg, B., Lowi, T. J., Weir, M., Tolbert, C. J., Campbell, A. L., & Francis, M. M. We the People.
Lectures
- Constitution
- Federalism
- Congrass
- Presidency
- Federal courts
- Bureaucracy
- Campaigns and elections
- Political participation
- Interest groups
- Media
- Public opinion