Learning Outcomes
Understand public policy in America and the dynamics of American politics.
XSeries
U.S. Government
Examine the American political system.
- 4 Courses
- 4 Months
- Earn Your Certificate
What You'll Learn
What are the foundations of the U.S. political system?
What are the foundations of the U.S. political system? How do leading institutions such as the presidency and Congress operate? Where do public opinion, political parties, groups, and the media fit in? What explains America’s economic, social, and foreign policies? If exploring these questions interests you, then this series is for you. You’ll examine the American political system, including its constitutional foundations and public policies. You’ll learn about U.S. institutions and U.S. political organizations while maintaining a perspective on the "big picture". What are the driving forces and persistent tendencies of American politics? Who governs America — how, when and why? Lectures highlight the main features of American politics and case studies will prompt you to think critically about what you have learned. American politics has all the aspects of drama, but it has real meaning for people’s everyday lives. This introduction to the U.S. government will enable you to understand the origin of key narratives in U.S. political discourse and guide you through a complex system so that you can enable change in your communities.
Learn MoreLearning Outcomes
Explore the inner workings of the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government.
Learning Outcomes
Learn how early American politics informed the U.S. Constitution.
4 Courses
Beyond our premium learning paths you can still earn certificates
Citizen Politics in America: Public Opinion, Elections, Interest Groups, and the Media
2-4 hours per week
American Government: Constitutional Foundations
2–4 hours per week
U.S. Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Foreign Policies
2-4 hours per week
U.S. Political Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy
2-4 hours per week
Learn from the best in the industry
Meet your instructors
Thomas E. Patterson
Bradlee Professor of Government and the Press, Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University
Being part of Harvard is not just about learning from world-class professors—it’s about stepping into a whole new world of academic exploration. The content is challenging yet deeply rewarding, offering the joy of learning and uncovering new perspectives. For me, Harvard Online is more than a learning platform; it’s a seamless integration of the modern world and academia, enabling us to study, grow, and discover.
Pittayatorn P.
It was a dream come true for me because I respect the institute so much. It was my pleasure to be a part of the Harvard community, a place that represents a legacy of excellence and is highly respected globally. Harvard's commitment to excellence, truth, responsibility and diversity will always attract the cream of the crop because of its excellence.
Esther M.