Week 1: Power & Citizenship in American Politics

         After reading "Power & Citizenship in American Politics", I was able to conclude that our American political system was greatly influenced by the Greek culture. Many words that are used today derive from the ancient Greeks words. Some examples are : Politics, Citizenship, Ethnicity, Nation, Nationality, State & Patriotism.  In present day these words preserve similar like meanings to the ones that were used by the ancient Greeks.  Words like Self identity, Nationalism and Citizenship are essential to the American political system because it shapes who are the people of America, and where they actually come from. The definition of these words help Americans feel secure with a sense of belonging to a "Nation-State" where they seek equality. 
     The idea of a Democratic form of government also came from the ancient Greeks who also used this form of governance with their own kind. "Greek words demos meaning people, and kratos  meaning strength or rule, so literally rule by people". One of the main reason for a Democratic form of government is to increase the individuals right for "liberty and equality".  Therefore, Great leaders use their power to persuade others to act in harmony. The American politial system was greatly shaped by the differences in ethnic, racial, social and different economic groups who tried to gain their own identity in the U.S.