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Unit OverviewStudents 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 . Students should understand that these are separate institutions sharing powers and the implications of that arrangement . 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 repeated struggles to adopt a national budget .
*Language on this page is provided by the College Board.
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The CongressA look at the ways Congress makes laws, how it interacts with other branches of government, and its relative power.
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The PresidencyA look at the evolving power of the president in the modern era and the checks other branches have on it.
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The BureaucracyAn introduction to the "fourth branch" of government, including the functions and power of government agencies.
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