POL-100 American Government
This course explores the nature and dynamics of the American political system, including the basic structure, functions, and processes of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, the roles of political parties and special interest groups, the mechanics of political campaigns and elections, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and prominent issues in U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
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Course Outline
Course Description
This course explores the nature and dynamics of the American political system, including the basic structure, functions, and processes of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, the roles of political parties and special interest groups, the mechanics of political campaigns and elections, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and prominent issues in U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
Credit Hours
3SUNY General Education Course
- Social Sciences
- US History and Civic Engagement
Course Learning Outcomes
- Students will explain how the major concepts and models of American government function (including the basic structure, functions, and processes of the three branches of government, the roles of political parties, the mechanics of elections, and the major features of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights).
- Students will identify the major issues in American foreign and domestic policies and how the federal government creates and enforces policies.
- Students will evaluate sources for political news, data, and opinions to understand the methods and types of evidence that political scientists use to study political institutions and behaviors in order to comprehend important theories and concepts within the discipline.​