In this course, students will investigate how the national government is structured and how the American constitutional republic operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of American government, including but not limited to the declaration of independence, the United States Constitution and all its amendments, and the federalist papers. The course examines the branches of government and the government’s laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens. State Core Course Description (State Rule 6A-14.0303). This course partially satisfies the writing requirements outlined in the general education requirements. This course satisfies the Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Core. Credit is only given for one of the following: POS 2041 or POS 2041H or IDS 2130H.