Course Description

Do you need to brush-up your knowledge of the American political system?  Have you forgotten or feel slightly 'hazy' about the structure of the American government, the details of the Constitution or the exact division of the three branches of government? Are you interested in discovering how our current political parties were formed or the impact of public opinion, mass media and special interests groups on today's American policies?  If you answered "yes" to these questions, this online course can be your ideal learning resource.

Rather than focusing on the history of the American federal government, this course is a comprehensive evaluation of how the government is set up and how it works. We will start with a look at how the American government is organized, and then we will focus on American culture and how it forms the environment in which the government functions, and the influences that the citizenry exerts on the policy-making process. Public opinion plays an important role in any republic so we will examine how public opinion is measured and how it contributes to the democratic process.

The citizens of United States enjoy many freedoms and liberties, but, as in all republics, they also live according to a Constitution and an established set of laws. We will examine the balance between freedom and law, and discuss the development of civil liberties. The political participation of Americans, both as individuals and as a part of interest groups influences nearly all functions of the government. We will also take a look at the media's increasingly important role in politics, and how the political parties of the United States work together to create legislation.

The social welfare and safety of Americans is a significant part of the priorities of the federal government. This course will outline the development of important programs that have served as model to other governments throughout the world. In the process, we will also evaluate how public policy is made from several important perspectives: economic, foreign relations, and environmental. 

Created with the belief that understanding the foundations of the America system of government is necessary to fully comprehend America's current political system, this self-paced course is appropriate for learners of any age (homeschoolers, high schoolers, college students or just inquisitive people). Our easy-to-understand online format is perfect for those seeking review, extra tutoring, test prep or general educational enhancement.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Summarize the major points of the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution.
  • Identify and describe the role and responsibilities of the Legislative Branch, the Judiciary Branch, and the Executive Branch.
  • Summarize the power of public opinion and the affects of mass media on politics.
  • Identify and describe the major political parties and interest groups.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 
 

Assessment Guide

Assessment Points
An Introduction 5 points
Lesson 1 Exam 50 points
What were they thinking about? 25 points
Lesson 2 Exam 115 points
Lesson 3 Assignment: Senate 25 points
Lesson 3 Assignment: House of Representatives 25 points
Is the Legislative Branch the Most Powerful Agent of Government? 25 points
Lesson 4 Assignment: Judiciary Branch 25 points
Is the President an Elected King? 25 points
Lesson 5 Exam 110 points
Lesson 6 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 6 Exam 9 points
Lesson 7 Assignment 25 points
Public Opinion and the Presidency 25 points
Can Public Opinion be Bought? 20 points
Lesson 7 Exam 10 points
Lesson 8 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 8 Exam 9 points
Lesson 9 Assignment 25 points
Special Interest Groups 20 points
Lesson 9 Exam 10 points
Lesson 10 Assignment 25 points
Are Civil Liberties all inclusive? 25 points
Lesson 10 Exam 10 points
Lesson 11 Assignment 25 points
Disadvantages of PAC's 20 points
Lesson 11 Exam 10 points
Lesson 12 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 12 Exam 10 points
Lesson 13 Assignment 25 points
Lesson 13 Exam 10 points
Lesson 14 Assignment 25 points
Social Welfare In America 20 points
Lesson 14 Exam 10 points
Lesson 15 Assignment 25 points
Are Public Policies good for all? 20 points
Lesson 15 Exam 10 points
Lesson 16 Assignment 25 points
FDR and American Economic Policy 20 points
Lesson 16 Exam 8 points
Lesson 17 Assignment 25 points
President Biden's Foreign Policy in the Middle East 20 points
Lesson 17 Exam 10 points
Lesson 18 Assignment 25 points
test 1 points
Can any President Solve the Clean Water Issue In America? 20 points
Lesson 18 Exam 9 points
The Final Exam 61 points
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