Course Overview - Dr. Marcus Bennett
Welcome to our introductory course on American politics! Over the semester, we'll explore the foundations, structures, and dynamics of the American political system. Today's lecture provides a roadmap of what we'll cover throughout the course.
This overview introduces key concepts we'll explore in depth during the semester. Consider this your guide to the American political landscape—we'll fill in the details week by week as the course progresses.
To understand American politics, we must first understand the system it operates within. The United States government was designed with specific structures that both enable and constrain political action.
In Weeks 2-4, we'll examine the constitutional design of American government, including the three branches, checks and balances, and federalism. We'll analyze how this 18th-century framework operates in the 21st century.
Congress (Senate & House) makes the laws
Coming in Week 2: Congressional structure, powers, elections, and lawmaking processes
President and administration enforce the laws
Coming in Week 3: Presidential powers, the Cabinet, federal agencies, and policy implementation
Supreme Court and federal courts interpret the laws
Coming in Week 4: Court structure, judicial review, and the politics of court appointments
American government isn't just divided across branches—it's also divided across levels, creating a complex system where national, state, and local governments share power and responsibilities.
In Week 5, we'll explore federalism in depth, examining how power is distributed between levels of government and how this affects policy implementation and political strategy.
National defense, foreign policy, interstate commerce, currency
Education, highways, state courts, professional licensing
Police, schools, parks, zoning, waste management
If government is the engine, politics is the driver—determining direction, speed, and priorities. Politics encompasses how people make, preserve, and amend the general rules under which they live.
Weeks 6-8 will focus on political parties, elections, and interest groups—the forces that drive governmental action and determine who holds power.
Generally favors more active government role in economy and society
Coming in Week 6: Party history, coalition, and current platform
Generally favors limited government and traditional social values
Coming in Week 6: Party history, coalition, and current platform
Coming in Week 7: We'll examine electoral systems, campaign finance, voting behavior, and how elections translate public opinion into governmental action.
Politics involves more than just elected officials. Several other entities significantly influence how politics drives government.
In Week 8, we'll analyze how interest groups, media, and other non-governmental actors shape the political process and policy outcomes.
Organizations advocating for specific policies or industries
Traditional and social media shaping public opinion and political narratives
Campaign finance, PACs, and their influence on policy
Politics ultimately reflects the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of citizens. How do Americans develop their political views? How and why do they participate in politics?
Weeks 9-10 will explore public opinion formation, political socialization, and various forms of political participation beyond voting.
How citizens develop political beliefs and attitudes
The role of family, education, peers, and media
Voting, campaigning, protesting, and other forms of engagement
The ultimate purpose of politics is to produce policies that address public problems. How does the American system translate political competition into governance?
Weeks 11-13 will focus on major policy areas, examining how political dynamics shape policy outcomes in different domains.
Taxation, spending, regulation, and trade
Healthcare, education, welfare programs
International relations, defense, trade agreements
American politics faces several contemporary challenges that test the resilience and effectiveness of its institutions.
In Week 14, we'll analyze current political dynamics including polarization, institutional strain, and demographic changes shaping American politics.
Growing ideological division between parties and citizens
Challenges to electoral systems and government structures
How population shifts are reshaping political coalitions
Course overview and framework for understanding American politics
Reading: Textbook Chapter 1
The three branches, separation of powers, and constitutional foundations
Reading: Textbook Chapters 2-5
Federal, state, and local government relations
Reading: Textbook Chapter 6
Parties, elections, interest groups, and media
Reading: Textbook Chapters 7-9
How citizens develop and express political views
Reading: Textbook Chapters 10-11
Economic, social, and foreign policy
Reading: Textbook Chapters 12-14
Current issues in American politics
Reading: Textbook Chapter 15 & supplemental readings
Synthesis of course themes and final discussions
Reading: Review all materials
20% of final grade
Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions
25% of final grade
Covering material from Weeks 1-7
25% of final grade
8-10 page analysis of a current political issue
30% of final grade
Comprehensive, with emphasis on material after midterm
As we begin this journey together, it's worth considering why the study of American politics matters—regardless of your major or career plans.
Understanding how your government works is essential for meaningful civic participation
Political analysis develops skills in evaluating arguments, evidence, and media messages
Politics shapes countless aspects of society, from business to healthcare to education
Throughout this course, we'll connect abstract concepts to real-world events and your lived experiences. Politics isn't just what happens in Washington—it affects your daily life in countless ways.
As we move through the semester, keep these broader questions in mind: