PSCI218

The United States is quite remarkable in the world for the extent to which our political system is decentralized and for the amount of governmental power that is placed in the hands of sub-national actors. An overview of the operation of America's federal system and of the politics, institutions, and policies of state and local governments is provided. Students examine the tremendous diversity that exists within and between states through a comparative analysis of their constitutions, institutions, electoral processes, and policies. Students also explore why states have chosen to govern themselves in different ways and the impact which these choices have had on the character of their politics and policymaking and on the lives of their citizens.

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