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Institutions of National Government: The Congress, the Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Federal Courts
Students must become familiar with the organization and powers, both formal and informal, of the major political institutions in the United States- the Congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy, and the federal courts. The functions these institutions perform and do not perform, as well as the powers that they do and do not possess, are important. It is necessary for students to understand that power balances and relationships between these institutions may evolve gradually or change dramatically as a result of crises. Students are also expected to understand ties between the various branches of national government and political parties, interest groups, the media, and state and local governments. For example, a study of the conflicting interests and powers of the President and Congress may help explain recent and repeated struggles to adopt a national budget.
  • The major formal and informal institutional arrangements of power
  • Relationships among these four institutions, and varying balances of power
  • Linkages between institutions and the following:
      • Public opinion and voters
      • Interest groups
      • Political parties
      • The media
      • Subnational government
References