American Government is a comprehensive study of U.S. government structure — the three federal branches, bureaucracy, and the electoral system.
What GVPT 170 covers
A comprehensive study of government in the United States, including the basic principles of American government and political culture. The aim is to explain the vertical and horizontal structure of the American government and the roles of the three federal branches, bureaucracies, and the state governments; describe the development of the American political system and its impact on the political landscape; and explain the processes of the electoral system, political parties, and interest groups to persuade and influence.
Institutions, processes, and public policies are examined from a cross-cultural perspective.
Typical GVPT 170 assignments
Expect an assignment requiring you to explain how a specific federal branch, state government, or electoral process actually functions in a real or realistic scenario.
Key topics in GVPT 170
- Three branches of federal government
- Federal and state government structure
- The electoral system
- Political parties and interest groups
Writing tips for GVPT 170
Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line
UMGC assignments for GVPT 170 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 170 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.
Stuck on your GVPT 170 assignment?
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Why students seek help with GVPT 170
Students sometimes describe American government structure generically without applying it to a specific, real scenario — the rubric typically wants that applied explanation, not a structural overview alone.
How GradeEssays helps with GVPT 170
Share your assignment prompt and rubric, and your writer will build an explanation applying the specific government structure to your scenario.
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GVPT 170 has no listed prerequisites.
Related courses
Frequently asked questions
No, GVPT 170 has no listed prerequisites.
Explaining how a specific branch, level, or process of American government actually functions in a real or realistic scenario — not just describing the structure in the abstract.