PS 201 American Government

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Examines United States government and politics in theory and practice through a study of such topics as the constitution, civil rights, elections, interest groups, congress, the presidency and the courts.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115; or completion of WR 090 with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain the foundation of the U.S. system of government.
Compare civil liberties and civil rights.
Identify the types of elections in the United States.
Explain the role in interest groups in U.S. government.
Identify and describe each of the three institutions of government.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Apply analytical skills to social phenomena in order to understand human behavior;
Apply knowledge and experience to foster personal growth and better appreciate the diverse social world in which we live.

Content Outline

American Political Culture
- Differentiate between forms of Government
- Social Composition of the United States Population
- Influence of American Cultural Values on the U.S. System of Government
- Role of the media on American politics and government
Constitutional Democracy in the United States
- Historical Perspective
- The Framework of the Constitution
- Federalism in the Constitution
Civil Liberties
- Bill of Rights
- First Amendment
- Second Amendment
- The Rights of the Criminally
- Right to Privacy
Civil Rights
- The Struggle for Civil Rights
- Extending Civil Rights
- Systemic and Persistent Discrimination
- Campaigns and Elections
- Types of Elections in the United States
- Election Campaigns
- Money and Politics
- Participation and Influence
Interest Groups
- Defining Interest Groups and Reasons for their Formation
- The Role of Interest Groups in the Political System
- Lobbying
Institutions of Government
- Congress
- The Presidency
- The Judiciary