Covers basic principles of the national government: structures, powers and operations of the Congress, the Presidency, and the Judiciary; citizenship; elections; political parties; and interest groups.

Provides historical background, social and political issues and leading cases establishing the present rules regarding civil liberties today.

Introduces the comparative study of politics in both more developed countries (MDCs) and less developed countries (LDCs). Includes topics such as political culture, political movements and revolutions, nationalism, social identity, politics, state-building, socioeconomic development, regime types, and political institutions.