POL 312 Executive and Legislative Branches

The first half of the class will examine the presidency and executive branch: What are its prerogatives, duties, powers, and advantages in domestic and foreign affairs? How does the president lead the nation and the president’s party? How does the president implement policy and shape the nation’s agenda? What makes the presidency weak or ineffective? The second half of the class will examine Congress and the legislative branch: What are its composition, structure, and constitutional duties? How is it responsive to constituencies, lobbying, and opinion? How does it formulate policy and enact legislation? Prerequisite(s): POL 202. 3 hour(s).