Research Guides: Open Educational Resources Subject Guide: American Government

MIT OpenCourseWare

Congress and the American Political System II
This course analyzes the development of the United States Congress by focusing on the competing theoretical lenses through which legislatures have been studied. In particular, it compares sociological and economic models of legislative behavior, applying those models to floor decision-making, committee behavior, political parties, relations with other branches of the Federal government, and elections. An MIT Open Courseware class.
Introduction to the American Political Process
This course provides students with an introduction to the basic institutions of American government, especially as established in the constitution, and with an introduction to currents of thought among social scientists about the workings of U.S. politics. An MIT Open Courseware class.
Public Opinion and Amercian Democrarcy
This course will examine public opinion and assess its place in the American political system. The course will emphasize both how citizens' thinking about politics is shaped and the role of public opinion in political campaigns, elections, and government. An MIT Open Courseware class.

Saylor Foundation

American Government
The focus of this course includes "the core concepts of the American system of government, the workings of its myriad of actors and agencies, the key components of “politics” in the American system,and how American government shapes and influences the individual freedoms and rights of its citizens."
Western Political Thought
Political thought, or political philosophy, studies questions about power, justice, rights, law, and other issues related to governance.
Introduction to Political Science
This introductory course will focus on the basic principles of political science by combining a historical study of the discipline's greatest thinkers with an analysis of contemporary issues.

Games

iCivics
iCivics prepares young Americans to become knowledgeable, engaged 21st century citizens by creating free and innovative games and educational materials.
The Redistricting Game
The Redistricting Game allows players to experience the realities of one of the most important (yet least understood) aspects of our political system. The game provides a basic introduction to the redistricting system, and allows players to explore the ways in which abuses can undermine the system, and provides information about reform initiatives.

Lawrence Lessig: We the People, and the Republic We Must Reclaim

Other Useful Resources

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press

Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research.

Our American Government

A service of the United States Government Publishing Office (GPO), which is a Federal agency in the legislative branch, providing free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government.

Open Educational Resources Subject Guide: American Government

Open Textbook Library

MIT OpenCourseWare

Saylor Foundation

Games

Lawrence Lessig: We the People, and the Republic We Must Reclaim

Other Video Sites

Other Useful Resources