This course focuses on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. Other concepts studied are: major political ideas and forms of government in history, underlying principles of the U.S. Constitution, republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and comparisons of the U.S. form of government with those of other political systems. In addition, students will: identify the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system, examine the strategic importance of placed to the United States, analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a democratic society, analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, examine the relationship between governmental policies and the culture of the United States, and identify examples of government policies that encourage scientific research.