American Government

Explore what the framers of the U.S. Constitution meant by "a more perfect union" and the result of their vision: the creation of democracy. Learn how the U.S. government is structured and operates, and examine its three branches that make up a system of checks and balances.

What you’ll learn

  • Differentiate between civil rights and liberties
  • Understand how citizens can participate in public elections
  • Explain political power among government branches
  • Learn about the constitution, Federalism, public policy and more
American Government

$79

Plus membership

3 Credits

All courses include:

eTextbooks

2 to 3-day turnaround for grading

Multiple chances to improve your grade

On-demand tutoring & writing center

Student support 7 days a week

$79

Plus membership

3 Credits

All courses include:

eTextbooks

2 to 3-day turnaround for grading

Multiple chances to improve your grade

On-demand tutoring & writing center

Student support 7 days a week

American Government

$79

Plus membership

3 Credits

About This Course

|
ACE Approved 2021

American Government begins with the evolution of the social contract, U.S. political ideals, and the four theories of power in America. Next comes the Constitution: how it was created, what it says, and the significance of the Bill of Rights. Explore Federalism and the connections between federal and state governments. Learn how the U.S. government interacts with citizens, including civil liberties, civil rights, public opinion and mass media, special interest groups, and the electoral process. You will also examine the three branches of the federal government in depth, including the U.S. system of checks and balances, before ending with public policy and state and local governments.

Course Outcomes

Describe the ideals that the United States was founded upon, and discuss their lasting influence on the nation's politics

Distinguish between civil rights and civil liberties, and explain how these rights and liberties are achieved through politics.

Explain how citizens participate in public affairs during elections and through intermediaries such as political parties, interest groups, and the media.

Discuss the ways Americans think politically, and describe the effect their opinions have on government.

Describe the division of political power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Debate the proper relationship between the people and the government

Explain how the policies of the United States reflect the nature of its political system and its people, and why they tend to be piecemeal and reactive.

Compare and contrast the structures of the federal, state, and local governments

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Course Text

Prefer the hard copy? Simply purchase from your favorite textbook reseller; you will still get the eTextbook for free. The required eTextbook for this course is included with your course purchase at no additional cost.

We the People: An Introduction to American Government.

Patterson, Thomas. We the People: An Introduction to American Government. 14th ed., McGraw Hill, 2022.

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