COURSE NAME: American Political Systems (FMCC)

SCHOOL DISTRICT: Mayfield

INSTRUCTOR: Jennifer Wasserstrom

HALF YEAR (Spring)

COURSE PREREQUISITES: Mastery level (85 and above) on the US History Regents Exam

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION / OUTLINE: The purpose of this course is to examine the various political and
governmental structures that make up the American political system: political culture, constitutional
arrangements, public opinion, pressure groups, political parties, elections, Congress, president, courts, and
bureaucracy.

The major theme of this study is the understanding that since the American political system was intentionally
designed to make it difficult for any one individual or group to govern effectively, public policies are usually
the results of compromises; hence, the final outcome is less than any one wishes.

Hoping to make the student a realistic observer of the process, the course explores how the "system" affects
the relationship between the promises and the performances of elected officials.

OTHER NOTES / MISCELLANEOUS: Students can concurrently enroll through Fulton Montgomery Community
College in POL 101 (American Political System) at a reduced tuition
rate.

5/31/12