This chapter introduces key concepts in the study of American government such as who governs, the purpose of government, and different theories of government. It defines political power, authority, and legitimacy. It also outlines different forms of democracy like direct and representative democracy and discusses the Framers' view of balancing popular views with limiting majority abuse of power. Finally, it summarizes theories of government like Marxism, elitism, bureaucratic, and pluralist theories.

1. Chapter One
The Study of American
Government

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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