Often, American politics concepts and institutions such as federalism, comparing conservatism to libertarianism, and the bureaucracy seem vague and difficult to unpack. This course and the accompanying textbook are designed to unpack these and other phenomenon and introduce students to the structure of American government and the political ideals that inform this structure. The course introduces you to theories about and the practice of American politics at the local, state, and national levels. It will help you understand the institutions, processes, policy outcomes, and environment of our government. It will improve your ability to analyze contemporary issues and institutions.