Chapter 1 The Study of American Government

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Chapter 1 The Study of American Government"

Transcription

1 Chapter 1 The Study of American Government

2 The nature of the American democracy The People : a large and diverse population throughout history People are motivated by self-interest. Extreme emphasis on individual rights. These three characteristics result in considerable and continuous conflict. Politics is the process through which we resolve conflict.

3 What Is Political Power? Power the ability of one person to get another person to act in accordance with the first person s intentions. Authority the right to use power Legitimacy political authority conferred by law or by a state or national constitution.

4 What Is Political Power? Power: the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first person s intentions. May be obvious: President sends soldiers into combat. May be subtle: President s speechwriters use a new tone when writing about a controversial issue.

5 What Is Political Power? How powerful is President Obama? How can we measure his power?

6 What Is Political Power? Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform has wielded great political power by getting many Republicans to sign the no tax pledge. The pledge not to raise taxes has power only because the Republican Party and voters give it power. Lawmakers who break the pledge can lose their seats only if people care enough about that broken promise to vote accordingly. (NPR)

7 When Is Political Authority Legitimate? Struggles over what makes authority legitimate constitute much of U.S. history. Constitutional Convention many felt a national government was not legitimate. Civil War was the federal union legitimate? New Deal programs What is necessary for government to be perceived as legitimate? It must be democratic in some sense.

8 What Is Democracy? Democracy the rule of many Direct or participatory democracy government in which all or most citizens participate directly. Representative democracy a government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote.

9 What Type of Democracy is Best? Aristotle defined democracy as rule of ordinary people, most of whom would be poor. Fourth-century B.C.E. Greek city-states used direct democracy. Practiced by free, adult male property owners.

10 Direct Democracy Modern Examples New England town meetings California initiatives and referenda

11 Direct vs. Representative Democracy DIRECT DEMOCRACY All the citizens debate and vote directly on laws for society. Based on the belief that the ordinary people can make good judgments. Examples: Ancient Athens (Greece), New England town assemblies. REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY aka: republic, indirect democracy. The people elect representatives to govern for them. The people hold ultimate power, but the policy decisions are made by elected officials and those they appoint.

12 Problems with democracy The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots. Elbridge Gerry

13 Problems with democracy Democracy while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There was never a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." John Adams

14 Problems with democracy Pure democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths. James Madison

15 The Framers favored representative democracy. Constitution does not contain word democracy but republican form of government Government should mediate, not mirror, popular views. Framers viewed people as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation. ( confusion of the multitudes Madison) Framers goal: to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders.

16 The Framers favored representative democracy. Democracy is subject to decay into oligarchy (rule by the rich) or tyranny (rule by a despot). Prevention of these extreme outcomes is achieved by fusing elements from democracy and oligarchy.

17 A representative democracy requires certain conditions. Genuine competition for leadership. Voters perceive a meaningful choice. Individuals and parties have the opportunity to run for office. Free communication (people, parties, media, candidates).

18 Theories of Democracy: Majoritarian Theory Majoritarianism: The tendency of the government to do what the majority of the people want. Elected officials are delegates of the people and make the same decisions that the people would make if matters were put to a popular vote. In order for majoritarian democracy to work: Citizens must pay attention to issues. Citizens must be informed about the issues. What the people want Copyright 2011 must Cengage be feasible.

19 Theories of Democracy: Elite Theory The elite : An identifiable group of people who possess a disproportionate share of some valued resource (i.e. political power). Def. A small, cohesive class of powerful people makes almost all of the important decisions for the nation. Examples: business leaders, top military officers, top elected officials, media chiefs, heads of labor unions.

20 Theories of Democracy: Pluralist Theory There are many different groups competing for political influence. Competition among all affected interests shapes government policy. Acknowledges that elites wield the most political power. BUT...

21 Theories of Democracy: Pluralist Theory Political resources (money, expertise, media access, etc.) are widely distributed within our society. There are so many different government institutions (cities, states, congressmen, judges, bureaucrats, etc.) that no single group can dominate the political process. Elites are divided and cannot form a single, dominant policy-making group. Policy is made through compromise and deal-making among different groups.

22 Theories of Democracy: Class Theory (aka Marxist Theory) Power theory reflects underlying economic forces. History is a struggle between two economic classes: Capitalists ( bourgeoisie ) : own and control economic resources. Workers ( proletariat ): use resources to create wealth for capitalists. Workers can only improve their situation through revolution. Whichever class controls the economy controls the government. Modern Marxist view: Multinational corporations dominate the economy and thus control the government.

