Introduction to American Politics

3 units

This course provides an overview of the politics of American government. The topics covered are the historical developments of American politics, federalism, political participation (e.g., voting) institutions (e.g., congress), and public opinion. That political actors are strategic in their pursuit of objectives is a theme underlying our examination of these topics. Accordingly, we explore the many ways in which strategic political behavior impacts institutions and the interactions between political actors in the U.S.