Understanding the US Government
Where to Watch Understanding the US Government
24
The Changing State of American Democracy
2020-09-11
Conclude with a look at the biggest challenges that American politics and government will face in the coming years, such as racial, environmental, and economic justice. Assess possible reforms for greater income and racial equality, and the benefits of a stronger role for political parties.
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23
The Major Shifts in American Foreign Policy
2020-09-11
Trace the history of the United States in international politics, from early isolationism through America's global role in the 20th century, to today's post-9/11 political climate. Observe US participation in international institutions aimed at peacekeeping, trade, and economic growth, and note current US policy trends regarding trade conditions and the negative effects of globalization.
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22
How the US Social Safety Net Works
2020-09-11
The federal social safety net is designed to alleviate poverty among the elderly, needy families, and the disabled. Learn about the TANF program, or "welfare," and the institutions of Social Security, disability insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.
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21
How Government Affects the Economy
2020-09-11
Examine the US system of free market economics, and the fiscal and monetary policies our government employs to correct for market failures. Learn how Congress and the president address problems such as high unemployment and inflation through government spending and taxation, and how the Fed uses interest rates and the sale of treasury bonds to stimulate or de-stimulate the economy.
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20
Politics and the Media
2020-09-11
To better understand the complex relationship between media, politics, and government, investigate public trust and distrust of journalism, and the ideological positions of news sources themselves. Note how social media can exacerbate political polarization.
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19
The Pros and Cons of Organized Interests
2020-09-11
Chart the seven types of organized interest groups that figure in American politics, and the huge proliferation of interest groups since the 1960s. In grasping how interest groups form and operate, and the problems they address, weigh the valuable things these groups can do for society against the tendency for the power of organized interests to be skewed toward the wealthy and privileged.
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18
The Ins and Outs of Campaign Finance
2020-09-11
Trace the many campaign finance reforms enacted since the 1970s, which aim to curb corruption and unequal influence on elections. Take account of the problems that arise when sources of campaign funding do not represent the broader population, and the repeating cycle of reforms followed by attempts to work around campaign finance limits.
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17
How Does American Democracy Work?
2020-09-11
In assessing the US democratic system, dispel the common myth of a single "will of the people." Grasp how institutions such as Congress provide stability and an agreed-upon procedure for making major group decisions.
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16
The Fundamentals of Elections and Voting
2020-09-11
Look first at the right to vote in the United States, including the history of women's suffrage, African-American suffrage, and suffrage for 18-year-olds. Study voter turnout in elections, and how we can account for consistently low voter turnout.
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15
How Americans Became So Polarized
2020-09-11
Delve into the factors that underlie the extreme partisan polarization of current US politics. Define what polarization is, as distinct from partisanship.
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14
How Political Parties Organize Democracy
2020-09-11
Why do political parties exist? Dig into this question, and grasp how parties solve three categories of problems for three different groups of political "actors.
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13
The Challenges of Polling Public Opinion
2020-09-11
Define "public opinion," in its various forms, both individual and aggregate. For the measuring of public opinion, note the difference between the theory of the "wisdom of crowds," and what's called "groupthink.
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12
Where the Supreme Court Meets Politics
2020-09-11
Follow the very politicized process that takes place when a president appoints a justice to the Supreme Court. Then look at four categories of influences that bear on the Court and its decisions.
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11
How the Judicial Branch Works
2020-09-11
Investigate the sources of judicial authority that underlie our legal system, and the judicial system's organization according to three types of legal cases. Learn about the structure of the federal court system, comprising three types of federal courts.
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10
A Road Map of the Federal Bureaucracy
2020-09-11
Examine how the vast systems of the federal government operate. First, trace how and why the United States developed such a massive bureaucracy.
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9
How Presidential Elections Work
2021-10-21
Grasp the ways in which presidential elections differ from congressional elections. Take an in-depth look at the Electoral College, and the sometimes odd consequences of the system.
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8
The Powers of the Presidency
2020-09-11
Identify the powers granted to the president by the Constitution, versus other powers that have been implied or have developed over time. Assess the roles of the president as both head of state and head of government, and delve into core topics that include the budget process, the exercise of executive privilege, impeachment, and the president's role as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
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7
How Congressional Elections Work
2020-09-11
Learn how congressional elections are structured. Examine key factors in the politics of congressional campaigns, such as the high cost of campaigning, the role of incumbency, and how congressional campaigns have become increasingly nationalized.
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6
Why Congress Is Such a Puzzle
2020-09-11
Explore core issues in the functioning of Congress. First, take account of the inherent tension for legislators between serving their constituents and serving their party.
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5
How a Bill Becomes a Law
2020-09-11
Observe how a congressional bill originates, and how legislators formally submit a bill. Then follow the various stages through which a bill is acted upon by the House, the Senate, by presidential review, and the process of ultimate adoption into law.
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4
Civil Rights: Fairness under Government
2020-09-11
Consider how America's historic record on human rights continues to impact modern politics. Study the equal protection clause in the 14th Amendment and how it has been applied.
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3
Civil Liberties: Freedoms from Government
2020-09-11
Probe the concept of civil liberties, as they delineate restrictions that government cannot impose. Learn about "selective incorporation," the process through which civil liberty protections at the state level have been guaranteed through Supreme Court rulings.
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2
The Framework of US Federalism
2020-09-11
Study the system of federalism, where sovereign power is divided between the national and state governments. Trace the history of federalism in the United States, as it checks government power, and allows for the resolution of political conflicts.
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1
Why Have Government?
2020-09-11
As context, begin by looking into the nature of governments, and the major types of government. Consider why governments exist and how major political theorists have viewed the roles of government.
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Understanding the US Government is a series categorized as a new series. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 24 episodes, the show debuted on 2020. The series has earned a no reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at undefined.
How to Watch Understanding the US Government
How can I watch Understanding the US Government online? Understanding the US Government is available on The Great Courses Signature Collection with seasons and full episodes. You can also watch Understanding the US Government on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon online.
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The Great Courses Signature Collection
Cast
Jennifer Victor
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