This course is an introduction to American politics. We will survey the institutions of national government and the processes of policy-making. To as great an extent as possible we will be attentive to current events of significance, especially the impeachment process, the foreign and domestic policies of the Clinton administration, and matters of interest in Minnesota politics.

During the quarter there will be three examinations covering portions of the course. The first of these examinations will be held on February 3rd; the second will be on February 26th; and the third will be the final on March 19th. The three exams will constitute about 60 percent of the grade in the course and the exams will be roughly equal in value.

There will be four short written assignments during the quarter. The first two will involve your accessing information (text basically) on the Internet; the second two assignments will be based on your reading of The System.

James Q. Wilson, American Government, Brief Version, 4th edition
Johnson and Broder, The System