23 Theories of Democracy: Class Theory (aka Marxist Theory) NOT MUCH USED IN U.S. POLITICS Americans do not have a high degree of class consciousness compared to European nations. Most Americans see themselves as middle-class. Americans value individual freedom over economic equality. Politicians who try to exploit class consciousness have little success.

24 Which theory of democracy? Majoritarian Elite Pluralist Class 1. A few corporate, government, military and media chiefs have the power to rule. 2. The Framers were concerned about it. 3. Government is a reflection of underlying economic forces. 4. The People must be able to understand and have informed opinions on the issues. 5. Policies are the outcome of complex patterns of negotiating and compromising among competing groups.

25 The Nature of Politics Political scientists try to understand people s preferences. Understanding preferences is required in order to understand the dynamics of political power. It is difficult to locate and quantify power. (ex.- origin of Tea Party movement) In order to understand political power, we have to observe how institutions (Congress, parties, media) and interests (big business, minority groups) behave on a variety of issues (government regulation, social welfare, civil rights).

Definitions. Comparative Democracies. The unexamined life. Socrates Reason Revolutionary. Democracy Demos = People Kratia = power

Definitions. Comparative Democracies. The unexamined life. Socrates Reason Revolutionary. Democracy Demos = People Kratia = power The Greek Golden Age The Shadowy side of democracy Athens dominance of Delian League (Athenian Empire) Democracy and Empire? Radical Democracy Council of Five Hundred Council of Areopagus Benefits: Direct

More information

The Study of American Government

The Study of American Government CHAPTER 1 The Study of American Government OBJECTIVES The purpose of this chapter is to give the student a preview of the major questions to be asked throughout the textbook and to introduce key terms.

More information

CHAPTER 2: MAJORITARIAN OR PLURALIST DEMOCRACY

CHAPTER 2: MAJORITARIAN OR PLURALIST DEMOCRACY CHAPTER 2: MAJORITARIAN OR PLURALIST DEMOCRACY SHORT ANSWER Please define the following term. 1. autocracy PTS: 1 REF: 34 2. oligarchy PTS: 1 REF: 34 3. democracy PTS: 1 REF: 34 4. procedural democratic

More information

Underpinnings Unit. Machiavelli. Machiavelli s name is synonymous with dirty politics Author of The Prince European History Moment.

Underpinnings Unit. Machiavelli. Machiavelli s name is synonymous with dirty politics Author of The Prince European History Moment. Underpinnings Unit Q: What does underpinnings mean? Machiavelli Machiavelli s name is synonymous with dirty politics Author of The Prince European History Moment Machiavelli Quotes: He is attributed with

More information

EXAM: Constitutional Underpinnings 2

EXAM: Constitutional Underpinnings 2 AP Government Mr. Messinger EXAM: Constitutional Underpinnings 2 INSTRUCTIONS: Mark all answers on your Scantron. Do not write on the test. Good luck!! 1. In the Constitution as originally ratified in

More information

Direct Democracy. (Ahoto/Nam Y. Huh)

Direct Democracy. (Ahoto/Nam Y. Huh) Direct Democracy Political decisions are made by the people directly, rather than by their elected representatives First democracy comes from Ancient Athens Pericles Funeral Oration: We partake of equality

More information

Chapter One: The Democratic Republic

Chapter One: The Democratic Republic Chapter One: The Democratic Republic Learning Outcomes 1. Define the terms politics and government. 2. Explain some of the ways in which Americans interact with their government. 3. State what is meant

More information

Chapter 1. Introducing Government in America

Chapter 1. Introducing Government in America Chapter 1 Introducing Government in America Chapter 1: Introducing Government in America Government Politics The Policymaking System Democracy The Scope of Government in America Summary Essential Question(s)

More information

World History Test Review. Western Civilizations to the American Revolution

World History Test Review. Western Civilizations to the American Revolution World History Test Review Western Civilizations to the American Revolution Rules of the Game 1.Each group will begin the game with 10 x s 2.A question will be asked and to a team. 3.If the team gets the

More information

CH. 1 CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERPINNINGS

CH. 1 CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERPINNINGS APGoPo - Unit 1 CH. 1 CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERPINNINGS The Founders created the Constitution during the late 18 th century - an era when European philosophers were strongly criticizing governments dominated

