By successfully completing this course you will be able to:

• Explain the structure and responsibilities of the executive branch
• Describe the leadership structure, committee structure, and legislative process of the legislative branch
• Articulate the purpose, structure, operations, and political nature of the federal judiciary
• Explain the purpose of interest groups, describe how to join an interest group, and discuss the responsibilities associated with being a member of an interest group
• Discuss legal and economic issues surrounding the news media, explain the newsmaking process, and assess the legitimacy of news organizations and the reliability of information sources
• Demonstrate how to get involved with the U.S. government and how to implement strategies to influence the newsmaking process