Chapter One introduces key concepts in the study of American government such as who governs, political power, and different forms of democracy. It discusses the framers' view that the government should mediate popular views to minimize abuse of power. Theories of government presented include Marxism in which economic owners control, elitism where top leaders decide, bureaucracy where civil servants control, and pluralism where competition among interests shapes policy decisions.

1. Chapter One The Study of American Government

2. Two Key Questions Who governs? Those who govern will affect us. To what ends? How will government affect our lives?

3. What is Political Power? Power : the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first person’s intentions Authority : the right to use power Legitimacy : what makes a law or constitution a source of right

4. Kinds of Democracy Direct democracy : A form of democracy in which most, or all, of the citizenry participate directly. Representative democracy : A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote.

5. The Framers’ View Government would mediate, nor mirror, popular views People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation Framers’ goal: to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders

6. Theories of Government Marxism : Those who own the means of production, controlling the economic system, will control the government Elitism : A few top leaders, drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity, will make all important decisions

7. Theories of Government Bureaucratic : Appointed civil servants control the government, without consulting the public. Pluralist : Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making