American Democracy Now, Texas Edition Chapter 1: People, Politics, and Participation Chapter Summary: This chapter contains fundamentals of the study of politics and government, including the following: • Why the study of politics is necessary • What government does • The types of government • The origins of American democracy—natural law, a social contract, and representative democracy • Political culture and American values • The changing demographic nature of American democracy • The study of ideologies Chapter Learning Objectives: Having studied this chapter, students should be able to do each of the following: 1. Define government and identify its key functions. 2. Compare and contrast the various types of government. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the origins of American democracy. 4. Identify the core values underlying American political culture. 5. Evaluate the significance of demographic changes in the United States. 6. Demonstrate knowledge of the key ideologies in U.S. politics. Chapter Outline: I. y shd u stdy am dem now? Or, Why Should You Study American Democracy Now? a. How Technology Has Changed Politics b. The Political Context Now c. Civic Engagement: Acting on Your Views