POLSC232: American Government

Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

• compare and contrast various American political ideologies and attitudes about the role and scope of government;
• describe public opinion, how it is measured, and how it has evolved in American politics;
• define the major factors of political socialization in American society;
• discuss how public opinion polling influences electoral outcomes;
• explain American political culture and values and their connection to social and demographic characteristics;
• differentiate the various methods by which voters participate in politics.
• explain the characteristics of voter turnout, party identification, and issue preferences on how people vote;
• determine the factors that explain why people choose not to vote; and
• describe how the media influences the American public and political behavior.