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Course Description
Do you need to brush-up your knowledge of the American political system? Have you forgotten or feel slightly 'hazy' about the structure of the American government, the details of the Constitution or the exact division of the three branches of government? Are you interested in discovering how our current political parties were formed or the impact of public opinion, mass media and special interests groups on today's American policies? If you answered "yes" to these questions, this online course can be your ideal learning resource.
Rather than focusing on the history of the American federal government, this course is a comprehensive evaluation of how the government is set up and how it works. We will start with a look at how the American government is organized, and then we will focus on American culture and how it forms the environment in which the government functions, and the influences that the citizenry exerts on the policy-making process. Public opinion plays an important role in any republic so we will examine how public opinion is measured and how it contributes to the democratic process.
The citizens of United States enjoy many freedoms and liberties, but, as in all republics, they also live according to a Constitution and an established set of laws. We will examine the balance between freedom and law, and discuss the development of civil liberties. The political participation of Americans, both as individuals and as a part of interest groups influences nearly all functions of the government. We will also take a look at the media's increasingly important role in politics, and how the political parties of the United States work together to create legislation.
The social welfare and safety of Americans is a significant part of the priorities of the federal government. This course will outline the development of important programs that have served as model to other governments throughout the world. In the process, we will also evaluate how public policy is made from several important perspectives: economic, foreign relations, and environmental.
Written with the belief that understanding the foundations of the America system of government is necessary to fully comprehend America's current political system, this self-paced course is appropriate for learners of any age (homeschoolers, high schoolers, college students or just inquisitive people). Our easy-to-understand online format is perfect for those seeking review, extra tutoring, test prep or general educational enhancement.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1- Introduction to American Government
The lesson will include why, when, and how the American Government came about.
Lesson 2- The Constitution
This lesson will cover the framework, the structure, and what the Constitution does for the individual.
Lesson 3 - The Legislative Branch
This lesson will cover the structure of the legislative branch. Topics will focus on the organization of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Lesson 4 - The Judiciary Branch
The organization of the federal courts and the state courts
Lesson 5 - The Executive Branch
This lesson will focus on the Executive Branch of Government highlighting the powers and duties of the president and the extensive executive departments.
Lesson 6 - American Political Culture
The November, 2008, presidential elections in the United States offered the clearest demonstration of the current American political culture.
Lesson 7 - Public Opinion
There are several types of democracies and while the U.S. certainly incorporates many democratic ideas in its government, our nation is best described as a republic.
Lesson 8 - Elections and Campaigns
Public opinion polls may influence policy and steer our elected officials on a desired path of results, but the single most important element of the democratic process is the campaign and election process.
Lesson 9 - Interest Groups
An interest group is a collection of people who share similar beliefs and endeavor to educate the general public about an issue.
Lesson 10 - Civil Liberties
The freedoms extended to individuals, which are commonly referred to as civil liberties or civil rights, have changed and evolved throughout our history, and they continue to change on an almost daily basis.
Lesson 11 - Political Participation
Throughout its entire history, the United States has been home to some of the most politically active peoples of the world
Lesson 12 - Political Parties
A political party is an organization dedicated to the advancement of a specific political platform, or a set of beliefs on a wide range of issues.
Lesson 13 - The Media
The media, which is comprised of television, radio, newspapers, the Internet, and countless other sources of information, has played a vital role in American government since the country's founding.
Lesson 14 - Social Welfare
There are a variety of social welfare programs in the United States today - economic programs, health-related services, housing development programs, and many others.
Lesson 15 - The Policy-Making Process
In this lesson, we will examine the full process of policy-making, from a law's origination to the required presidential signature.
Lesson 16 - U.S. Economic Policy
The economic policies of the United States are driven and influenced by a wide variety of factors: laws, the Constitution, lobbyists, the global economic climate, and, ultimately, the will of the people.
Lesson 17 - U.S. Foreign Policy
The all-encompassing goal of U.S. Foreign Policy is to ensure the safety of American citizens and the international community.
Lesson 18 - U.S. Environmental Policy
In addition to enacting laws that protect Americans' safety, environmental policy must be future-focused to assure that future generations will benefit from today's decisions.
Additional Information Learning the Essentials about American Government
This is a non-credit course, and is provided for your personal enrichment.
This course is not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, certification or educational requirements.
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The American Government was created to ensure the protection of civil liberties of all American citizens. Written with the belief that understanding the foundations of the America system of government is necessary to fully comprehend America's current political system, this self-paced course is appropriate for learners of any age (homeschoolers, high schoolers, college students or just inquisitive people). Our easy-to-understand online format is perfect for those seeking review, extra tutoring, test prep or general educational enhancement.
($60.00) One of the most divisive and important events in American history, the Civil War (also called the War Between the States) pitted countrymen against countrymen in the new and developing republic of the United States of America. more
($60.00) Reading and learning about American literature is synonymous with understanding the history and culture of a nation that has undergone dramatic social, economic, and cultural change in its relatively short history. more
($60.00) Without a doubt, one of the most important events in all world history (not to mention American history) was the American Revolutionary War. more
($80.00) This American History Review course invites you to explore the history of this remarkable nation. more
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