New AI tools are released almost every day. As these technologies rapidly evolve, they are becoming embedded across the systems that govern public life. Increasingly, intelligent systems influence decisions once made solely by human judgment—who receives social benefits, which organizations obtain public funding, how risks are assessed, and how scarce public resources are allocated. In this environment, even small design choices in algorithms or data systems can affect millions of people. For public and nonprofit professionals, understanding AI is no longer optional. The challenge is not to chase every new tool, but to grasp the foundations of intelligent systems and recognize how technical design, organizational choices, and regulatory frameworks shape their impact. AI, Government, and Society examines how artificial intelligence is transforming public administration and service delivery. Through case studies, simulations, and hands-on interaction with AI tools, students explore how rapidly evolving technologies can both accelerate solutions to complex social problems and introduce new risks. The course equips students to critically understand this technological shift and to engage as informed leaders in shaping how AI is used in government and society. No prior technical background is required.