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Learning Objectives Having read the chapter, students should be able to do the following: 1. Discuss changes in civic engagement and political activity among Americans, and the possible explanations for these changes. 2. Understand the importance and the requirements of citizenship in a democracy. 3. Identify the form of government that is in place in the United States, and outline some of its major characteristics. 4. Define and discuss the two major theories of political power, and understand how each of those theories relates to modern American government. 5. Describe the many different types of citizen voting beyond choosing political candidates. 6. Explain the development and theoretical underpinnings of liberal democracy and its significance in American government. 7. Appreciate the impact of diversity, age, and social class on governmental processes and policy. 8. Describe changes to civic engagement over the last half-century, and explain how demographics, technology, and other factors may bring further changes. Focus and Main Points This chapter examines the nature of politics, forms of government, and the development of liberal democracy in the United States. It also looks at the basis, requirements, and evolving nature of citizenship. The main points are: • Citizenship is a two-sided coin. It confers rights and protections to members of the political community, but in return it requires allegiance and involvement. • The United States is a representative democracy. The vitality of our social and political institutions depends on an active citizenry. • Political power in a representative government is based either on a contract (i.e. the U.S. Constitution) or shared values and standards that citizens have come to accept over time. Even in democratic societies, questions emerge about who really controls and influences the institutions of government.
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