POLT 277 - American Democracy in Crisis?

FC SSCI

4 credits
In recent years American Democracy seems more fragile than ever. Millions of Americans continue to doubt the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. Going against long-standing precedent, as well as public opinion, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. And, the 118^th Congress had difficulty electing a Speaker of the House, let alone pass legislation. Considering all of this, and more, this course asks: Is American Democracy in Crisis? We will begin by considering what it means to be a democracy, evaluate the history of American democracy, and identify its longstanding vulnerabilities. We will then consider the roles that norms, political parties, media, money, racism, and the Constitution have on American democracy today. We will conclude by identifying possible pathways to strengthen democracy for the future.

This course is appropriate for new students.