Political Science: US Political System

Institutions, processes, and problems of American government. Credit not awarded for both POLS 1300 and POLS 1013.

Open to Degree and PACE students

What a wonderful time to be learning about the US government, especially since it may be crashing into the abyss. Our course provides an overview of the political institutions, processes, and cultures in the United States. It also includes an examination of current political, economic, policies and social issues. All of you have come of age in a time when the US government is in chaos. You might not believe this, but it is supposed to work and has done some fairly well for the last 230+ years. Let’s learn together how it is supposed to work, how it is not working, and why.

This course will provide students with an understanding of the fundamental principles upon which the U. S. government is built; knowledge of the structures, responsibilities, and contemporary issues of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches; a clear understanding of the civil liberties and civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States; and examine the impact on the political system of American political culture and ideology, the political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and the media.

Textbook: Ginsberg, Lowi, Weir, Tolbert, Campbell and Spitzer "We the People" (15th Essentials Edition). There will be additional readings assigned through Brightspace. Grade will be accessed on 4 test and 4 homework assignments and reading quizzes.