INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

POLISCI 411

This course undertakes an historical examination of the development of American constitutional thinking about powers and structures of government from the founding era to the present day. Issue that are considered include separation of powers, executive war powers, the powers of Congress, judicial review and the role of courts, and federalism. The course focuses on the development of constitutional law, constitutional politics, and American political development.

POLISCI 405

The structure of state government and the politics of public policy-making in the fifty states.

POLISCI 904

In-depth examination of selected topics on American politics and governmental institutions.

POLISCI 205

Basic institutions and processes of state government in the United States; the role of parties, pressure groups, and elections in the system; the policy process, its outputs and outcomes; the role of states in the federal system, and the diversity of state politics and policy.

POLISCI 417

Structure, process, and personnel of American courts; emphasis on the governmental and political consequences of court decisions for public policy-making.