POL – Political Science

An introduction and exposure to the foundations and principles of American Democracy, with a focus on the institutions of American Democracy (Congress, the Presidency, the Judiciary, and the bureaucracy); the processes of American Democracy (public opinion, political parties, voting and elections, interest groups, and the media); civil liberties, civil rights, and political equality; and, domestic, economic, and foreign policies.

An introduction and exposure to the nature and dynamics of state and local politics and government, with some emphasis on Ohio. The course presents American Federalism as it relates to State/Federal relationships within the context of the American Constitution; the nature of State Constitutions, parties, and elections in the States; State Legislatures; State Governors; and, State Judicial Systems. The course analyzes the nature of local governments and municipalities, state and local policy and staffing, and the financing of state and local governments.