Why does the American government work the way it does, and how well does it live up to its founding principles of individual liberty, limited government, and self-government? Over time, American political institutions have evolved in ways that both reflect and challenge those principles. This course explores the ideas, institutions, and political conflicts that have shaped the United States, from its founding to contemporary political debates. We will examine the Constitution, federalism, Congress, the presidency, the courts, elections, and political parties, while asking how incentives, individual choices, and competing interests shape political outcomes. We will also explore how these institutions influence American economic policy, international trade, and foreign relations, and why domestic political pressures often shape decisions with consequences far beyond American borders. Rather than simply learning how the American government is organized, students will explore why its institutions developed, how they have changed, and how they operate in practice. By the end of the course, students will have a clear understanding of American political institutions and processes, giving them the tools to better understand American politics, evaluate political developments, and recognize how decisions made in the United States shape economic and political relationships around the world.