The nature of governments; the major types of government; why governments exist; how major political theorists view the roles of government; examining the founding of the U.S. and the creation of the Constitution through "collective action theory".

Studying the system of federalism; tracing the history of federalism in the United States; how the balance shifts in the 20th century, from greater state authority to a much-expanded power of the federal government.

Probing the concept of civil liberties, as they delineate restrictions that government cannot impose; learning about "selective incorporation"; how the judicial system interprets and upholds the freedoms of religion, speech and the press.

How America's record on human rights continues to impact modern politics; studying the equal protection clause in the 14th Amendment; how it is applied; examining the history and the current landscape of human rights with regard to various groups.

How a congressional bill originates; how legislators formally submit a bill; the stages through which a bill is acted upon; learning about the "cloture rule", a mechanism that forces bills to a vote; the tactic of filibustering in the Senate.

Exploring core issues in the functioning of Congress; taking account of the inherent tension for legislators between serving their constituents and serving their party; investigating procedural challenges within this unwieldy organ of government.