POLISCI 380
:
American State Formation: From Colonies to Superpower
This course examines the path of development of the American national state, from its roots during the
Colonial Period, when the thirteen colonies existed on the periphery of the European state system and world market
economy, through the emergence of the United States as a global military and economic superpower during the
Post-World War II period. Taking its analytical cue from Alex de Tocqueville, the course places a consideration of
the constitutional organization of the American national state and changes in the balance of power between the
President and Congress, and the national government and state governments, in global perspective: America’s two
century move from the periphery of the European-centered international state system and world market economy to
its current position of supremacy within it.
