Students in Government study power, justice, equity, and change using a global lens.

The department’s curriculum is designed to develop students’ skills of sound research, rigorous analysis, and clear and effective argumentation, both orally and in writing. The department also has a long tradition of encouraging its majors to immerse themselves in their political environment through internships, civic activism, off campus study, and service learning. 

Over the past several decades, our program has earned a reputation as one of the finest in the country. Our students benefit from an extensive alumni network, with graduates working in Washington, D.C., Accra, New York City,  London, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Mexico City.

The Government major prepares students for graduate studies in law, political science, international relations, public policy, business administration, and public administration, and our graduates have been successful in government, business, law, international service, education, and the media.

The Government Department  Supports Racial Justice for our past, current, and future students. 

The Government department is outraged and heartbroken by the recent horrendous killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade. We recognize that these individuals are only the latest victims in a long history of violent oppression of Black Americans by police officers and fellow citizens. As a department and as individuals, we stand in support of those doing the work to dismantle racism and racist violence in all of its forms. Historically, and even now, our department has too often been part of the problem and not the solution at Franklin and Marshall College. And, as social scientists, we acknowledge the presence of systemic racism and white privilege in our own discipline. Too often, the effect of deeply embedded racism on our political system, justice system, and policy is ignored in our literature and in our classrooms.  We commit to you to do better. 

See our full statement of support for racial justice and the actions to which we commit here. 

Domestic

International