Understanding the American people and culture requires understanding the US system of government. In this module you will learn the origins and nature of the American political system. We will focus on such topics as the content, power, and rationale of the US Constitution; the structure and operation of Congress, the Presidency, the bureaucracy and the courts; the varying roles of intermediary organizations such as political parties, pressure groups and the news media, as well as the factors that help explain the public opinion and political behaviour of Americans.