More information

A History of Regimes. Groups of Political Systems

A History of Regimes. Groups of Political Systems A History of Regimes Groups of Political Systems Objectives By the end of this lesson you should understand and be able to describe three different methods for classifying political systems: 1 Aristotle's

More information

Part. The American System

Part. The American System Part 1 The American System 1 The Study of American Government 2 2 The Constitution 20 3 Federalism 50 4 American Political Culture 78 5 Civil Liberties 100 6 Civil Rights 130 evantravels/shutterstock.com

More information

Full file at

Full file at Test Questions Multiple Choice Chapter Two Constitutional Democracy: Promoting Liberty and Self-Government 1. The idea that government should be restricted in its lawful uses of power and hence in its

More information

AP Gov Chapter 1 Outline

AP Gov Chapter 1 Outline I. POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT Key terms: Politics is the struggle over power or influence within organizations or informal groups that can grant or withhold benefits or privileges, or as Harold Dwight Lasswell

More information

GEOGRAPHY OF GOVERNANCE AND REPRESENTATION

GEOGRAPHY OF GOVERNANCE AND REPRESENTATION Human Geography by Malinowski & Kaplan CHAPTER 11 LECTURE OUTLINE GEOGRAPHY OF GOVERNANCE AND REPRESENTATION Copyright The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Permission required for reproduction or display. 11-1

More information

AP Government Summer Assignment

AP Government Summer Assignment Answer the following short essay questions (3-4 sentences) from Chapter 1 and 2. Answers are due on the first day of class. Chapter One 1. Explain what power involved and differentiate it from authority.

More information

Constitutional Convention Unit Notes

Constitutional Convention Unit Notes Constitutional Convention Unit Notes Civics Textbook: Government and Society - Text p. 5 Cue four reasons why society needs a government Notes 1. Law and Order Government makes laws to protect citizens

More information

American Government: Roots, Context, and Culture

American Government: Roots, Context, and Culture 1 American Government: Roots, Context, and Culture Multiple-Choice Questions 1. How does the Preamble to the Constitution begin? a. We the People... b. Four score and seven years ago... c. When in the

More information

How does the U.S. Constitution reflect both the founders distrust of government AND democracy?

How does the U.S. Constitution reflect both the founders distrust of government AND democracy? How does the U.S. Constitution reflect both the founders distrust of government AND democracy? Alexander Hamilton All communities divide themselves into the few and the many. The first are the rich and

More information

Aim: How do we balance freedom, order, & equality?

Aim: How do we balance freedom, order, & equality? Aim: How do we balance freedom, order, & equality? Learning Outcomes 1.1 Define globalization and explain how globalization affects American politics and government. 1.2 Identify the purposes that government

More information

American Government: Roots, Context, and Culture 2

American Government: Roots, Context, and Culture 2 1 American Government: Roots, Context, and Culture 2 The Constitution Multiple-Choice Questions 1. How does the Preamble to the Constitution begin? a. We the People... b. Four score and seven years ago...

More information

Constitutional Convention Unit Notes

Constitutional Convention Unit Notes Constitutional Convention Unit Notes Civics Textbook: Government and Society - Text p. 5 Cue four reasons why society needs a government Notes 1. Law and Order Government makes laws to protect citizens

More information

Chapter 25 Section 1. Section 1. Terms and People

Chapter 25 Section 1. Section 1. Terms and People Chapter 25 Terms and People republic a government in which the people elect their representatives unicameral legislature a lawmaking body with a single house whose representatives are elected by the people

More information

III. Democracy. BDO: Nearly every ideological framework claims to further the cause of freedom.

III. Democracy. BDO: Nearly every ideological framework claims to further the cause of freedom. III. Democracy Democracy BDO: Nearly every ideological framework claims to further the cause of freedom. Similarly: Nearly every ideological framework (at least in recent times) also claims to be in favour

More information

Agree or Disagree: Immigrants and citizens of origin from countries we are at war with should be forced to leave the country or be put in jail.

