PSC 201 - American Government

The REACH Act passed by the SC General Assembly in 2021 requires students graduating with a baccalaureate degree from an SC public college complete at least three semester credit hours that include reading in their entirety the following documents: the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, five Federalist Papers, and at least one document that is foundational to the African American Freedom struggle. It is recommended that technical college students who intend to transfer to an SC public college complete this requirement prior to transfer. HIS 201 and PSC 201 meet the requirements of the REACH Act.

• Definitions of government and politics
• Origins and impact of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, and African American Freedom Struggle documents
• Federal system and the changing roles of national, state and local government
• Bill of Rights
• Impact of public opinion on politics
• Relevance of political parties, including the Federalist papers
• Campaign and election process
• Roles of special interest groups
• Impact of the media on the political process
• Makeup and function of Congress
• Power and function of the Presidency
• Structure and function of the federal bureaucracy
• Function of the Judiciary
• Making of public policy
• Making of foreign policy

A =  90 - 100
B =   80 - 89
C =   70 - 79
D =   60 - 69
F =     0 - 59

1. Meet South Carolina’s REACH Act requirements by reading the entirety of the United States’ Founding Documents including the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, five Federalist Papers, and one document foundational to the African American freedom struggle.
2. Compare the three branches of the federal government and the federal bureaucracy as they relate to concepts including oversight, checks and balances, and separation of powers.
3. Trace the origins and evolution of American federalism.
4. Identify how evolving societal norms change interpretation of constitutional protections of civil liberties and civil rights.
5. Explain the various aspects of political behavior of individuals and groups including political parties, public opinion, interest groups, media, nominations, campaigns, and elections.

• Identity Verification
• Required materials for all online courses
• Mandatory Attendance Requirement
• Orientation and Support
• Proctored Exams

• Academic Integrity
• Add/Drop period
• Attendance
• Classroom Conduct
• Equal Access
• IT Access
• Online Behavior
• Online Confidentiality
• Services For Students with Disabilities
• Student Concerns
• Student Help Services
• Withdrawals