Students next study the three branches of government as well as the administrative agencies that support each branch, the role of political behavior in the democratic process, and the workings of political parties and interest groups. Throughout the course, students use the concepts of rights and responsibilities to help make judgments about the workings of American government and politics. This course is for able students desiring a freshman college level course in comparative government. Students use college level textbooks and engage in seminars, simulations, discussions, and debates. The course is both a survey of the various forms of government found throughout the world and an in-depth study of specific governments and approaches to politics.
Students begin by examining the concept of public authority and the sources of political power.
They analyze the relationship between state and society and between the citizen and the state. Students compare the structure of governmental institutions in different countries and learn how each structure affects society in general and individuals in particular. Emphasis is given throughout the course to the concepts of political change and the different methods used to effect such change.