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.

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.