U.S. Political Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy from edX

How do the three branches of government operate? How is power shared among Congress, the president, and the Supreme Court? What role is played by federal agencies that have no direct constitutional authority oftheir own?

In this part of our series on American Government, we will examine the separation of powers among the three branches of government, and the role of voters, political parties, and the broader federal bureaucracy. We’ll explore how “the people” affect the behavior of members of Congress, what constitutes success in a president’s domestic and foreign policies, and how much power an unelected judiciary should have in a democratic system.

What you'll learn

How Congressmembers are influenced by their constituencies
What causes political polarization between Republicans and Democrats
How Congress’s structure limits progress on significant issues
How executive orders expand the powers of the presidency
Why presidents are less constrained in foreign policy than in domestic policy
How federal agencies promote and protect their programs
The influence of politics on Supreme Court decisions

What's inside

Learning objectives

How congressmembers are influenced by their constituencies
What causes political polarization between republicans and democrats
How congress’s structure limits progress on significant issues
How executive orders expand the powers of the presidency

Why presidents are less constrained in foreign policy than in domestic policy
How federal agencies promote and protect their programs
The influence of politics on supreme court decisions

How congressmembers are influenced by their constituencies
What causes political polarization between republicans and democrats
How congress’s structure limits progress on significant issues
How executive orders expand the powers of the presidency
Why presidents are less constrained in foreign policy than in domestic policy
How federal agencies promote and protect their programs
The influence of politics on supreme court decisions

Syllabus

Week 1: Congress & Constituency In this session, we will examine how their constituencies affect the behavior of members of Congress, including their influence on the type of bills that members are most likely to support. The 2014 farm bill will be used to highlight constituency influence.

Week 2: Congress & Party This session will describe the role of parties in Congress and explain the developments that have contributed to party polarization within Congress. We’ll examine the 2013 government shutdown as a case study in party conflict. The session will also explain why Congress’s fragmented structure makes it difficult for Congress to take the lead on major national issues while making it perfectly suited to taking on scores of smaller issues at once.

Week 3: Presidents & Domestic Policy This session will examine the factors that affect presidential success in the area of domestic policy. Several factors will be mentioned, but the focus will be the partisan makeup of Congress—whether a majority of its members are from the president’s party. The 1964 food stamp bill and the 1996 welfare bill will be used to illustrate the relationship between presidential success and Congress’s partisan makeup.

Week 4: Presidents & Foreign Policy In this session, we’ll examine the president’s comparative advantages—for example, control over information—in the making of foreign policy. We’ll look particularly at the president’s war power and at executive agreements—treaty-like arrangements authorized solely by the president. President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq in 2003 will serve as a case study.

Week 5: Federal Bureaucracy In this session, we’ll examine the federal bureaucracy—its structure, staffing, and operation. We’ll also explore the challenge of holding the bureaucracy accountable for its actions. The Air Force’s F-22 fighter jet program will serve as a case study of bureaucratic politics.

Week 6: Judiciary & Supreme Court This session will examine judicial power and the influence of politics on Supreme Court decisions. We will also consider the normative question of how much power an unelected judiciary should have in a democratic system. The primary case study in this session will be the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which struck down an act of Congress prohibiting independent campaign expenditures by corporations and labor unions.

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Know what's good

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Explores the structure and operation of the federal bureaucracy

Taught by Thomas E. Patterson, a renowned scholar of American politics

Develops key concepts and models in the field of American government

Provides a comprehensive overview of the three branches of government and their roles

Offers insights into the political dynamics and processes that shape government decision-making

Suitable for students with a strong interest in American politics and government

Reviews summary

Well-received political institutions course

According to students, this course provides an in-depth look at U.S. political institutions. Learners say the lecture videos do a great job of explaining course material. Examples used in lessons were recent and relevant to today's world.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in U.S. Political Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy with these activities:

Review key concepts in political science

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Strengthen your foundational knowledge in political science by reviewing key concepts and theories.

Browse courses on Political Theory

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Identify areas where you need to refresh your knowledge.
Review your notes and textbooks from previous coursework.
Seek out additional resources such as online articles or videos.

Identify and connect with individuals in the field of American government or political science

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Expand your professional network and gain valuable insights by connecting with experts in the field.

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Attend conferences and events related to American government or political science.
Reach out to professors, researchers, or practitioners in the field.
Utilize social media platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals.
Attend office hours or schedule meetings to introduce yourself and express your interest.

Track and analyze the progress of a current legislative bill

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Stay engaged with current political events and gain insights into the legislative process by tracking the progress of a bill that interests you.

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Identify a bill that you are interested in following.
Research the bill and its sponsors.
Monitor the bill's progress through the legislative process.
Analyze the bill's chances of becoming a law.
Share your findings and analysis with others.

