REQUIRED COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  1.  Explain the origins and development of the U.S. Constitution, constitutional democracy, federalism, and institutionalism in the United States.

  2.  Describe the development of key founding documents and explain how they influence government structures.

  3.  Describe the structure, functions, and powers of the three federal branches of government.

  4.  Discuss and evaluate the institutional structure, authorities, and operations of the national government.

  5.  Articulate the origins and significance of civil liberties, civil rights, and civil rights movements.

  6.  Outline the functions and impacts of political parties, interest groups, public opinion, citizen participation, and the Media in American government.

  7.  Examine the public policy process and evaluate factors impacting success and failure.

  8.  Describe the methods and importance of civic engagement and influence in U.S. politics and political culture.

 RECOMMENDED COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

 I.    Early republic

        A.  History

        B.  Development

            1.  Ideas

            2.  Ideologies

            3.  Events

 II.   Constitution and Federalism

        A.  History

        B.  Development

        C.  Purpose

 III.  Branches of government

        A.  Powers

        B.  Theoretical approaches

        C.  Separation of powers

        D.  Checks and balances

 IV.   Civil liberties and civil rights

        A.  Theories

        B.  Historical events

        C.  Constitutional amendments

        D.  Court decisions

        E.  Laws

        F.  Civil rights movements

 V.   Political parties and interest groups

        A.  Development

        B.  Functions

        C.  Impact

 VI.   Public opinion and citizen engagement

 VII.  The Media

 VIII. Elections

 IX.   Public policy

        A.  Processes

        B.  Issues

        C.  Outcomes