Study How the U.S. Political System Works
The U.S. political system is a dynamic mix of ideology and functioning governance. It is a nearly 250-year work in progress. Shaped by political policy, laws, and government regulations, the U.S. system adapts to realities on the ground (the pandemic, for instance) and the choices made by political actors. What does the future hold? Will the government maintain democratic principles? How will it respond to topics like climate change, economic inequality, and racial justice? This course examines what Americans care about most and the questions that challenge our culture.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 1-week intensives, 2-week sessions, and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Fees
$1495
Are Politics and Government Compatible?
Learn the American Political System and How It Influences Government.
Study the basis of political rules, how political actors make choices, and the barriers to social justice.
Understand the U.S. Constitution and How It Came to Be.
Learn how the U.S. Constitution was developed and ratified. Discover how it can be improved and what it says about our civil rights and liberties.
Become Knowledgeable About Our Political Institutions.
Study the Congress, presidency, judiciary, and the bureaucracy—how they make and enforce decisions.
Explore Political Parties and How They Work.
Study the inner workings of political parties. Review how they run election campaigns and how lobbying and interest groups work.
Dig Into the Role of the Media and Its Impact on Political Controversy.
Get an in-depth look at how the media influences political controversies, how we identify misinformation, and why public opinion is so sharply divided.
Explore College Majors and Future Careers.
Topics covered in this course offer a foundation for those thinking about a future in politics, government agencies, lobbying groups, think tanks, or the media.
How You Will Benefit
- Grasp the relationship between politics and the government.
- Be able to describe the major institutions in American politics, their functions, and tasks.
- Be knowledgeable about the major sources and forms of political behavior.
- Understand the opportunities and barriers political actors face in getting a policy adopted.
- Acquire a working knowledge of the process involved in getting a candidate elected.
- Enjoy flexible learning: Online lessons are delivered by dynamic videos, so you can tune in whenever your schedule allows.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University.
Three Learning Advantages Designed For You
Final Capstone Project
This online course culminates in a Final Capstone Project where you will deliver a campaign speech outlining your vision for America’s political system as you accept the presidential nomination at your party’s national convention.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a Georgetown University mentor who will support you and answer questions throughout your learning experience. You can expect:
- Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
- Inspiration and motivation to help you succeed.
- Brainstorming to help you prepare for your capstone project.
- Feedback on your Final Capstone Project.
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
- Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures. Tune in anytime that works for you.
- 20 to 30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.
What Our Students Are Saying
Aida, politics and government student from N.J."I would certainly recommend this course because it provides students with incredibly comprehensive knowledge of American politics, allowing us to analyze the systems within politics and the ways in which they function, as well as how we as the populace are ultimately affected by them."
Pritika, politics and government student from N.Y."This class was a great way to get an introduction to political science in a very nuanced manner. Despite being 2 weeks, the course really delved into the topic and really piqued my interest in the subject."
Meet Your Mentors
Gabrielle
Georgetown University student working toward a Ph.D. in American Government. Served as a TA for U.S. Politics and Polling and Survey Methodology courses at Georgetown. Gabrielle's research is primarily focused on environmental politics, with a secondary focus on research related to political science pedagogy and democracy in the U.S.
Zarriea
Undergraduate student majoring in Finance with a minor in Politics and International Affairs. Completed internships at Bank of America, AT&T, and South State Bank. Aspires to become the Chief Financial Officer of a Fortune 500 company.
Alexis
Undergraduate student at Georgetown University majoring in International Political Economy and minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. Laidlaw Scholar conducting research in eldercare in East Asia. Aspires to work in the federal government as a foreign service officer.
How to Apply
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application asks you to provide the following:
- Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
- Why you wish to take this course, and a bit of your story, through writing, video, photos—any media you prefer.
Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes to answer the questions.
Begin the process
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Answers to Your Questions HereScholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- Haven’t applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
- Applied to the program and didn’t fill out a scholarship request, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
- Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollegeonline.georgetown.edu for assistance.
The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.