The student who actively learns and participates in this class should come out of it, not only with a basic understanding of the actors, institutions and processes of U.S. government and politics, but with a better ability to critically analyze current political controversies. Ideally, you would leave this class and be able to remember the particulars about U.S. government years from now. Realistically, you should be able to apply the fundamental principles of this course to political issues for many years to come.
Facts are simple enough to memorize, but fade so quickly.
Thinking and analyzing stay with you forever. Even if, a few years from now, you can't remember a great deal about how a bill becomes a law but are able to support your opinion in a political debate with friends or family, this course will have succeeded in empowering you. Assigned reading Squire, Peverill, et al. Dynamics of Democracy . Brown and Benchmark.