This online course is a one-semester survey of American Government and Politics covering the Constitution, political beliefs, political parties, interest groups, institutions of government, public policy and civil rights. In short, this course teaches students how this country’s government works.  Students become familiar with and develop knowledge of the institutions, documents, policies, political groups, beliefs and theories central to the politics of the United States. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, data analysis, collaborative discussion, timed, free-response essay writing, and interpretation of original documents.