An examination of the structure and function of the national government of the United States and of the political forces of the governmental process; including the nature of democracy, constitutional development, the Presidency, the Congress, the judicial system, federalism, intergovernmental relations, and foreign policy.

Fulfills the General Education American Institutions (Utah State Code R470) requirement. Surveys the founding of the U.S. Government; the U.S. Constitution; and the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government. Also covers politics and elections, international relations, and national security. Helps students acquire a greater understanding of the federal system and of federalism. Employs a wide variety of instructional methods including lectures, student reports, discussions, and audio-visual materials. Successful students will demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the history, principles, form of government, and economic system of the United States. ***COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and understand the major topical divisions, theories, concepts, and structures of American government and the American political system. 2. Analyze governmental and political decisions and processes. 3. Argue and write analytically and coherently about significant issues and problems in American government. 4. Demonstrate understanding of American government and current political issues that relate to American government by reading significant authors and authoritative texts. Prerequisite: Reading placement score 17 or higher; or ENGL 1010, ENGL 1010D. FA, SP, SU