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Study the principles and structure of American government. Learn about the Constitution, branches of government, and political processes.

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Explore the American Government Course Catalog

  • Status: Preview
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    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Reconstructing America's Story

    Skills you'll gain: Case Law, Social Justice, World History, Political Sciences, Storytelling, Policy Analysis, Diversity Awareness

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    21 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    An Introduction to American Law

    Skills you'll gain: Civil Procedures, Civil Law, Commercial Laws, Lawsuits, Court Systems, Legal Proceedings, Legal Strategy, Legal Research, Case Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, Case Studies, Governance

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.3K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases

    Skills you'll gain: Legal Proceedings, Civil Procedures, Court Systems, Social Studies, Civil Law, Political Sciences, Case Law, Legal Research, Social Justice, Governance, Case Studies, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.3K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
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    Y

    Yale University

    America's Written Constitution

    Skills you'll gain: Court Systems, Case Law, Political Sciences, Public Safety and National Security, Social Studies, Civil Law, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Public Policies, Governance, Cultural Diversity

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    461 reviews

    Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: New
    New
    U

    University of Maryland, College Park

    Artificial Intelligence in Government

    Skills you'll gain: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Organizational Effectiveness, Scalability, Organizational Change, Technical Consulting, Responsible AI, Operational Efficiency, Technology Strategies, Process Mapping, Performance Measurement, Procurement

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    D

    Duke University

    Civic Engagement in American Democracy

    Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Social Studies, Advocacy, Public Policies, Governance, Public Administration

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    107 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Preview
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    U

    University of California, Irvine

    Chemerinsky on Constitutional Law - The Structure of Government

    Skills you'll gain: Social Studies, Political Sciences, Case Law, Legal Research, Policty Analysis, Research, and Development, Governance, World History

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    95 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    American Contract Law II

    Skills you'll gain: Legal Research, Case Law, Legal Proceedings, Commercial Laws, Legal Risk, Contract Review, Lawsuits, Arbitration, Contract Compliance, Case Studies, Mitigation

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    263 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    R

    Rice University

    America Through Foreign Eyes

    Skills you'll gain: World History, Liberal Arts, International Relations, Intercultural Competence, Cultural Diversity, Social Studies, Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    401 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Virginia

    The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910

    Skills you'll gain: European History, World History, International Relations, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Economics, Socioeconomics, Cultural Diversity, Governance

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Irvine

    The Pronunciation of American English

    Skills you'll gain: Oral Comprehension, Language Competency, English Language, Vocabulary, Language Learning, Grammar

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    O

    O.P. Jindal Global University

    American Politics, Foreign Policy, and US-India Ties

    Skills you'll gain: Social Studies, Political Sciences, International Relations, Diversity Awareness, Social Justice, Public Policies, Culture, Social Sciences, Cultural Diversity, Diplomacy, Immigration Law, Economics, World History, Strategic Partnership, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Higher Education, Policy Analysis, Technology Strategies, Public Safety and National Security, Governance

    4.3
    Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
    ·
    22 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular american government courses

  • Reconstructing America's Story: University of Pennsylvania
  • An Introduction to American Law: University of Pennsylvania
  • Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases: University of Pennsylvania
  • America's Written Constitution: Yale University
  • Artificial Intelligence in Government: University of Maryland, College Park
  • Civic Engagement in American Democracy: Duke University
  • Chemerinsky on Constitutional Law - The Structure of Government: University of California, Irvine
  • American Contract Law II: Yale University
  • America Through Foreign Eyes: Rice University
  • The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910: University of Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions about American Government

American Government refers to the political system and governing structures of the United States. It involves the institutions, principles, and processes that shape and administer public policies, laws, and decision-making at the federal, state, and local levels. It encompasses branches of government, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as concepts of democracy, constitutionalism, and civic participation.‎

To engage with American Government effectively, it's beneficial to develop the following skills:

  • Knowledge of political systems: Understanding the structure, functions, and processes of government at the federal, state, and local levels, including the separation of powers and checks and balances.
  • Critical thinking and analysis: The ability to critically evaluate political issues, policies, and arguments, and to analyze complex information from multiple sources.
  • Research skills: Proficiency in conducting research, gathering reliable information, and evaluating sources to form informed opinions and support arguments.
  • Written and oral communication: Skill in articulating thoughts and ideas clearly and persuasively through written essays, speeches, or debates.
  • Understanding of constitutional principles: Familiarity with the U.S. Constitution, its amendments, and the principles of democracy, federalism, and individual rights.
  • Civic engagement: A willingness to participate in the democratic process, engage in discussions, vote, and advocate for causes and policies.
  • Ethical and moral reasoning: The ability to consider ethical implications and moral values when analyzing political decisions and policy choices.
  • Interpersonal skills: The capacity to engage in constructive dialogue, collaborate with diverse perspectives, and navigate political discussions respectfully.‎

American Government skills can be valuable in various job roles, including:

  • Politician
  • Government Official
  • Policy Analyst
  • Political Campaign Manager
  • Lobbyist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Political Consultant
  • Nonprofit Advocate
  • Political Journalist
  • Public Administrator

These roles involve working in government agencies, political organizations, advocacy groups, media outlets, or academia, and engaging with American Government processes, policies, and institutions.‎

American Government is well-suited for individuals who possess the following qualities:

  • Interest in public affairs: A genuine curiosity and interest in understanding how government operates, policies are developed, and decisions are made.
  • Analytical mindset: The ability to analyze complex political issues, assess diverse perspectives, and evaluate the implications of policy choices.
  • Strong communication skills: Effective communication and persuasion skills to convey ideas, articulate arguments, and engage in political discussions.
  • Open-mindedness: Willingness to consider different viewpoints, seek common ground, and engage in respectful dialogue.
  • Ethical and moral grounding: A commitment to ethical conduct, integrity, and a sense of social responsibility.
  • Problem-solving orientation: Aptitude for identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and working towards improving government processes and policies.
  • Resilience and adaptability: The capacity to navigate through changing political landscapes, handle criticism, and persist in the pursuit of public service.‎

Several topics are related to American Government that can further enhance your understanding and engagement, including:

  • Constitutional Law and Judicial System
  • Legislative Processes and Lawmaking
  • Executive Branch and Presidential Powers
  • Political Parties and Elections
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • Comparative Government and Politics
  • Public Administration and Governance
  • Political Philosophy and Political Theory
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Exploring these topics can provide a comprehensive understanding of American Government, its processes, institutions, and the broader political landscape.‎

Online American Government courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new American Government skills. Choose from a wide range of American Government courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in American Government, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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