The democratic concepts of justice, liberty, freedom, equality and legitimacy receive special emphasis, along with the ideological struggles associated with socialism, liberalism and conservatism. From lynching to landmark decisions, this course examines the traditions and historic development of the law in America, emphasizing the judicial process. Topics include the type and sources of the law, the structure and functions of the state and federal court systems, civil and criminal law procedure, and judicial governance with special attention placed on the US Supreme Court. These and other questions are addressed as this course explores the theory and process of the modern bureaucratic state. Topics include administrative structure and functions, organizational direction, personnel and financial management, and bureaucratic governance and discretion.
Consideration is given to the interaction of governmental and non-profit agencies.
The personalities, parties, and ideas on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue battle for supremacy in a unique arena established by our constitutional separation of powers. This course examines how the policy-making process functions in the midst of this political struggle by studying critical domestic and foreign policy issues. The structures of these institutions are examined as well as influences such as the media, public opinion, and interest groups. The policy-making process of the national security establishment is observed. Key concepts include vital national interests, national policy objectives, institutional roles, and the domestic sources of foreign policy.