This course is a study of the United States federal government. Topics covered are the U.S. Constitution, federalism, links between citizens and the government, institutions, civil liberties, civil rights, and public policy making.

This course will examine the structure and processes of state and community government, and their relationship to the federal government. Special attention will be given to North and South Dakota government, and the interaction of state and local government with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Government.

This course offers an introductory examination of tribal government, including analysis of the history, development, structure and politics of tribal peoples and governments. The course will also include the issues of dual citizenship, the powers of tribal government, and the relationships between federal, state, and tribal governments. Emphasis will be on Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

This course will survey the structure of various American Indian tribal governments (both traditional and contemporary), and will examine the on-going struggle to retain sovereign powers of self-government over internal affairs and preservation of a land base and natural resources. The course will examine key events and legislation in American Indian policy that have affected tribal governments and shaped how those political institutions relate to state and federal governments.