POLS& 202 - United States Government

• Social Sciences Distribution Requirement

• Fulfills Think General Education Requirement
• Fulfills Engage General Education Requirement

1. Describe the American political system.
2. Explain the sources and uses of power in American politics.
3. Explain how institutions resolve significant problems, crises, and conflicts through the policy making process in a pluralistic society.
4. SOCIAL SCIENCES: Identify social variables, structures, and experiences that shape individual perspectives.

1. Learning theory in political science: knowledge, awareness, and strategies in a pluralistic society.
2. Critical thinking in political science: frameworks of analysis.
3. The American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Constitution.
4. Federalism: division of power between the states and central government.
5. Unresolved questions: slavery, native peoples, women, immigrants.
6. The rise of political parties: ideology and the politics of exclusion.
7. Elections, electoral system, redistricting.
8. Civil rights and freedoms: the ongoing battle of justice for all.
9. Role of interest groups and lobbying.
10. The executive branch: history, development, limits.
11. The legislative branch: history, organizational discussion, how a bill becomes law.
12. The judicial branch: the federal judiciary, the Supreme Court, judicial review.
13. Current dilemmas in a pluralistic society.