UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

I.   Introduction:  9-11 and the Function of Government

II.  Making of the Modern American State

A.  Geographic Setting
B.  Critical Junctures
        1.  Revolutionary Era (1773-1789)
        2.  Civil War and Reconstruction
        3.  New Deal
        4.  Divided Government and Political Contestation of the Scope of Government

III.  Political Economy and Development

A.  A Free Market?
        1.  Ideally...no.
        2.  Relative to other nations...yes.
B.  Distribution of Income and Wealth

IV.  Government and Policy Making

A.  Constitutional Government
        1.  Federalism and Separation of Power
B.  Three Branches
C.  Policy Making Process
        1.  Decentralization
        2.  Bureaucracy and Iron Triangles
        3.  The Courts

V.  Representation and Participation

A.  Congress
        1.  Basics of the House and Senate
        2.  Function:  Legislation and Oversight
B.  Political Parties
        1.  Democrats and Republicans
        2.  Why a Two-Party System
        3.  Parties in Decline
                a.  Independents and Interest Groups

VI.  Political Challenges

A.  Collective Identities
B.  Economic Challenges
C.  War on Terrorism
        1.  Erosion of Civil Liberties
        2.  An isolationist future?