Agree or Disagree: Immigrants and citizens of origin from countries we are at war with should be forced to leave the country or be put in jail. Agree or Disagree: Immigrants and citizens of origin from countries we are at war with should be forced to leave the country or be put in jail. ADAMS AS PRESIDENT Unit III: Expansion, Nationalism, and

More information

AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS GUIDED READINGS UNIT 1: CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERPINNINGS

AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS GUIDED READINGS UNIT 1: CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERPINNINGS AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS GUIDED READINGS UNIT 1: CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERPINNINGS As you read each chapter, answer the core questions within this packet. You should also define vocabulary words listed in

More information

Chapter One: Learning Objectives. Learning Objectives. The Democratic Republic

Chapter One: Learning Objectives. Learning Objectives. The Democratic Republic 1 Chapter One: The Democratic Republic Learning Objectives 2 Understand why governments exist. Be familiar with and use appropriately the terms: politics, government, and institutions. Understand the concepts

More information

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. Compromises Federalists v. Anti-Federalists

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. Compromises Federalists v. Anti-Federalists THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Compromises Federalists v. Anti-Federalists QUICK REVIEW: FIND SOMEONE WHO Second Continental Congress Drafting of the Articles of Confederation Weaknesses International Relations

More information

5. Political elites. POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY (Hilary 2018) Dr Michael Biggs. Introduction. Power elite (Domhoff)

5. Political elites. POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY (Hilary 2018) Dr Michael Biggs. Introduction. Power elite (Domhoff) POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY (Hilary 2018) Dr Michael Biggs 5. Political elites http://users.ox.ac.uk/~sfos0060/politicalsociology.shtml Introduction How is power distributed in democracy? Median voter: parties

More information

Do not copy, post, or distribute

Do not copy, post, or distribute Introduction Models of Democracy As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent there is a difference, is no democracy.

More information

RUSSIA FROM REVOLUTION TO 1941

RUSSIA FROM REVOLUTION TO 1941 RUSSIA FROM REVOLUTION TO 1941 THE MARXIST TIMELINE OF WORLD HISTORY In prehistoric times, men lived in harmony. There was no private ownership, and no need for government. All people co-operated in order

More information

Social Problems, Census Update, 12e (Eitzen / Baca Zinn / Eitzen Smith) Chapter 2 Wealth and Power: The Bias of the System

Social Problems, Census Update, 12e (Eitzen / Baca Zinn / Eitzen Smith) Chapter 2 Wealth and Power: The Bias of the System Social Problems, Census Update, 12e (Eitzen / Baca Zinn / Eitzen Smith) Chapter 2 Wealth and Power: The Bias of the System 2.1 Multiple-Choice Questions 1) The authors point out that the problems that

More information

American Government. The Essentials. James Q. Wilson University of California, Los Angeles, emeritus Pepperdine University Boston College

American Government. The Essentials. James Q. Wilson University of California, Los Angeles, emeritus Pepperdine University Boston College Licensed to: CengageBrain User Licensed to: CengageBrain User The Essentials American Government Institutions & Policies Thirteenth Edition James Q. Wilson University of California, Los Angeles, emeritus

More information

Liberals (aka the Left)

Liberals (aka the Left) Liberals (aka the Left) more regulation of economic (money) issues less regulation of personal (individual freedom) issues Conservatives (aka the Right) less regulation of economic (money) issues more

More information

Democracy In The U.S.

Democracy In The U.S. Democracy In The U.S. Objectives Explain the controversy over Texas position on elections and what Federal Act is part of this issue. Explain your position on the political spectrum Explain authoritarian

More information

Chapter 2 TEST Origins of American Government

Chapter 2 TEST Origins of American Government US Government - Ried Chapter 2 TEST Origins of American Government 1)The Magna Carta was originally intended to protect the rights of which group? A. religious leaders B. kings and queens C. common people

More information

Semester One Exam American Government

Semester One Exam American Government Semester One Exam American Government Directions: Please do not write on the exam! Mark all of your answers on the scantron provided. There are two parts to the exam, a scantron portion as well as two

More information

Liberalism, National and Conservatism

Liberalism, National and Conservatism Liberalism, National and Conservatism Classical Liberalism Def: A political belief in which primary emphasis is placed on securing the freedom of the individual by limiting the power of the state. In its

More information

Introducing Marxist Theories of the State

Introducing Marxist Theories of the State In the following presentation I shall assume that students have some familiarity with introductory Marxist Theory. Students requiring an introductory outline may click here. Students requiring additional

More information

Chapter Seven: Interest Groups

Chapter Seven: Interest Groups Chapter Seven: Interest Groups Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the basic characteristics of interest groups and how they are sometimes related to social movements. 2. Provide three major reasons why Americans

