Oct 23, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Academic Catalog
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

POLS 1111 - American Politics and Government


Credits: 3

Catalog Description
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the American political system including the U.S. Constitution, federalism, mass media, political parties, interest groups, the presidency, Congress, federal bureaucracy, the courts, civil liberties, civil rights, and more.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area(s) fulfilled: Goal 05C: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Goal 09: Ethical and Civic Responsibility

Additional fee to student: No

Learner Outcomes
  1. Apply the constitutional foundation and basic structure of the American government and the federal system to various issues/scenarios.
  2. Compare and contrast various perspectives on civil liberties, civil rights, and the role of government.
  3. Understand and evaluate the processes of the American political system: the role of the media, political parties, interest groups, voting, and elections.
  4. Critically reflect on one’s own values as a citizen and/or participant in public life.

Major Areas of Course Content
  1. U.S. Constitution
  2. Federalism
  3. Civil liberties and civil rights
  4. Public opinion
  5. Voting and elections
  6. The media
  7. Political parties and interest groups
  8. The Congress
  9. The presidency and bureaucracy
  10. The courts

Credit for Prior Learning Options
No credit for prior learning option is available for this course.

Course Notes
This course is also offered through Anoka-Ramsey’s Concurrent Enrollment Program.





Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)