Five other activities

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Simulate a congressional hearing on a proposed bill

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Gain practical experience in the legislative process by simulating a congressional hearing on a proposed bill of your choice.

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Choose a proposed bill that interests you.
Research the bill and its potential impact.
Identify stakeholders and their positions on the bill.
Prepare opening statements and questions for witnesses.
Role-play the hearing, taking on the perspectives of different stakeholders.

Participate in a group discussion on the role of political parties in American politics

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Gain diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding of the role of political parties in shaping American politics through group discussions.

Browse courses on Political Parties

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Join or form a study group with other students.
Prepare talking points and research on the topic.
Engage in respectful and informed discussions.
Summarize key insights and takeaways.

Analyze Supreme Court case study: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

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Reinforce your understanding of the influence of politics on Supreme Court decisions by analyzing the landmark case Citizens United v. FEC.

Browse courses on Judicial Power

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Read the case summary and opinion of Citizens United v. FEC.
Identify the key arguments presented by both sides.
Analyze the Court's reasoning and holding.
Discuss the implications of the decision for campaign finance and political speech.

Develop an infographic explaining the structure and powers of the federal bureaucracy

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Deepen your understanding of the complex structure and powers of the federal bureaucracy by creating a visual representation.

Browse courses on Separation of Powers

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Gather information on the different agencies, departments, and commissions that make up the federal bureaucracy.
Identify key powers and responsibilities of each agency.
Organize the information into a visually appealing infographic.
Include clear explanations and examples.

Write a research paper on the impact of executive orders on presidential power

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Conduct in-depth research and analysis on the impact of executive orders on presidential power, solidifying your understanding of the complex relationship between the executive and legislative branches.

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Choose a specific topic related to executive orders and presidential power.
Conduct thorough research using credible sources.
Develop a thesis statement and outline your paper.
Write a well-organized and evidence-based paper.
Proofread and edit your paper carefully.

Career center

Learners who complete U.S. Political Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Scientist

Political Scientists need a comprehensive understanding of the political system to be successful. This course provides an overview of the structure and function of the three branches of the U.S. government. It will provide you with a foundation for conducting research and teaching about American politics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Scientist

Legislator

Legislators need to understand how the government works to be successful. This course focuses on the structure and function of the three branches of the U.S. government. By learning how the government works, you may make better decisions and be a more effective legislator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Legislator

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts need to understand the policymaking process to be successful. This course introduces how Congress, the Presidency, and the Courts participate in making policy. The course provides a foundation for understanding how proposals become laws, regulations, and court rulings. The course may be particularly helpful if you work for a government agency or non-profit organization.

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Teacher

Teachers may teach about U.S. political institutions at the high school or college level. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the structure and function of the three branches of government. It will also help you develop the skills you need to teach effectively about American politics.

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Government Relations Manager

Government Relations Managers need to understand the government and its processes to be successful. This course covers the structure and function of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the U.S. government. It will provide you with a base for understanding how laws are made, how regulations are developed, and how court decisions are reached.

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Lobbyist

Lobbyists need to understand how the government works to be successful. This course focuses on the structure and function of the three branches of the U.S. government. By learning how the government works, you can better understand how to advocate for your clients' interests.

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Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors need to understand the government and its processes to be successful. In this course, you will explore how legislation, executive orders, and court decisions can impact the work of nonprofits. This knowledge will be important for developing effective strategies and programs for your organization.

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Political Consultant

Political Consultants need to understand the political system to be successful. This course focuses on the structure and function of the three branches of the U.S. government. By learning how the government works, you may be able to make better recommendations to your clients or employer. The course may be particularly helpful if you work for clients that lobby the government.

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Researcher

Researchers may research various aspects of U.S. political institutions. This course can provide a foundation for understanding the political system and how it functions.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers need to understand the media and public opinion to be successful. This course introduces how political polarization influences media coverage and public sentiment. You will learn how political institutions interact with the media and public, and how this impacts the public's perception of government.

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Journalist

Journalists need to understand how the political system works to be successful. This course provides an overview of the structure and function of the three branches of the U.S. government. By learning how the government works, you will be better equipped to write accurate and informative articles about politics and public policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Historian

Historians may research and write about the history of U.S. political institutions. This course can provide a foundation for understanding how these institutions have evolved over time and how they have shaped American history.

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Sociologist

Sociologists may research and write about the social and political behavior of individuals within U.S. political institutions. This course can introduce you to the political system and provide a foundation for understanding how it influences social behavior.

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Economist

Economists may research the economic impact of government policies. This course will provide you with a better understanding of how the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government make and implement policies that can have a significant impact on the economy.

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Lawyer

Lawyers may work in the public sector or represent clients with matters involving the government. This course can provide a better understanding of U.S. political institutions. This can be particularly helpful if you plan to practice law in areas such as constitutional law, administrative law, or criminal law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer