American Government  Chapter Overview Politics and government matter—that is the single most important message of this book. By emphasizing the historical continuity in U.S. politics, O’Connor’s text helps students see beyond the headlines and contemporary debates to understand what is really happening in politics. To that end, Chapter 1 establishes the foundation for the balance of the text by introducing questions fundamental to the study of politics and government. We begin by tracing the historical origins of American government. We then place the U.S. political system in a global context by considering alternative forms of government from around the world. We also consider the unique nature of American political culture and its importance in understanding contemporary U.S. politics. We conclude by considering Americans’ expectations of their government.  Lecture Suggestions Trace the origins of American government. LECTURE 1: The notion of the social contract, an agreement between a government and its citizens under which citizens cede certain freedoms to the state in exchange for the protection of others, is deeply rooted in American political thought. The founders drew their understanding of the nature, function, and limits of government from Enlightenment social contract theorists like 1