This class is an introduction to the American political system. The course is designed to make you think about the logic of our government's institutions, and the consequences - both intended and unintended - of these institutions for the political behavior of citizens, legislators, and other political leaders and activists. Topics to be covered include the Constitution, American political culture, civil rights, the presidency, Congress, Supreme Court, political parties, elections, public opinion, and interest groups.
PS 1 is a large lecture course of up to 400 students with required discussion sections of 27 students each. Note: Students who have received a score of 4 or 5 on the American Government Advanced Placement exam may substitute an upper division American Politics course (101B-111B, 157A-157B, and 171) for Political Science 1 before or after declaring the major. An upper division course taken to satisfy Political Science 1 may not be used as an upper division major requirement.