• know important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics |
| • understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures) |
| • be able to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats) |
| • be able to critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum |
Public policy is the result of interactions and dynamics among actors, interests, institutions, and processes. The formation of policy agendas, the enactment of public policies by Congress and the president, and the implementation and interpretation of policies by the bureaucracy and the courts are all stages in the policy process with which students should be familiar. Students should also investigate policy networks and issue networks in the domestic and foreign policy areas. The study of these will give students a clear understanding of the impact of federalism, interest groups, parties, and elections on policy processes and policymaking in the federal context. Students should be familiar with major public policies.
Cost – benefit analysis
customs, duties, tariffs
deficit spending
deflation
entitlement programs
estate taxes
excise taxes
fiscal policy
inflation
foreign policy
Keynesian economics
laissez-faire policy
monetary policy
national debt
preemption
progressive tax
Public Health Service
regressive tax
social insurance taxes
Charts: Sources of federal revenue, federal expenditures
