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American Government

American politics has all the aspects of drama, but it has real meaning for people’s everyday lives.

What are the foundations of the U.S. political system? How do leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate? Where do public opinion, political parties, groups, and the media fit in? What explains America’s economic, social, and foreign policies?

If exploring these questions interests you, then this is the course for you. This course is an introduction to the U.S. government that draws on political science and cases—such as the Iraq invasion and health care reform—to explain how the U.S. government system works.

No previous study of American politics needed. Join us on a journey into the heart of the U.S. governing system. This course is ideal for:

  • College and advanced placement high school students looking for an introduction to American government.
  • U.S.-based political science and government teachers looking for a way to augment their own courses.
  • Global teachers and educators looking to explain the American political system to their students and citizens.
  • Citizens in the U.S. and abroad who want to understand the workings of the U.S. political system.

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Rating 4.6 based on 5 ratings
Length 16 weeks
Effort 3 hours per week
Starts Apr 24 (earlier today)
Cost $99
From Harvard University, HarvardX via edX
Instructors Thomas E. Patterson, Thomas E. Patterson
Download Videos On all desktop and mobile devices
Language English
Subjects Social Sciences Humanities
Tags Social Sciences History Law

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What people are saying

attention it deserved due

I unfortunately didn't have the time to give this course the attention it deserved due to the course load I am currently taking but I intend on retaking this course in the future.

insulting marks which gives

It results in random and sometimes insulting marks which gives no motivation to write the four 600 word essays they require.

four 600 word essays

american government system

He does a very effective job of explaining the different components of the American government system and how they are put together.

also consider buying

I only watched the videos, because I wasn't available for any deeper involvement, but I think I'm likely to come back for full participation later, and I also consider buying the book attached with the course.

any deeper involvement

book attached with

full participation later

gives no motivation

certificate just

I am impressed by the videos and have learned a lot from them, but i still won't waste time writing essays for the Certificate just to be trashed by random student markers.

it results

some courses

Some courses you can simply not do them & still pass but this course is structured differently.

Careers

An overview of related careers and their average salaries in the US. Bars indicate income percentile.

American Apparel $51k

Assistant Editor, Almanac of American Politics $53k

News Reporter (Politics) $54k

Local News & Politics Editor $57k

Professor of International Politics $70k

Assistant Professor of American Government and Politics $98k

Head of Press, Politics & Public Affairs $103k

Associate Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Politics $115k

Associate Professor, Department of Politics $119k

Professor in International politics $125k

Visiting Professor, Department of Politics $126k

Professor, Department of Politics $128k

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Rating 4.6 based on 5 ratings
Length 16 weeks
Effort 3 hours per week
Starts Apr 24 (earlier today)
Cost $99
From Harvard University, HarvardX via edX
Instructors Thomas E. Patterson, Thomas E. Patterson
Download Videos On all desktop and mobile devices
Language English
Subjects Social Sciences Humanities
Tags Social Sciences History Law

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