U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics from edX

This course is an excellent introduction to the principles of American Government, the political institutions that make it work, and the policies that result. Learn about the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the branches of government, and the foundations of democracy in the United States.

In addition to lectures and in-depth readings and discussions, students will be shown C-SPAN video clips to illustrate U.S. Government processes. Students who take this course will be better prepared for the Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics examination.

What you'll learn

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

Describe important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics
Explain typical patterns of political processes and behaviors and their consequences
Interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics
Critically analyze theories and concepts and apply them appropriately across the curriculum

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to u.s. government and politics
Explain typical patterns of political processes and behaviors and their consequences
Interpret basic data relevant to u.s. government and politics

Critically analyze theories and concepts and apply them appropriately across the curriculum
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

Describe important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to u.s. government and politics
Explain typical patterns of political processes and behaviors and their consequences
Interpret basic data relevant to u.s. government and politics
Critically analyze theories and concepts and apply them appropriately across the curriculum
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an introduction to fundamental ideas in American government and politics, making it well-suited for learners with a general interest or as a starting point for further study

Designed with Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics examination in mind, which makes it appropriate for learners preparing for that exam

Features C-SPAN video clips to illustrate U.S. government processes, offering a practical and engaging element

Career center

Learners who complete U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Scientist

Political Scientists study political systems and institutions. They examine how power is distributed and exercised, and how it affects society. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a solid foundation in the principles of American government, the political institutions that make it work, and the policies that result. This course can help Political Scientists better understand the U.S. political system and how it compares to other systems around the world.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. They must have a strong understanding of the law and the political system in which it operates. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and its legal system. This course can help Lawyers better understand the legal and political environment in which they practice.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They advise policymakers on the potential impact of proposed policies. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a strong foundation in the principles of American government and the policymaking process. This course can help Public Policy Analysts better understand the political and policy environment in which they work.

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Government Relations Specialist

Government Relations Specialists represent organizations before government agencies. They advocate for their clients' interests and build relationships with policymakers. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the policymaking process. This course can help Government Relations Specialists better understand the political and policy environment in which they work.

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Legislator

Legislators make laws and set policies for their constituents. They must have a strong understanding of the political system and the issues facing their communities. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the legislative process. This course can help Legislators better understand the political and policy environment in which they work.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists represent organizations before government agencies and legislators. They advocate for their clients' interests and build relationships with policymakers. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the policymaking process. This course can help Lobbyists better understand the political and policy environment in which they work.

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Political Consultant

Political Consultants advise candidates and political organizations on campaign strategy and public relations. They must have a strong understanding of the political system and the issues facing voters. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the political process. This course can help Political Consultants better understand the political and policy environment in which they work.

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Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues for the public. They must have a strong understanding of the political system and the issues facing society. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the political process. This course can help Journalists better understand the political and policy environment in which they work.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students about a variety of subjects, including government and politics. They must have a strong understanding of the subject matter they teach. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the political process. This course can help Teachers better understand the subject matter they teach and how to effectively teach it to students.

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Historian

Historians study the past to understand the present. They research and write about historical events and figures. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the U.S. government and the political process. This course can help Historians better understand the historical context of the events they study.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and behavior. They research and write about social institutions, such as the government and the political system. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the political process. This course can help Sociologists better understand the social context of the institutions they study.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human culture and society. They research and write about different cultures and societies around the world. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the political process. This course can help Anthropologists better understand the political systems of different cultures.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They research and write about economic issues, such as taxation, trade, and inflation. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the policymaking process. This course can help Economists better understand the political and economic context of the issues they study.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use statistics to solve problems and make predictions. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the policymaking process. This course can help Statisticians better understand the political and policy context of the data they collect and analyze.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design, develop, and implement computer systems and applications. They use their knowledge of computer science to solve problems and create new technologies. The U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government and the policymaking process. This course can help Computer Scientists better understand the political and policy context of the technologies they develop.

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U.S. Government - Foundations, Democracy & Politics

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