Introduction to American Politics

This course examines the formal and informal institutions of American government in order to understand how these institutions interact to form public policy in America. In so doing, we will examine the constitutional basis of governance, the role of the various branches of government, the impact and influence of the media, political parties, and interest groups on American politics, as well as the concept of federalism. Among the topics we will discuss are: Constitution, Federalism, Congress, Groups and Interests, The Presidency, Political Parties, The Federal Courts and so on.