Intro to US Politics

A broad overview of the operation and issues of central concern in the study of U.S. politics. Particular attention is paid to evaluating the U.S. governing system in relation to major theories of political power, such as elitism, pluralism, and populism. In examining these and other broad concepts there is a focus on the foundations, institutions, and linkage mechanisms (political parties, media, etc.) that play a critical role in U.S. politics. Depending on the instructor, topics covered often include: the founding period, U.S. political culture, civil rights and liberties, money and politics, campaigns and elections, the role of mass media, parties and interest groups, politics in the post 9/11 era, and public policies focusing on crime, foreign affairs, the environment, poverty, health care, and war.