This course is an introduction to the principles, institutions, and processes of American government. It focuses on our political principles, such as liberty, democracy, and equality, especially as reflected in our government institutions-Congress and the Executive and Judiciary branches-and in our extra-governmental institutions, such as political parties and interest groups. Consideration will also be given to major contemporary issues-free speech, racial and sexual equality, privacy-as expressions of debates over our principles. Open to all students, this course counts towards “The Great Conversation” in the Core Curriculum.