More information

Integrity and Reflection

Integrity and Reflection Fordham Law Review Volume 72 Issue 2 Article 8 2003 Integrity and Reflection Suzanna Sherry Recommended Citation Suzanna Sherry, Integrity and Reflection, 72 Fordham L. Rev. 367 (2003). Available at: http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/flr/vol72/iss2/8

More information

Book Review: The History of Democracy: a Marxist Interpretation by Brian S. Roper

Book Review: The History of Democracy: a Marxist Interpretation by Brian S. Roper University of Wollongong Research Online Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts - Papers Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts 2015 Book Review: The History of Democracy: a Marxist Interpretation by

More information

Marx s Conflict Theory

Marx s Conflict Theory Marx & Modern Times Marx s Conflict Theory All societies are divided into two groups Owners Workers Our society is capitalist Owners are bourgeoisie Workers are proletarians Owners and Workers Owners exploit

More information

PHLB16H3S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: ANCIENT GREECE AND MIDDLE AGES STUDY QUESTIONS (II): ARISTOTLE S POLITICS. A. Short Answer Questions

PHLB16H3S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: ANCIENT GREECE AND MIDDLE AGES STUDY QUESTIONS (II): ARISTOTLE S POLITICS. A. Short Answer Questions Study Questions 2: Aristotle s Politics/ 1 PHLB16H3S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: ANCIENT GREECE AND MIDDLE AGES STUDY QUESTIONS (II): ARISTOTLE S POLITICS A. Short Answer Questions Instructions Choose four of

More information

Revolution to New Nation

Revolution to New Nation Revolution to New Nation Committee appointed to draft this constitution before the Declaration of Independence Adopted by Congress 1777 Finally ratified by all 13 states in 1781 Conflict between land-rich

More information

Name: Student #: Due Date: LACHSA AP Government Summer Assignment: Part 1 Reading, Questions and Vocabulary Terms

Name: Student #: Due Date: LACHSA AP Government Summer Assignment: Part 1 Reading, Questions and Vocabulary Terms Name: Student #: Due Date: LACHSA AP Government Summer Assignment: Part 1 Reading, Questions and Vocabulary Terms Directions: 1) Read Chapters 1-4 in American Government 2) Answer Chapter Questions by

More information

The Communist Manifesto: Annotations

The Communist Manifesto: Annotations Xavier University Exhibit University Library Prize Finalists for First Year Seminars Undergraduate 2017 The Communist Manifesto: Annotations Maggie Mahoney Xavier University - Cincinnati, mahoneym6@xavier.edu

More information

The Electoral College Content-Area Vocabulary

The Electoral College Content-Area Vocabulary The Electoral College Content-Area Vocabulary amendment a law or statement added to the Constitution or other document candidates those people running for political offices citizens members of a nation

More information

POL 343 Democratic Theory and Globalization February 11, "The history of democratic theory II" Introduction

POL 343 Democratic Theory and Globalization February 11, The history of democratic theory II Introduction POL 343 Democratic Theory and Globalization February 11, 2005 "The history of democratic theory II" Introduction Why, and how, does democratic theory revive at the beginning of the nineteenth century?

More information

Quiz # 2 Chapter 2 The United States Constitution

Quiz # 2 Chapter 2 The United States Constitution Quiz # 2 Chapter 2 The United States Constitution 1. Equality was the goal of the a. French Revolution. b. American Revolution. c. both the French and the American Revolutions. d. neither the French nor

More information

The Rise of Political Parties

The Rise of Political Parties The Rise of Political Parties Creation of Political Parties George Washington s cabinet became bitterly divided over the direction America was taking in its first eight years. America s first two political

More information

Congress. Chapter 8. Federalist 53,56,57,58,62,63 (James Madison) Constitutional Background: Representation of Popular, Group, and National Interests

Congress. Chapter 8. Federalist 53,56,57,58,62,63 (James Madison) Constitutional Background: Representation of Popular, Group, and National Interests Congress Chapter 8 Constitutional Background: Representation of Popular, Group, and National Interests Background: Congress exercised supreme legislative power up until the beginning of the 19 th century.

