Understanding the US Government

Conclude with a look at the biggest challenges that American politics and government will face in the coming years, such as racial, environmental, and economic justice. Assess possible reforms for greater income and racial equality, and the benefits of a stronger role for political parties.

Trace the history of the United States in international politics, from early isolationism through America's global role in the 20th century, to today's post-9/11 political climate. Observe US participation in international institutions aimed at peacekeeping, trade, and economic growth, and note current US policy trends regarding trade conditions and the negative effects of globalization.

The federal social safety net is designed to alleviate poverty among the elderly, needy families, and the disabled. Learn about the TANF program, or "welfare," and the institutions of Social Security, disability insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Examine the US system of free market economics, and the fiscal and monetary policies our government employs to correct for market failures. Learn how Congress and the president address problems such as high unemployment and inflation through government spending and taxation, and how the Fed uses interest rates and the sale of treasury bonds to stimulate or de-stimulate the economy.

To better understand the complex relationship between media, politics, and government, investigate public trust and distrust of journalism, and the ideological positions of news sources themselves. Note how social media can exacerbate political polarization.

Chart the seven types of organized interest groups that figure in American politics, and the huge proliferation of interest groups since the 1960s. In grasping how interest groups form and operate, and the problems they address, weigh the valuable things these groups can do for society against the tendency for the power of organized interests to be skewed toward the wealthy and privileged.

Trace the many campaign finance reforms enacted since the 1970s, which aim to curb corruption and unequal influence on elections. Take account of the problems that arise when sources of campaign funding do not represent the broader population, and the repeating cycle of reforms followed by attempts to work around campaign finance limits.

In assessing the US democratic system, dispel the common myth of a single "will of the people." Grasp how institutions such as Congress provide stability and an agreed-upon procedure for making major group decisions.

Look first at the right to vote in the United States, including the history of women's suffrage, African-American suffrage, and suffrage for 18-year-olds. Study voter turnout in elections, and how we can account for consistently low voter turnout.

Delve into the factors that underlie the extreme partisan polarization of current US politics. Define what polarization is, as distinct from partisanship.

Why do political parties exist? Dig into this question, and grasp how parties solve three categories of problems for three different groups of political "actors.

Define "public opinion," in its various forms, both individual and aggregate. For the measuring of public opinion, note the difference between the theory of the "wisdom of crowds," and what's called "groupthink.

Follow the very politicized process that takes place when a president appoints a justice to the Supreme Court. Then look at four categories of influences that bear on the Court and its decisions.

Investigate the sources of judicial authority that underlie our legal system, and the judicial system's organization according to three types of legal cases. Learn about the structure of the federal court system, comprising three types of federal courts.

Examine how the vast systems of the federal government operate. First, trace how and why the United States developed such a massive bureaucracy.

Grasp the ways in which presidential elections differ from congressional elections. Take an in-depth look at the Electoral College, and the sometimes odd consequences of the system.

Identify the powers granted to the president by the Constitution, versus other powers that have been implied or have developed over time. Assess the roles of the president as both head of state and head of government, and delve into core topics that include the budget process, the exercise of executive privilege, impeachment, and the president's role as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Learn how congressional elections are structured. Examine key factors in the politics of congressional campaigns, such as the high cost of campaigning, the role of incumbency, and how congressional campaigns have become increasingly nationalized.

Explore core issues in the functioning of Congress. First, take account of the inherent tension for legislators between serving their constituents and serving their party.

Observe how a congressional bill originates, and how legislators formally submit a bill. Then follow the various stages through which a bill is acted upon by the House, the Senate, by presidential review, and the process of ultimate adoption into law.

Consider how America's historic record on human rights continues to impact modern politics. Study the equal protection clause in the 14th Amendment and how it has been applied.

Probe the concept of civil liberties, as they delineate restrictions that government cannot impose. Learn about "selective incorporation," the process through which civil liberty protections at the state level have been guaranteed through Supreme Court rulings.

Study the system of federalism, where sovereign power is divided between the national and state governments. Trace the history of federalism in the United States, as it checks government power, and allows for the resolution of political conflicts.

As context, begin by looking into the nature of governments, and the major types of government. Consider why governments exist and how major political theorists have viewed the roles of government.