The goal of this course is for you to gain a strong understanding of the government of the United States - how it began, its structure, and how it works.

You'll begin by learning basic principles of government and political theory, and encounter our nation's most important documents - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

Then, you'll learn how our Federal government works and how citizens, political parties, interest groups, and the media all influence government policies and practices.

By the end of the course, you'll know more about how we're governed, and also have a sense of your role as responsible citizen in a democratic society.