In today’s world, it’s hard to go through a week, or even a day without politics being brought to our attention. Whether we hear a comment from a friend, flip on the television, or scroll through social media, politics is everywhere! To some, this can be exciting and encouraging, to others this can feel overwhelming or frustrating. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, it is clear that government impacts us all, and understanding how the government works and the role that we can play in shaping it can help move us out of the overwhelmed-and-frustrated camp and into the excited-and-encouraged camp! Whether you consider yourself a politico or honestly prefer to act more like an ostrich when it comes to conversations about government, I promise that this course will provide a safe space for you to learn about the U.S. government’s origins and functions, express your thoughts and opinions regarding the government and current events, and hear from your classmates regarding important issues.