GOVT129 CM - Ethics, Character, and American Political Leadership

Examines the importance of ethics and character for American political leadership. It will address the following questions: Do democratic institutions require leaders with certain kinds of virtues or personal character? What dangers, if any, arise if our leaders are not exemplars of virtue? Are American institutions and our legal system sufficient to check immoral or unethical behavior by leaders? And does the success of American democracy depend at crucial moments on leaders of exceptional virtue or character? The course examines national political scandals since the Watergate controversy of the Nixon administration and the remedies that have been proposed or embraced for combating unethical behavior by public officials. In addition, students will read biographies of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln for insight into the connection between character and leadership.

Prerequisite: GOVT 020 CM

Offered: Every other year

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT129 CM