Government is, in part, the study of how people and groups compete for power and influence.
In a democracy, Government affects a person's life through laws, regulations and benefits, but people also have an opportunity to influence the government. Political scientists are concerned with the structures of governments, the decision-making process in governments, the policy governments make, and the cultures in which governments function. Several government majors were among the leaders of the Deaf President Now movement at Gallaudet which resulted in the appointment of Gallaudet's first deaf President. The department emphasizes both knowledge in the area of government theory and current events, and skills in research, communication, and critical thinking. A government major is often seen as a useful preparation for law and teaching, journalism, federal government service, state and local government, and good citizenship.