More information

Direct Democracy. A philosophical point of view. 11 April 2016

Direct Democracy. A philosophical point of view. 11 April 2016 Direct Democracy A philosophical point of view 11 April 2016 What is Democracy? Democracy (Christiano, 2015) [... ] a method of group decision making characterized by a kind of equality among the participants

More information

The First Democracies

The First Democracies The First Democracies The ancient Greeks and Romans were the first civilizations in history to create governments based on democracy The word democracy means the people rule The Greek city-state of Athens

More information

1. According to Oaks, how are rights and responsibilities different? Why is this difference

1. According to Oaks, how are rights and responsibilities different? Why is this difference Dallin H. Oaks: Rights and Responsibilities 1. According to Oaks, how are rights and responsibilities different? Why is this difference important? 2. What role does responsibility have in maintaining a

More information

ANTI-FEDERALIST Simulation

ANTI-FEDERALIST Simulation ANTI-FEDERALIST 1787 Simulation Background: Beginning in the fall of 1787, the newly independent American states were faced with a major decision: What type of government should we have? The old Articles

More information

Chapter 1: Foundations of Government Unit 1

Chapter 1: Foundations of Government Unit 1 Chapter 1: Foundations of Government Unit 1 Purposes and Origins of Government The Functions of Government Anarchy a state without government and laws Why would people not want to live under this system?

More information

Marxism and Constructivism

Marxism and Constructivism Theories of International Political Economy II: Marxism and Constructivism Min Shu Waseda University 2018/5/8 International Political Economy 1 An outline of the lecture The basics of Marxism Marxist IPE

More information

Political Inequality Worsens Economic Inequality

Political Inequality Worsens Economic Inequality Political Inequality Worsens Economic Inequality Ruy Teixeira is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and co-director of a new joint project between the Center and the American Enterprise

More information

The Electoral College

The Electoral College The Electoral College 1 True or False? The candidate with the most votes is elected president. Answer: Not necessarily. Ask Al Gore. 2 The 2000 Election The Popular Vote Al Gore 50,996,039 George W. Bush

More information

CHAPTERS 1-3: The Study of American Government

CHAPTERS 1-3: The Study of American Government CHAPTERS 1-3: The Study of American Government MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The financial position of the state and national governments under the Articles of Confederation could be best described as a. sound, strong,

More information

Aristotle and the Voucher System. Jake Shanley, Baylor University

Aristotle and the Voucher System. Jake Shanley, Baylor University 21 Aristotle and the Voucher System Jake Shanley, Baylor University Abstract: In this paper, I argue that Aristotle would approve of a voucher system implemented on a national level, due to the lack of

More information

Evidence Submission: Inquiry into Voter Engagement

Evidence Submission: Inquiry into Voter Engagement Evidence Submission: Inquiry into Voter Engagement Introduction We invited 2.2 million 38 Degrees members to participate in a survey on voter engagement. Of those, over 84,000 responded before the deadline

More information

PICKING PRESIDENT THE. Understanding the Electoral College. Edited by Eric Burin. The Digital Press at the University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND

PICKING PRESIDENT THE. Understanding the Electoral College. Edited by Eric Burin. The Digital Press at the University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND PICKING THE PRESIDENT Understanding the Electoral College Edited by Eric Burin The Digital Press at the University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a

More information

Is democracy the best form of government? By Leo Rogers

Is democracy the best form of government? By Leo Rogers Is democracy the best form of government? By Leo Rogers Since the end of the cold war, democracy s position as the world s dominant political ideology has seemed unassailable, and today the global number

More information

A TRUE REVOLUTION. TOPIC: The American Revolution s ideal of republicanism and a discussion of the reasons for. A True Revolution

A TRUE REVOLUTION. TOPIC: The American Revolution s ideal of republicanism and a discussion of the reasons for. A True Revolution A TRUE REVOLUTION Name: Hadi Shiraz School Name: Hinsdale Central High School School Address: 5500 South Grant Street Hinsdale, IL 60521 School Telephone Number: (630) 570-8000 Contestant Grade Level:

More information

SOCIALISM. Social Democracy / Democratic Socialism. Marxism / Scientific Socialism

SOCIALISM. Social Democracy / Democratic Socialism. Marxism / Scientific Socialism Socialism Hoffman and Graham emphasize the diversity of socialist thought. They ask: Can socialism be defined? Is it an impossible dream? Do more realistic forms of socialism sacrifice their very socialism

More information

* Economies and Values

* Economies and Values Unit One CB * Economies and Values Four different economic systems have developed to address the key economic questions. Each system reflects the different prioritization of economic goals. It also reflects

More information

Full file at

Full file at Chapter 2 The Constitution Reading Comprehension Quiz Multiple Choice Questions: 1) What happened to the bill containing the anti-torture measure after Congress passed it? A) President George W. Bush signed

More information

LECTURE 3-3: THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND THE CONSTITUTION

LECTURE 3-3: THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND THE CONSTITUTION LECTURE 3-3: THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION AND THE CONSTITUTION The American Revolution s democratic and republican ideals inspired new experiments with different forms of government. I. Allegiances A.

