POLS 1031 - American Government

1. The American System The Study of American Government The Constitution Federalism American Political Culture
2. Opinions, Interests and Organizations Public Opinion Political Participation Political Parties Elections and Campaigns Interest Groups
3. Institutions of Government Congress The Presidency The Judiciary

1. Define key terms and concepts used throughout the textbook and the course.
2. Describe the historical context within which the U.S. constitution was written.
3. Identify some of the complexities of the federal government in the U.S.
4. Define political culture (or the inherited set of beliefs, attitudes, and opinions people have about how their government ought to operate).
5. Explain what political scientists mean by public opinion and identify its effects on government in the U.S.
6. Describe the roles and organization of Congress.
7. Explain the lack of voter turnout and identify forms of political participation in the U.S.
8. Identify the major political parties in the U.S., with an emphasis on the evolution of the two party system.
9. Outline the process of campaigning in various types of elections.
10. Summarize the powers of the office of the President and structures that constitute the Presidency.
11. Trace the origins of judicial review.

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