Summary

In this module, you learned about governments and the ways that political institutions influence society. Government is an overarching social institution which, through its power and authority, governs the affairs of citizens. Forms of government may include a variety of forms, some voluntary and some involuntary.

What you learned to do:

• Define and differentiate between power and authority
• Describe forms of government and explain politics in the United States
• Describe the varying theoretical perspectives on government and power