10809122Introduction to American Government
Course Information
Description
Introduces American political processes and Institutions. Focuses on rights and responsibilities of citizens and the process of participatory democracy. Learners examine the complexity of the separation of powers and checks and balances. Explores the role of the media, interest groups, political parties and public opinion in the political process. Also explores the role of state and national government in our federal system.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Power and Citizenship in American Politics
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the role politics plays in determining distribution of power and resources.
    Analyze how power is distributed between citizens and government in economic and political systems.
    Analyze values Americans share, and the political debates that drive partisan divisions in American politics.
    Evaluate reasons for approaching politics from a perspective of critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation.

  2. American Founding and Constitution
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the events and political motivations that led to the colonies’ split from England.
    Analyze the competing narratives concerning the Articles of Confederation.
    Analyze the system of separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism in the Constitution.
    Evaluate narratives about the founding of the United States and debate over ratification of the Constitution.

  3. Federalism
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the ways in which federalism divides power between national and state governments.
    Analyze how the flexibility built into the Constitution has allowed it to change with the times.
    Analyze the ways in which the national government can influence the states.
    Evaluate whether federalism fosters or limits citizen participation in government.

  4. American Civil Liberties
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the definition and meaning of American civil liberties.
    Analyze the history and evolution of civil liberties within the context of American politics.
    Analyze how the U.S. Constitution protects and promotes civil liberties.
    Evaluate the ability of American political leadership and institutions to uphold civil liberties.

  5. American Civil Rights
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the definition and meaning of American civil rights.
    Analyze the history and evolution of civil rights within the context of American politics.
    Analyze how the U.S. Constitution protects and promotes civil rights.
    Evaluate the ability of American political leadership and institutions to uphold civil rights.

  6. Congress (Legislative Branch)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the constitutional establishment of the legislative branch and congressional authority.
    Analyze the history and evolution of congress within a separation of powers system.
    Analyze the structural and organizational arrangement of the legislative branch within the federal government.
    Evaluate the importance of congressional leadership and legislative response to democratic demands.

  7. President (Executive Branch)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the constitutional establishment of the executive branch and presidential authority.
    Analyze the history and evolution of the presidency within a separation of powers system.
    Analyze the structural and organizational arrangement of the executive branch within the federal government.
    Evaluate the importance of presidential leadership and executive response to democratic demands.

  8. Bureaucracy (Public Administration)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the constitutional basis for a federal bureaucracy and public administration.
    Analyze the history and evolution of the federal government public administrative system.
    Analyze the structural and organizational arrangement of the federal government administrative system.
    Evaluate the principal-agent relationship between elected and non-elected officials to maintain democracy.

  9. Judiciary (Judicial Branch)
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the constitutional establishment of the judicial branch and judicial authority.
    Analyze the history and evolution of the judiciary within a separation of powers system.
    Analyze the structural and organizational arrangement of the judicial branch within the federal government.
    Evaluate the importance of the U.S. Supreme Court and judicial decision-making to maintain democracy.

  10. Public Opinion
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the role of public opinion in American politics.
    Analyze history and evolution of public opinion in American politics.
    Analyze the methods, procedures, and techniques used to collect, analyze, and evaluate public opinion.
    Evaluate the reliability and validity of public opinion data and its relationship to democratic stability.

  11. Political Parties and Interest Groups
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the role that political parties and interest groups play in making government policy.
    Analyze the evolution of the party system in the United States.
    Analyze four types of interest groups and the kinds of interests they represent.
    Evaluate the ways in which citizens interact with their government through membership in parties and interest groups.

  12. Voting, Campaigns, and Elections
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize the influences on who votes and who does not.
    Analyze factors that affect citizens’ decisions on whether and how to vote.
    Analyze the organizational and strategic tactics employed in presidential campaigns.
    Evaluate the importance of elections for citizens.

  13. Media
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize changes over time concerning how Americans access news and information.
    Analyze the roles and responsibilities of journalists and how they shape and perpetuate political narratives.
    Analyze strategies politicians use to counter media influence and shape their own political narratives.
    Evaluate the relationship between citizens and the media.

  14. Domestic and Foreign Policy
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Summarize what policy is, who makes it, and how it is made.
    Analyze the difference between fiscal and monetary policy.
    Analyze the basic goals and types of foreign policy.
    Evaluate ways in which policymaking reflects public opinion.