Others have been confronted with considerably less than satisfactory results. The enduring promise of the Republic is that each generation will try anew. The course will examine the enormous changes taking place in the United States, and the extent to which those transformations may permanently alter the American political system. During the semester students will examine and debate the strategies and structures of American politics, especially the roles that the Presidency and Congress play in the formulation of public policy. Since this is a presidential election year, students will also analyze the major candidates' choices and strategies as they relate to political parties, special interests, primary elections, national conventions, and the general campaign leading up to the November elections.
Political enlightenment is a necessary attribute of a self-governing society.
The overall objective of the course is to help students understand their political world a little better, and to encourage them to participate in it with greater confidence and skill.