This course introduces the institutions and processes of national government in the United States of America. The course explores the following core questions: What are the philosophical foundations of the American republic? How does America’s constitutional design shape the functioning of the nation’s institutions? What are the basic roles of the legislative, executive and judicial branches? What is the history of political parties in America? How are public policies made in the United States? What are the basic rights of American citizens? How have social movements shaped politics in the United States?