Understanding the US Government

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