Political science as the discipline - Essay Example

Lessons Learnt in the Political Science ClassPolitical science is the discipline that involves the study of the structure, roles and various arms that constitute a state, government or nation. Concisely, it involves the study of the political systems and policies in a nation. In the political science (American government) class, students are taught the various features that constitute the American political system. In the inaugural term, the structure of governance in the United States is examined by exploring the Constitution and the fundamental idea of the separation of powers.

Once this foundation is laid, students learn about the importance of elections particularly focusing on the Congressional elections, Presidential elections, role of the Electoral College and the gerrymandering of Congressional districts. The class undertakes to provide an in-depth exploration of the interactions between Congress and the President specifically on issues around gridlock, public opinion and the media.Having examined how laws are made in the first semester, the second semester begins by exploring how laws are carried out by the bureaucracy as well as how such laws may bring the federal government into conflict with state governments.

Attention is switched to the role of the judiciary, where the students examine the influence of the Supreme Court on the American political process with special attention devoted to issues surrounding civil liberties and civil rights. During this duration, the student’s time is mostly devoted to investigating foreign policy in the context of the current challenges confronting the United States, as well as long-term debates surrounding exceptionalism and declinism. The class terminates with an examination on leadership, future of politics and future of policy in the United States..