Is the US government controlled by wealthy special interests? How can your voice make a difference? What rights do you have as a citizen of the United States? Is it possible to protect unpopular groups and individual rights in a system in which the majority rules? In this course students will explore their rights and responsibilities as American citizens. Topics include the structure of our democratic system, the role of political parties and interest groups and current controversies over the rights guaranteed to citizens in the Constitution. Students will be expected to complete short descriptive reading assignments on a regular basis. Research and analytical skills will be developed in small group and individual investigations using historical and contemporary sources. Students will present and defend their understanding of issues in a variety of formats including reflective writing assignments, classroom simulations and debates.