Course Description

In an era where politics often feels overwhelming, the course "How the U.S. Government Works & How to Get Involved", provided by Georgetown University, serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the American governmental system and actively participating in it. This introductory course refreshes and extends knowledge on the structure, functionality, and dynamics of different government branches alongside methods for citizens to engage and influence politics effectively.

What Students Will Learn

• Understanding of the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of the U.S. government.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and the interplay of various committees within the legislative branch.
• Insights into the operations and political context of the federal judiciary.
• Guide to joining and participating in interest groups and the associated responsibilities.
• Comprehension of media-related legal and economic concerns, the process of news production, and methods to scrutinize news sources.
• Strategies to effectively interact with and influence the governmental and media landscape.

Prerequisites

No prior prerequisites are required to enroll in this course, making it accessible to anyone interested in understanding and engaging with the U.S. government.

Course Topics

• Structure, responsibilities, and operations of the three government branches.
• Engagement strategies for influencing government activities.
• The interrelationship between the government and media.
• Understanding of American foreign policy.
• Tactics for active citizen participation in governance.

Who This Course is For

This course is ideal for students, professionals, or any individuals aspiring to gain a deep understanding of the American governmental system and looking for ways to be actively involved in politics or governance.

Applying the Skills Learned

Learners can apply the acquired knowledge and skills to engage more meaningfully in political discourse, influence public policies, contribute to campaigns or interest groups, understand and critique media reports effectively, and participate actively in governance through various roles.