5 credits

The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the protection of our lives and property are all affected by the actions of local, regional, and national levels of government. In this course, students are introduced to the workings of the U.S. government and the roles, rights, and responsibilities of citizens. Students explore the constitutional foundations and major institutions of U.S. government demonstrated through the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. They engage in a range of assignments, such as an analysis of 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.