This is the second course of the Strengthening Democracy in America series. This course examines the history of the democratic institutions and norms that provide the foundation of our government. It explains the importance of maintaining a balance of power between the three branches of government and how adherence to democratic norms is essential to the healthy functioning of a society. The course features a video interview of Professor William Galston, a Senior Fellow in the Brookings Institution. Nineteen sections of brief video segments include optional online exercises to check for understanding and open-ended discussion questions. 



This Strengthening Democracy in America course examines strengths of the American political system, related weaknesses, and ways by which the system can be improved. The course features a video interview of Norman Ornstein, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. Fourteen sections of video segments include optional online exercises to check for understanding and open-ended discussion questions. 



This Strengthening Democracy in America course examines the role of the federal bureaucracy in the political system. The course features a video interview of Professor Paul Light, the Paulette Goddard Professor of Public Service and founding principal investigator of the Global Center for Public Service at New York University. Sixteen sections of video segments include optional online exercises to check for understanding and open-ended discussion questions.



This Strengthening Democracy in America course examines issues regarding the American political culture and its role in the political process. The course features a video interview of Professor Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. Twenty-two sections of video segments include optional online exercises to check for understanding and open-ended discussion questions.