POLI-101 American Federal Government

The student will evaluate and critically analyze the following areas of American Government: first, the origins, principles and interpretation of the American Constitution including the tensions between federalism and nationalism; secondly, politics and the people: public opinion, political parties, elections and interest groups; thirdly, the institutions of government which include the presidency, congress, judiciary and federal bureaucracy; fourthly, issues in public policy including economic policy, foreign policy and social issues such as crime, energy, obscenity, and affirmative action.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Eligible to enroll in ENGL-121

Hours Weekly

3 hours weekly

Course Objectives

1. 1. Summarize critically the functions of the main parts of the American federal government and the major
   issues in American politics.
2. 2. Analyze critically major issues of government and politics, identify their assumptions, explore
   contrasting positions, and arrive at their own positions on these issues.
   
3. 3. Use and evaluate the methods of political science to assess evidence on issues involving government
   and politics.
   
4. 4. Apply political theory and research to controversies in government or politics to draw conclusions
   about resolving them.
5. 5. Analyze the roles, responsibilities and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of
   government.
6. 6. Analyze the meaning and implications of civil liberties guaranteed through the Bill of Rights.
7. 7. Describe the historical development and influence of political parties of interest groups.
8. 8. Analyze how controversies over the proper role and scope of government have affected American
   politics from the framing of the Constitution to the present.

Course Objectives

1. 1. Summarize critically the functions of the main parts of the American federal government and the major
   issues in American politics.
2. 2. Analyze critically major issues of government and politics, identify their assumptions, explore
   contrasting positions, and arrive at their own positions on these issues.
   
3. 3. Use and evaluate the methods of political science to assess evidence on issues involving government
   and politics.
   
4. 4. Apply political theory and research to controversies in government or politics to draw conclusions
   about resolving them.
5. 5. Analyze the roles, responsibilities and powers of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of
   government.
6. 6. Analyze the meaning and implications of civil liberties guaranteed through the Bill of Rights.
7. 7. Describe the historical development and influence of political parties of interest groups.
8. 8. Analyze how controversies over the proper role and scope of government have affected American
   politics from the framing of the Constitution to the present.