The first half of this topic focuses on the assumptions and operation of the US political system, looking at the Constitution, the Congress, the party system, the presidency and the Supreme Court. The goal is to make clear the ideas on which the political institutions of the United States rest and the degree to which those ideas, and ideals, are achieved or not achieved. Also considered are the ways and the extent to which Americans are engaged in the US political system. The second part of the topic looks at challenges to the prevailing order posed by ideological groups from both left and right. The topic concludes with a consideration of the ways in which institutions, ideologies, social groups and interests intersect to create policy, both domestic and foreign.
Timetable details for 2021 are no longer published.