POLS210 - American Government I

Course Details

Course Code: POLS210 Course ID: 3729 Credit Hours: 3 Level: Undergraduate

This is the first course in a two-course sequence in American Government. The course is designed to convey basic facts about the structure and functioning of the American political system. The philosophical foundation of the U.S. Constitution is explored and the federalist construct is examined. The functions of the three separate branches of government and their roles in policy making are a major focus.

Course Schedule

Registration Dates Course Dates Start Month Session Weeks
04/24/2023 - 09/29/2023 10/02/2023 - 11/26/2023 October Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/2023 - 11/03/2023 11/06/2023 - 12/31/2023 November Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/2023 - 12/01/2023 12/04/2023 - 01/28/2024 December Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session
07/31/2023 - 12/29/2023 01/01/2024 - 02/25/2024 January Winter 2024 Session B 8 Week session
08/28/2023 - 02/02/2024 02/05/2024 - 03/31/2024 February Winter 2024 Session I 8 Week session
09/25/2023 - 03/01/2024 03/04/2024 - 04/28/2024 March Winter 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Current Syllabi

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:


CO-1 Explain the philosophical basis and functioning of the American republic.

CO-2 Describe the historical foundations of the American government.

CO-3 Explain the evolution of the U. S. Constitution.

CO-4 Describe the types of political participation in a democratic system.

CO-5 Explain the power and roles of the three branches of government.

CO-6 Define the purpose and functions of the federal bureaucracy.

CO-7 Explain the policy-making process in the federal system.

CO-8 Identify the influences on political beliefs and behavior.

NameGrade %
Discussions 50.00%
W1: The Constitution and Healthcare 10.00%
W2: Public Opinion 10.00%
W4: The President the Congress and the Economy 10.00%
W6: The Federal Bureaucracy Courts and National Security 10.00%
W8: Interest Groups 10.00%
Quizzes 10.00%
Week 2 Quiz 1.43%
Week 3 Quiz 1.43%
Week 4 Quiz 1.43%
Week 5 Quiz 1.43%
Week 6 Quiz 1.43%
Week 7 Quiz 1.43%
Week 8 Quiz 1.43%
Essays 20.00%
First Essay: Healthcare 10.00%
Second Essay: National Security 10.00%
PowerPoint Presentation 20.00%
PowerPoint Presentation 20.00%

Previous Syllabi

Not current for future courses.