Overview Course No. 50030
The government affects our daily lives. By understanding political institutions, we can engage better with politics, news, and legislation. In these 24 lectures, Professor Victor examines American politics, offering a balanced, non-partisan view that demystifies its complexities.
Video Lectures
01: Why Have Government?
Explore the purpose and types of governments, and the founding of the US Constitution through “collective action theory.”
- Duration: 31 min
02: The Framework of US Federalism
Study the division of power between national and state governments, and the evolution of federalism in the US.
- Duration: 27 min
03: Civil Liberties: Freedoms from Government
Learn about civil liberties, selective incorporation, and the protection of freedoms like speech and religion.
- Duration: 33 min
04: Civil Rights: Fairness under Government
Examine historical and current human rights issues, including the application of the 14th Amendment.
- Duration: 33 min
05: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Follow the journey of a bill through Congress and understand legislative processes like filibustering.
- Duration: 29 min
06: Why Congress Is Such a Puzzle
Investigate the challenges Congress faces in balancing constituent needs with party politics.
- Duration: 27 min
07: How Congressional Elections Work
Learn the structure of elections, the impact of gerrymandering, and the role of incumbency and campaign costs.
- Duration: 31 min
08: The Powers of the Presidency
Assess presidential powers, both constitutional and evolved, and roles like commander-in-chief.
- Duration: 33 min
09: How Presidential Elections Work
Study the unique aspects of presidential elections, including the Electoral College and misinformation issues.
- Duration: 36 min
10: A Road Map of the Federal Bureaucracy
Examine the organization of the executive branch and understand the complexities of the federal bureaucracy.
- Duration: 32 min
11: How the Judicial Branch Works
Discover judicial authority, the structure of the federal courts, and Supreme Court decision-making processes.
- Duration: 26 min
12: Where the Supreme Court Meets Politics
Explore the influences on Supreme Court appointments and its role in policymaking.
- Duration: 30 min
13: The Challenges of Polling Public Opinion
Understand public opinion measurement, sources, and the controversies around polling accuracy.
- Duration: 33 min
14: How Political Parties Organize Democracy
Learn about the role of political parties, their evolution, and their impact on democracy.
- Duration: 32 min
15: How Americans Became So Polarized
Delve into the causes and consequences of political polarization and potential reforms.
- Duration: 32 min
16: The Fundamentals of Elections and Voting
Examine suffrage history, voter turnout, and the influence of voter preferences and demographics.
- Duration: 28 min
17: How Does American Democracy Work?
Dispel myths about democracy and explore voting procedures and the benefits of ranked-choice voting.
- Duration: 26 min
18: The Ins and Outs of Campaign Finance
Trace the history and reforms of campaign finance, highlighting ongoing challenges and controversies.
- Duration: 30 min
19: The Pros and Cons of Organized Interests
Balance the benefits and drawbacks of interest groups in the political landscape.
- Duration: 31 min
20: Politics and the Media
Investigate how media interacts with politics, influences public perception, and spreads misinformation.
- Duration: 29 min
21: How Government Affects the Economy
Learn about fiscal and monetary policies employed by the government to manage economic issues.
- Duration: 33 min
22: How the US Social Safety Net Works
Explore major social programs like Social Security and Medicaid, and the challenges they face.
- Duration: 33 min
23: The Major Shifts in American Foreign Policy
Trace changes in US foreign policy from isolationism to current international engagement.
- Duration: 35 min
24: The Changing State of American Democracy
Conclude with insights into the challenges and potential reforms for American politics and democracy.
- Duration: 35 min

