Harrison,American Democracy Now, applies a critical thinking framework to teaching American Government by asking students to �Inquire, Converse, and Participate�. .. . ..�Inquire� is about students asking the right questions, and not taking what they read, hear, or see at face value. �Converse� is getting students to the point where they can join in the conversation of democracy constantly going on around them � as informed participants. �Participate� is about students getting involved or making a conscious decision not to get involved, and also about participation including many new activities related to technology � blogging, online polling, social networking sites, and more.. . .The Texas edition includes nine additional chapters on the government and politics of the Lone Star State including the Texas Constitution, political parties and elections, the legislature, the governor and state agencies, the court system, local government, and public policy in Texas..