American Government

This course will examine the system of government as outlined by the United States Constitution and compare and contrast that ideal structure to the form of government functioning in the United States today. The latter will be accomplished by required reading of some daily news source individually chosen by each student. In addition to specific study of the traditional three branches of government and the Amendments, we will consider various schools of constitutional interpretation, the implications of each, and the impact of the media, lobbyists, the military apparatus, and other extra-Constitutional entities on the modern American government. This is not a course designed to instruct students in one single political mindset; instead, it is intended to encourage the students to develop their political understanding and better be able to discuss, analyze, and argue their personal opinions.