Credit:  0.5
Term:  Semester
Prerequisite:  None
Open to:  9-12
Graduation Requirement Satisfied:  Occupational Education OR History Elective

This semester-long course provides students with an overview of American politics and public administration, including how political institutions and public management systems at the local, state, and federal levels exercise supervisory authority and maintain accountability. Students explore the foundations of the U.S. government, the separation of powers, the federal civil service system, and the relationship between the government and state and local officials. Students learn about politics in the United States and the electoral process, political attitudes and opinions, and American political parties. Students explore the structure of U.S. federal governmental institutions, the nature of bureaucracy, and the functions of the three branches of government. Students also learn about policy making in American government, including discussions of foreign and defense policies.