The study of American politics involves not only the study of the U.S. Constitution, but also the many factors that influenced its development and implementation. When the Constitution was written, the framers could not possibly foresee the changes in the country, its people and the available technology.

What factors do you think we need to examine in order to understand American politics today?

Did you say: influences on the making of the U.S. Constitution, the changes in the American population, changes in political parties, the impact of groups, news media, or the Internet?

In this unit we will evaluate sources of information, begin looking at the beliefs of the American population and then consider the making of the U.S. Constitution.