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.