American Government and Economics

Units and Readings

Theme: Part of what Americans believe makes the United States unique is our democracy and our form of capitalism, so much so that we find it difficult to envision a non-capitalist democracy or non-democratic capitalism.  This class will look at the theory and practice of both systems and how they shape power and access to power.

Major Topics:

I. Central Concepts

A. What is Government?

B. What is Politics?

C. What is Capitalism?

II.  Three Branches of Government

A. Legislative Branch

Economic Topics: Taxes, Credit

B. Executive Branch

Economic Topics: Privatization, Regulation

C. Judicial Branch

Economic Topic: Consumers as Citizens

III.  American Politics

A. Political Party System

B. Political Campaigning

C. Special Interest Groups

IV. Power to the People

A. Federalism

B. Civil Liberties

C. Civil Rights

D. Economic Topic: Privacy

Course Readings:

-Ginsberg, etal, We the People: An Introduction to American Politics

- Annual Editions, American Government 07/08

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