This course covers American Government: the Constitution, the branches of government (Presidency, Congress, Judiciary) and how politics works: elections, voting, parties, campaigning, policy making. In addition weęll look at how the media, interest groups, public opinion polls and political self-identification (are you liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican or something else?) impact politics and political choices. Weęll also cover the basics in economic, social and foreign policy and bring in current issues and show how they illustrate the process.

Detailed introduction to the role of the public bureaucracy in American society and the interplay of politics and public administration at the national, state, and local levels. Examines topics such as ethics, organization theory and behavior, public policy formation, public management, administrative reform, and intergovernmental relations.