POLS 1031 - American Government

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: This course introduces students to the American political system. Course topics include the constitution and federalism; the legislative, executive, and judicial branches; civil rights and civil liberties; elections and political participation; and public policy. Course activities focus on theories of American politics through the use of case studies and simple quantitative data.
MnTC Goals
Goal 5 Goal 9

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

1. U.S. Constitution
2. Federalism
3. Civil Liberties
4. Civil Rights
5. The Congress
6. The Presidency
7. The Federal Bureaucracy
8. The Judiciary
9. Public Opinion
10. Interest Groups
11. The Media
12. Political Parties
13. Political Participation
14. Campaigns and Elections

1. assess the structure and functions of the U.S. federal government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
2. evaluate the historical and cultural foundations of the American political system, including the Constitution and political culture.
3. evaluate the roles of political parties, interest groups, and citizens in shaping American democracy and public policy.
4. assess the impact of federalism on the relationship between national and state governments in the U.S.
5. critically analyze current political issues in the context of civil rights, civil liberties, and the policymaking process.
6. interpret basic quantitative data and case studies to understand trends in American politics and government.
7. develop skills for active citizenship and participation in the American political system.

05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.

05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
09. 02. Understand and apply core concepts (e.g. politics, rights and obligations, justice, liberty) to specific issues.

09. 03. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.

09. 05. Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

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