U.S. Political Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy

Understanding the way that the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government function and operate is key not only for International Relations students, but also for everyone involved in the current world events. Since the U.S. has become and remained a superpower, the developments in their politics have become a major concern for United States citizens, as well as for all citizens of the world.

The course offered by Harvard University and HarvardX has the goal of helping people learn more about the three branches of government, the balance of power between Congress, the president, the Supreme Court and the competencies and functions of federal agencies. Voters’ roles, political parties’ responsibilities, the larger federal bureaucracy’s role, and the power of “the people” and the judiciaries will also be explored.

This 4-week course takes approximately 2 to 4 hours weekly to be completed. The course is free and taught by Thomas E. Patterson. Upon competition, for an additional fee of $99 students are able to obtain a Verified Certificate highlighting their achievement.