After the events of September 11th and the 2000 presidential
elections, politics may matter now more than ever.  This class is
designed to give you the power to be a knowledgeable, aware, and
critical thinker.  It also provides an active, analytical
introduction to the American political system.  In other words, this
class will help you be a better citizen.  The course will give you
the tools you need to understand our system of government, how the
branches fit together and the factors that are involved to aid the
representation of the nation’s citizenry.  The ultimate goal is for
you to be able to look at life through a political lens in order to
gain a better understanding of why the United States operates as it
does and why that matters in your everyday life.  To accomplish these
goals, there will be some short writing assignments, some exams, and
in class group work.