American Politics Major

Statue of Liberty

American Politics

Major

To understand their obligation to support and defend the Constitution, American Politics majors at the United States Military Academy examine the foundations and practice of American political power. Majors have a unique appreciation for the Constitution and the ideas of the Declaration of Independence and possess the skills required to assess the actions of government and the military’s role in its defense.

Offered by the Department of Social Sciences.

Ever wonder how laws are made? What the Constitution actually says? Or how political leaders make decisions that shape our rights, freedoms, and national security? The American Politics major at the United States Military Academy at West Point helps you answer those questions - and prepares you to lead with confidence in both military and civilian life.

You’ll study how the U.S. government operates, from Congress and the courts to elections, public opinion, and civil rights. You'll also explore how political power works - who has it, how they use it, and how decisions are made at every level of leadership.

What is American Politics?

American Politics at West Point is the study of how the U.S. government works - from the Constitution and Congress to elections, civil rights, and national security. It helps cadets understand how political institutions, leaders, and public opinion shape the laws, policies, and freedoms that define American life.

In the Army, in business, or in government, being successful often comes down to understanding how people, power, and politics work together. This major helps you become the kind of leader who can think strategically, act ethically, and make things happen - whether in a military headquarters, a boardroom, or on Capitol Hill.

As an American Politics major, cadets learn:

  • How U.S. political institutions like Congress, the presidency, and the courts shape our country
  • Why public opinion, media, and elections matter
  • How to analyze laws, policies, and decisions using tools from political science
  • What role military officers play in a democratic society - and how to lead with respect for that system

Why Study American Politics at USMA?

If cadets are interested in leadership, government, law, or how America makes decisions, this major gives them the tools to become a thoughtful and informed officer in today’s complex world. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

  • Understand the Nation Served
    Cadets learn how the U.S. government functions - from the Constitution to the presidency - so they can be a more informed, strategic Army leader.
  • Study Civil-Military Relations
    As future officer, cadets explore how the military interacts with civilian leadership - a key part of American democracy.
  • Develop Real-World Skills
    Courses emphasize writing, speaking, critical thinking, and leadership - all of which are essential whether a graduate serves in the Army or later pursue law, politics, or public service.
  • Learn from Experts
    The faculty includes former military officers, political scientists, and policy experts who help cadets connect political theory with real-world events and Army operations.
  • Prepare for Leadership in and out of Uniform
    Whether a USMA graduate is leading a platoon, briefing senior officers, or advising on policy, this major gives them the confidence to operate in complex political and ethical environments.

What To Do With This Major?

As an American Politics major, graduates will be ready to:

  • Serve in combat arms, intelligence, civil affairs, or public affairs
  • Work on policy development, strategic planning, or national security
  • Attend graduate school in law, public policy, or political science
  • One day lead in government, education, diplomacy, or nonprofit service

At West Point, the American Politics major gives cadets more than facts about government - it prepares them to lead with insight, serve with integrity, and influence the future of our nation.

Interested Cadets

Are you interested in learning more about American politics (AP)? Check out links for more detailed information on what it’s like to study American Politics:

Do you care about how our country runs? Want to understand how laws are made, why policies matter, and what it takes to lead in a democracy? The American Politics major at West Point is perfect for future Army officers who want to shape the future by understanding the systems that govern it. Whether it’s Congress, the presidency, political campaigns, or military policy, this major gives you the tools to think critically about leadership, power, and responsibility in the United States. You’ll graduate ready to lead with a clear understanding of the government, the Constitution, and the people you serve.

Why Consider This Major

This major teaches cadets to think critically, write clearly, and lead effectively - essential skills for future Army officers who must navigate both military strategy and the civilian world.

  • Army-Relevant Skills: Cadets learn how government, law, and leadership intersect with national defense and Army operations.
  • Understand the System You Serve: As future officers, they lead within a political system because they know how it works.
  • Communication & Leadership: Cadets build an ability to argue effectively, write clearly, and lead with insight and integrity.
  • Field Experience: Cadets may intern in Washington, D.C., work with congressional offices, or participate in military-government simulations.

Cadets should consider this major if they:

  • Like discussing current events, law, or political debates
  • Want to be a leader who understands government, rights, and responsibility
  • Are interested in public service, diplomacy, or legal careers
  • See themselves as a thinker, communicator, and decision-maker

What Cadets Learn

Cadets dive into the American political system from the ground up - how it’s built, how it functions, and how it changes. Core topics include:

  • The Presidency & Congress – Understand how laws are made and enforced
  • U.S. Constitutional Law – Study the legal foundation of American rights and government
  • Civil-Military Relations – Learn the unique responsibilities of the military in a democratic society
  • Political Theory – Explore what justice, freedom, and power really mean
  • American Political Behavior – Analyze how citizens vote, form opinions, and influence politics

They take part in research projects, write policy briefs, and might even join the Model UN or American Political Science Association events. Many also intern with government agencies, military policy offices, or advocacy groups.

Choice of Electives

Cadets can customize their major with electives like:

  • Campaigns and Elections – Learn how candidates win (or lose) public support
  • Media and Politics – Explore how social media and news shape political opinions
  • National Security Policy – Understand how political decisions affect defense and diplomacy
  • Race, Gender, and Politics – Examine how identity influences political outcomes
  • Politics of the Judicial System – Discover how courts impact major national issues

Learn More

  • View the full American Politics major curriculum
  • Meet the American Politics faculty
  • Highlight Courses: Read about some of our highlighted electives in the major.
  • Sample Schedules: Interested in the major but not sure how to build your academic program? Look here for some ideas on what electives might match your interests!

Majors can also expect to meet expert guest speakers, to travel on exciting trip sections, and to have the opportunity to compete for Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience. Recent AIAD locations include the White House, Congress, Pentagon, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Safety Council, and the New York Police Department Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Honor Societies:

To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Social Sciences or Combating Terrorism Center.