Government and Politics of the United States

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This introductory and basic knowledge course is aimed at students of American studies, political science and related subjects who want to familiarize themselves with the political system of the USA. The course largely follows the logic of the Politics USA handbook (see references) and deals with the basic structures and mechanisms of US politics. On the one hand, these are located in their (contemporary) historical context, and on the other hand, different dimensions of interpretation are shown, thus providing a problem-oriented introduction to the US political system. The program includes the functioning of the institutions (Congress, President and Supreme Court) and the explanation of political processes. We discuss the role of parties, Interest groups, NGOs and consulting organizations play in the political process in the USA. How are the relationships between the federal level and the individual states? A certain amount of space is taken up by references to the political culture of the USA and the American elections at different levels. Wherever it seems useful, references to parliamentary political systems (e.g. the Federal Republic of Germany or Great Britain) are made as a contrast.