Key Information
About the content
This course is an excellent introduction to the principles of American Government, the political institutions that make it work, and the policies that result. Learn about the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the branches of government, and the foundations of democracy in the United States.
In addition to lectures and in-depth readings and discussions, students will be shown C-SPAN video clips to illustrate U.S. Government processes. Students who take this course will be better prepared for the Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics examination.
Syllabus
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Describe important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics
- Explain typical patterns of political processes and behaviors and their consequences
- Interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics
- Critically analyze theories and concepts and apply them appropriately across the curriculum
Instructors
- Robert X. Browning Ph.D.
- Joshua Scacco Ph.D.
Content Designer

Purdue University is a world-renowned, public research university that advances discoveries in science, technology, engineering and math.
Platform

Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley, are just some of the schools that you have at your fingertips with EdX. Through massive open online courses (MOOCs) from the world's best universities, you can develop your knowledge in literature, math, history, food and nutrition, and more. These online classes are taught by highly-regarded experts in the field. If you take a class on computer science through Harvard, you may be taught by David J. Malan, a senior lecturer on computer science at Harvard University for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. But there's not just one professor - you have access to the entire teaching staff, allowing you to receive feedback on assignments straight from the experts. Pursue a Verified Certificate to document your achievements and use your coursework for job and school applications, promotions, and more. EdX also works with top universities to conduct research, allowing them to learn more about learning. Using their findings, edX is able to provide students with the best and most effective courses, constantly enhancing the student experience.