In the mid-1970s, New York was a poster child of urban crisis, plagued by arson and housing abandonment, crime, the loss of residents and jobs, and failing public services. democracies complicate foundational theories on representation and accountability. Using a diverse set of readings drawn from empirical political science, contemporary democratic theory, American political thought, historical documents, political punditry (from the left and the right), and current events, our focus, like Tocqueville before us, is on teasing out both the lived experience--the character and challenges--of American democracy and examining any disconnect between that experience and the ideals that undergird it. Are "religious" reasons ever legitimate reasons for laws, policies or popular political action? This course studies the politics of business by centering analysis on the firm. How much do we attribute the shaping of politics to the agency of the individual in the office and to what extent are politics the result of structural, cultural, and institutional factors? citizens, migrants, refugees) have differential access to rights, services, and representation and why. Should "religious" organizations be exempt from otherwise generally applicable laws? Beginning from the presumption that change often has proximate as well as latent causes, this tutorial focuses on events as critical junctures in American politics. In an organization comprised of equals, how and why do some senators and representatives acquire more power and authority than others? [more], This course examines the most important political and diplomatic divide in the Western Hemisphere. [more], This course provides an overview of the central theories, concepts and debates in international relations. How does corruption grow and what can we do about it? [more], Is the American party system what's wrong with American politics? We will do this by exploring different interpretations of the American political order, each with its own story of narrative tensions and possible resolutions. Admission is awarded on the basis of demonstrated capacity for distinguished work and on the proposal's promise for creative contributions to the understanding of topics on the federal system of government. still monopolizes power and works hard to suppress organized opposition. has been defined, who has defined it, what factions and classes have controlled its organizations, and the reasons why it has failed to achieve its goals. IGOs, whose members are sovereign states, range from the Nordic Association for Reindeer Research to NATO and the UN; INGOs, whose members are private groups and individuals, include the International Seaweed Association as well as Doctors Without Borders and Human Rights Watch. For more complete course descriptions, students should consult the Williams College Online Catalog or the Williams College Bulletin.