5 credits

The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the protection of our lives and property all are affected by the actions of local, regional, and national levels of government. In this course, students learn about the workings of the American government and the roles, rights, and responsibilities of citizens. Students explore the constitutional foundations and major institutions of American government demonstrated through the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. They engage in a range of assignments, such as an analysis on Supreme Court decisions, to gain an understanding of how the U.S. government functions, including the roles of political parties, elections, voting, and interest groups, as well as how the United States formulates and implements public policy.