This course familiarizes students with various important aspects of American Government and the general study of political science. The prominent topics covered include identifying the ideological origins and functional components of the U.S. Constitution; investigating first amendment and civil rights and their extension to historically "non-mainstream" groups; reviewing significant political ideologies; analyzing public opinion polling, voting behavior and special interest group activities; defining public and foreign policy formation, and the role of political leadership. Critical thinking skills will be developed through applying course material to consideration of practical political situations.

A study of structure and functions of states, municipalities, and other units of local government.