Government and Politics

Course summary

Politics exists because people disagree. They disagree about how they should live, about who should get what, and about who should make decisions. Politics is the most basic and necessary of social activities. Without orderly existence, society would degenerate into a civil war of each against all. The purpose of the course is to help deepen knowledge and understanding of one of the most powerful forces operating on people, communities, and corporations today, namely government and politics in the UK and around the world. This knowledge and understanding is valuable for all citizens. It is also essential in many careers today. Students will learn how the British and American political systems work, their origins, and how they operate. In addition, we will examine some core ideas and philosophies, and the founding principles of modern democracies.