Institutions, Inequality, and American Democracy

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course explores how economic, social, and political inequality are reflected in various components of the U.S. governing system and how U.S. political institutions shape the distribution of power and economic well being. We will examine the role of Congress, the presidency, courts, separation of powers, veto points, and federalism in reproducing economic and social inequality. We will also examine how economic and racial inequality are embedded in the design of U.S. political institutions. A core ongoing theme of the course is whether and how U.S. democracy can survive and thrive in the face of a variety of enduring inequalities. The course will include a combination of lecture and discussion. Assessment will be based on a series of short written assignments and/or quizzes as well as a substantial final paper with a collaborative and individual option.