CHAPTER 1 One Republic—Two Americas? Learning Objectives After reading this chapter, students will be able to: LO 1.1 Define the institution of government and the process of politics. LO 1.2 Identify the political philosophers associated with the “social contract” and explain how this theory shapes our understanding of the purpose of government and the role for individuals and communities in the United States. LO 1.3 Describe the U.S. political culture and identify the set of ideas, values, and ways of thinking about government and politics shared by all. LO 1.4 Compare and contrast types of government systems and identify the source of power in each. LO 1.5 Define political ideology and locate socialism, liberalism, conservatism, and libertarianism along the ideological spectrum. LO 1.6 Apply understanding of the purpose of government and the U.S. political culture to evaluate government’s ability to meet new challenges over time. Overview Chapter 1 “One Republic—Two Americas?” draws upon the theme that widening gaps developing between Americans may split our nation and create instability. Can our democratic republic maintain its integrity and face new challenges despite pressures that may be creating “two Americas,” such as the widening wealth gap, changing ethnic composition, and changing age composition? What does the “American Dream” hold for today’s college students? Have the rules changed or does it just feel that way to people? This chapter looks more deeply at the role of political values and ideology in shaping attitudes about the role of government and challenges students to think critically about why they need to know about and understand how government works. Governments are necessary at a minimum to provi