Introduction to Political Science is the entry point to UMGC's Government and Politics program — the basic principles of political economy and governance.
What GVPT 100 covers
A survey of the basic principles of political science. The objective is to define the main features of primary systems of political economy to understand differing methods of governance and articulate consequences of government actions in a globally interdependent system.
Topics include the relationship of political science to the other social sciences; modern democracy, political ideology, and political socialization; the function of public opinion, mass media, interest groups, and political parties; the basic institutions of government and the separation of powers; and the role of international relations and globalization.
Typical GVPT 100 assignments
Expect an assignment requiring you to explain a specific government action's consequences within a globally interdependent political-economic system.
Key topics in GVPT 100
- Systems of political economy
- Modern democracy and political ideology
- Public opinion and interest groups
- Separation of powers
Writing tips for GVPT 100
Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line
UMGC assignments for GVPT 100 are graded against a specific rubric or grading criteria your instructor provides — every requirement has to be visibly addressed. Skipping a requirement because it seems minor is one of the most common reasons a strong submission loses points.
Take a clear, defensible position, not a neutral summary
Government and Politics courses like GVPT 100 usually expect analysis or argument, not a neutral "here are both sides" summary. Evaluators want to see you take a defensible position and support it with evidence, not just describe the debate.
Use real events, data, or case examples, not just theory
Strong political science work grounds arguments in actual historical events, current policy debates, or real data rather than asserting a claim about government or politics in the abstract. Evaluators check whether your conclusion is actually supported by evidence.
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Why students seek help with GVPT 100
Students sometimes describe political science concepts in the abstract without articulating the actual consequences of a specific government action — the rubric typically wants that applied consequence analysis, not concept definitions alone.
How GradeEssays helps with GVPT 100
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Place Your Order View All ServicesPrerequisites and course context
GVPT 100 has no prerequisites. It is the gateway course for GVPT 210 (Introduction to Public Policy and Public Administration).
Related courses
Frequently asked questions
No, GVPT 100 has no prerequisites — it is the gateway course for GVPT 210 (Introduction to Public Policy and Public Administration).
GVPT 100 surveys the basic principles of political science broadly — systems of political economy, governance, and institutions. GVPT 101 (Introduction to Political Theory) focuses specifically on the philosophical schools of political thought behind those systems.