More information

What are Political Concepts in the US Constitution or What are the guiding themes behind our government? Name Page

What are Political Concepts in the US Constitution or What are the guiding themes behind our government? Name Page Name of the Political Concept and related image. 1.Representative democracy AKA Republicanism Definition of the Political Concept using page 262-265 of your blue text, outside resources or in stations

More information

Foundations of American Government

Foundations of American Government Foundations of American Government Formation of the first governments of the 13 colonies Highly Influenced by: - Contracts, Juries, stare decisis English Tradition Natural rights: Consent of the governed:

More information

The Madisonian System

The Madisonian System The Madisonian System The Framers believed that human nature was self-interested and that inequalities of wealth were the main source of political conflict (ex: factions as discussed in Federalist #10).

More information

American Revolution Vocabulary Matching

American Revolution Vocabulary Matching Name: Date: Class: American Revolution Vocabulary Matching Directions: You will need to cut the term out and glue it to the correct definition. This is due at the end of class. War that started due to

More information

Chapter 3: The Constitution Section 1

Chapter 3: The Constitution Section 1 Chapter 3: The Constitution Section 1 Objectives 1. Understand the basic outline of the Constitution. 2. Understand the six basic principles of the Constitution: popular sovereignty, limited government,

More information

Constitutional Underpinnings. The Influence of the European Enlightenment

Constitutional Underpinnings. The Influence of the European Enlightenment Constitutional Underpinnings The Founders created the Constitution during the late 18th century in an era when European philosophers were strongly criticizing governments dominated by imperialism and monarchy.

More information

2016 Politics. Higher. Finalised Marking Instructions

2016 Politics. Higher. Finalised Marking Instructions National Qualifications 2016 2016 Politics Higher Finalised ing Instructions Scottish Qualifications Authority 2016 The information in this publication may be reproduced to support SQA qualifications only

More information

The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson: Part I

The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson: Part I The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson: Part I Thomas Jefferson 1801 1809 Democratic-Republican Graduate of the College of William & Mary Author of the Declaration of Independence Former Governor of Virginia,

More information

Government Final Review

Government Final Review Government Final Review 1)The U. S. Constitution sets up a system of checks and balances to keep one branch of government from gaining too much power. One example is that the President appoints, but the

More information

Introduction to Political Theory

Introduction to Political Theory Introduction to Political Theory WHAT IS POLITICAL THEORY? 1. Some believe politics can be studied without theory can it? 2. Hoffman and Graham suggest philosophy and theory are synonymous 3. However,

More information

Warm Up Review: Mr. Cegielski s Presentation of Origins of American Government

Warm Up Review: Mr. Cegielski s Presentation of Origins of American Government Mr. Cegielski s Presentation of Origins of American Government Essential Questions: What political events helped shaped our American government? Why did the Founding Fathers fear a direct democracy? How

More information

Reflection & Connection Task

Reflection & Connection Task Reflection & Connection Task Crash Landing 5 Scenario You are flying over Polynesia. Plane crashes on Small Island. Only 40 survivors. Everyone is arguing. Scouts report that there are fruit, nuts, a few

More information

The Text and History of the Foreign Emoluments Clause

The Text and History of the Foreign Emoluments Clause The Text and History of the Foreign Emoluments Clause America s Founders believed that corruption and foreign inf luence were among the gravest threats to our nation. As a result, they included in our

More information

The second step of my proposed plan involves breaking states up into multi-seat districts.

The second step of my proposed plan involves breaking states up into multi-seat districts. Multi-Seat Districts The second step of my proposed plan involves breaking states up into multi-seat districts. This will obviously be easy to do, and to understand, in a small, densely populated state

More information

The Enlightenment and Democratic Revolutions MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES

The Enlightenment and Democratic Revolutions MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES 4 The Enlightenment and Democratic Revolutions MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES REVOLUTION Enlightenment ideas helped bring about the American and French revolutions. These revolutions and the

More information

***POLITICAL PARTIES*** DEFINITION: A group of politicians, activists, and voters who seek to win elections and control government.

