The course objective is to provide context, history, and insight into the American Government; understand how the founders created a democracy based upon the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government; explore how the government is structured and how it operates; examine the three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) that make up the system of checks and balances; and explore the constitution as a foundation for the government of today and as a changing, living document meeting the needs of contemporary America.