The 2008 American Studies Institute covered the history and evolution of American political parties, including voting and elections, and the evolution of the presidency. It discussed the significance of local and state politics and took a closer look at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s governorship in California. Taking American politics to the national level, the German scholars studied the political roles of Congress and the Supreme Court, looked at the presidential candidates and their campaigning, and explored politics in literature, film, and popular culture.