***POLITICAL PARTIES*** DEFINITION: A group of politicians, activists, and voters who seek to win elections and control government. ***POLITICAL PARTIES*** DEFINITION: A group of politicians, activists, and voters who seek to win elections and control government. Ex: Democrat, Republican, Whig, Libertarian KEY FUNCTIONS OF MODERN POLITICAL

More information

Malthe Tue Pedersen History of Ideas

Malthe Tue Pedersen History of Ideas History of ideas exam Question 1: What is a state? Compare and discuss the different views in Hobbes, Montesquieu, Marx and Foucault. Introduction: This essay will account for the four thinker s view of

More information

Chapter One ONE REPUBLIC TWO AMERICAS? Copyright 2014 Cengage Learning

Chapter One ONE REPUBLIC TWO AMERICAS? Copyright 2014 Cengage Learning Chapter One ONE REPUBLIC TWO AMERICAS? Learning Outcomes 1. Define the institution of government and the process of politics. 2. Identify the political philosophers associated with the social contract

More information

Democracy and American Politics. The best argument against democracy is a fiveminute conversation with the average voter.

Democracy and American Politics. The best argument against democracy is a fiveminute conversation with the average voter. Democracy and American Politics The best argument against democracy is a fiveminute conversation with the average voter. Winston Churchill The Struggle for African- American Voting Rights The right to

More information

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question.

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. Exam Name MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1) One of the various ways in which parties contribute to democratic governance is by. A)

More information

Chapter 5: Public Opinion and Political Action

Chapter 5: Public Opinion and Political Action Chapter 5: Public Opinion and Political Action 1. American public opinion about the events of September 11, 2001 and the subsequent war in Afghanistan was unusual because it was (A) almost unanimous. (B)

More information

Document A: Polybius (Modified)

Document A: Polybius (Modified) Document A: Polybius (Modified) The following excerpt is the description of the Roman constitution provided by the Greek historian Polybius in his book The Histories written between 167-119 BCE, a period

More information

Background to American Government

Background to American Government Chapter 2 Background to American Government The Constitution of the United States, which was written in 1787, begins with the words We the people of the United States. These words point to the idea, as

More information

Bell Ringer: February 10(14), 2017

Bell Ringer: February 10(14), 2017 Announcements: 1: Adam Smith/Free Enterprise You need: 1: A Bell Ringer: February 10(14), 2017 1. Get out your notes over free enterprise and Adam Smith. 2. On those notes, write a summary of what we learned

More information

Theories of International Political Economy II: Marxism and Constructivism

Theories of International Political Economy II: Marxism and Constructivism Theories of International Political Economy II: Marxism and Constructivism Min Shu Waseda University 17 April 2017 International Political Economy 1 An outline of the lecture The basics of Marxism Marxist

More information

Direct democracy Origin of the species

Direct democracy Origin of the species Special report: Democracy in California Direct democracy Origin of the species From Athens via Switzerland to the Wild West Apr 20th 2011 From the print edition ONE HUNDRED YEARS ago Hiram Johnson, one

More information

AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Unit Four The President and the Bureaucracy 2 1 Unit 4 Learning Objectives Running for President 4.1 Outline the stages in U.S. presidential elections and the differences in campaigning

More information

Orientation Activity One

Orientation Activity One PART II ACTIVITY A CARD WHAT IS PEOPLE RULING THEMSELVES? More than 2000 years ago, the ancient Greeks invented the word democracy for their social and political order. The literal meaning of the Greek

More information

Curriculum Unit. Instructional Unit

Curriculum Unit. Instructional Unit Curriculum Unit Name of Course: American Government Grade Level(s): 10 Brief Description (Course Catalog): This course reviews the basic concepts of United States Government from pre-revolutionary days

More information

PACKET OF DOOM. The Review for the AP American GoPo Exam. Mr. Snyder. Its everything I didn t have time to teach you but that you still gotta know!!!

PACKET OF DOOM. The Review for the AP American GoPo Exam. Mr. Snyder. Its everything I didn t have time to teach you but that you still gotta know!!! PACKET OF DOOM The Review for the AP American GoPo Exam Mr. Snyder Its everything I didn t have time to teach you but that you still gotta know!!! CONSTITUTIONAL UNDERPINNINGS The Founders created the

More information