I. Constitutional Underpinnings

Britain and the Colonies
The Articles of Confederation
The Constitutional Convention
Checks and Balances
Federalism
Federalism through History
Three Democratic Systems of Government
The Pros and Cons of Federalism

II. Political Beliefs and Behaviors

An Introduction to Political Culture
What is Public Opinion?
Political Socialization
What is Public Opinion?
Translating Opinion into Action
The Importance of Participation
Organizing to Participate
Social Movements

III. Political Parties, Interest Groups and Mass Media

Political Parties and Their Functions
Party Structure
The American Two-Party System
A History of Political Parties in the U.S.
Regulating Organized Groups
Interest Groups and Their Impact on Politics
PAC Power
The Art of Lobbying
Interest Groups and Their Impact on Politics
Media Influence
Influencing Elections and Shaping Public Opinion

IV. Institutions of National Government

Checks and Balances
A Bicameral Legislative Body
Being President
The Federal Bureaucracy
Court Powers and Restraints
Controlling Extremes
Translating Public Opinion into Action!
Lobbying the President and Congress
Political Parties and Money
Media Influence
The Federal Trump Card: The Commerce Clause

V. Public Policy

Purpose and Policymaking
Policy Development
Managing the Economy
Promoting the General Welfare
Policymakers and Implementers
Federalism Today
Parties and Money
Interest Groups and Their Impact on Politics
Translating Opinion into Action
Voter Turnout
The Issues
The Media and Governance
Changing Public Policy

VI. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

The Creation of Rights
Equal Protection Under the Law
Rights Revolution: The Expansion of Rights
Equality of Opportunity versus Equality of Results
The Individual in the Criminal Justice System
Slavery the Civil Rights Movement
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka