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Thomas E. Patterson and Thomas E. Patterson

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?

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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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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores American politics from a social studies perspective, which is standard in most high school and undergraduate public education
Uses real-world political events, like the Iraq War and healthcare reform, as case studies
Taught by Thomas E. Patterson, an expert in American politics with academic prominence
Designed for learners who want a general understanding of American politics or an introduction to the topic for further study
Instructors have experience working with different levels of students which may prove valuable
No prior knowledge of American politics is required

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive introduction to american government

This engaging course offers a comprehensive introduction to the American government system. Students value the course's clear explanations, use of real-world examples, and lack of prerequisites. While some students wish they had more time to fully engage with the course, they plan to return for a complete experience.
Makes use of real-world examples.
No prior knowledge of American government needed.
Course material is well-explained.
Requires a significant time commitment.
"I unfortunately didn't have the time..."

Activities

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Career center

Learners who complete American Government will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Political Scientist
Political Scientists are experts on politics and government. Political Scientists study how political systems work, and they use this knowledge to analyze current events and make predictions about the future. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is essential for Political Scientists who want to understand and analyze the American political system.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts help government agencies and nonprofit organizations develop and implement public policies. Public Policy Analysts use their knowledge of politics and government to analyze the effects of public policies and make recommendations for changes. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is essential for Public Policy Analysts who want to understand the policymaking process and make effective recommendations.
Government Relations Manager
Government Relations Managers represent businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations before government agencies. Government Relations Managers use their knowledge of politics and government to build relationships with government officials and advocate for their clients' interests. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is essential for Government Relations Managers who want to understand the political landscape and effectively advocate for their clients.
Political Consultant
Political Consultants help candidates and political organizations win elections. Political Consultants use their knowledge of politics and government to develop campaign strategies, raise money, and get out the vote. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is essential for Political Consultants who want to understand the electoral process and help their clients win elections.
Journalist
Journalists report on news and current events. Journalists use their knowledge of politics and government to write articles and broadcast stories about the political process. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is essential for Journalists who want to understand the political landscape and report accurately on the news.
Lawyer
Lawyers represent clients in court and help them with legal issues. Lawyers who specialize in constitutional law or public interest law may use their knowledge of politics and government to advocate for their clients' rights. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is helpful for Lawyers who want to understand the legal framework of the political system and effectively represent their clients.
Teacher
Teachers educate students about a variety of subjects, including civics and government. Teachers who teach civics and government use their knowledge of politics and government to help students understand the political system and how it works. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is essential for Teachers who want to teach civics and government effectively.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Managers use their knowledge of politics and government to build relationships with government agencies and secure funding for their organizations. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is helpful for Nonprofit Managers who want to understand the political landscape and effectively manage their organizations.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses improve their operations and make better decisions. Business Analysts use their knowledge of business and government to analyze data and make recommendations for changes. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is helpful for Business Analysts who want to understand the political landscape and make informed recommendations.
Statistician
Statisticians collect and analyze data. Statisticians use their knowledge of statistics and government to analyze data about the political system and make predictions about its future performance. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is helpful for Statisticians who want to understand the political landscape and make informed predictions.
Economist
Economists study the economy and make predictions about its future performance. Economists use their knowledge of economics and government to analyze economic data and make recommendations for economic policies. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is helpful for Economists who want to understand the political landscape and make informed recommendations.
Historian
Historians study the past and use it to understand the present. Historians use their knowledge of history and government to analyze the political system and make predictions about its future performance. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is helpful for Historians who want to understand the political landscape and make informed predictions.
Sociologist
Sociologists study society and its institutions. Sociologists use their knowledge of sociology and government to analyze the political system and make predictions about its future performance. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is helpful for Sociologists who want to understand the political landscape and make informed predictions.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study human culture and society. Anthropologists use their knowledge of anthropology and government to analyze the political system and make predictions about its future performance. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is helpful for Anthropologists who want to understand the political landscape and make informed predictions.
Political Risk Analyst
Political Risk Analysts assess the political risks that businesses and investors face. Political Risk Analysts use their knowledge of politics and government to analyze the political landscape and make predictions about its future performance. This course covers the foundations of the U.S. political system, and it also examines how leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate. This knowledge is essential for Political Risk Analysts who want to understand the political landscape and make accurate assessments.

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