This course examines the institutions of governance in democratic societies. Modern democracies are governed by both elected and unelected officials. Therefore, this course focuses on three equally important roles of democratic governance: legislative, executive/administrative, and judicial. The course is designed to provide a theoretical and applied understanding of how public policies are designed, implemented, and evaluated. Throughout the semester, current topics of political and economic interest will be examined as they relate to, are caused by, and affect public policy.