This course covers American Government from its beginnings in the colonies to current present-day history-in-the-making. It not only presents the historical evolution of the United States Democratic processes, but it also relates governmental concepts to our contemporary world. American Government begins with the emergence of 17th Century democracy, the philosophy of the social contract, fresh U.S. political ideals and immersion into the theories of power and politics in America. The course goes on to illuminate the U.S. Constitution from its creation to its most current amendments, as well as taking a look at the great importance and legacy of its Bill of Rights along with Judicial interpretations of prominent portions of the document. American Government also explores the concept of Federalism and the balance of powers at both the national and state levels. Finally, the course covers substantial exploration in civil liberties, human rights, public opinion, political parties, electoral processes, and special interest groups (among other things) while journeying through the three branches of the national government as well as state and local entities.