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 vs. libertarian Define key terms associated with Democracy in the United States Discuss the reason why the founders were fearful of the passions of the people Explain how power is distributed in our gov t Be able to list fundamental values, processes, and structures that make up democracy in the United States.
First things first! Some basic definitions You will be lost if you don t understand these first three terms!
Power Power is simply the ability to get one s way. Nothing more nothing less..
Who has the power?
Politics Politics is the pursuit of power (the ability to get one s way). Nothing more. Nothing less. We are all pursing power and most of us pursue it most of the time.
Government a : the organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises authority and performs functions and which is usually classified according to the distribution of power within it b : the complex of political institutions, laws, and customs through which the function of governing is carried out
Democracy Rule by the people Two Types Direct Rule by the people themselves Indirect (Representative) Rule by elected representatives Founders distrust of direct democracy Impractical Fleeting passions of the people leads to a concern that the people would be swayed by a demagogue.
Passion of the People Los Angeles 1992 Munich 1933
Democracy Commentary
Republic Same as indirect democracy Solves the problems of direct democracy Secures the advantages of direct democracy while curing its weaknesses.
Distribution of power in our system Majoritarian politics view Leaders are heavily influenced by the will of the majority of the people. Elite politics view (minorities dominate policy making) Marxist influence of economic elites C. Wright Mills: influence of power elites like corporate, military, political (Eisenhower s military industrial complex) - Max Weber influence of bureaucracy
Military Industrial Complex
Distribution of power in our system Pluralist view 1. Political resources are so scattered that no single elite has a monopoly on them 2. There are so many institutions in which power is exercised that no single elite could possibly control all of them 3. Pluralism therefore argues that many groups compete with each other for control over policy. Policy is therefore the outcome of political haggling, innumerable compromises, and ever-shifting alliances among groups.
Hyperpluralist View 1. Pluralism gone sour 2. There are so many groups, and they are so strong that government has become gridlocked and is unable to act.
Fundamental Democratic Values Popular Sovereignty Respect for the Individual The gov t serves individuals and not vice versa Liberty There must be freedom of choice Equality Of opportunity more than result
Fundamental Democratic Processes Free and fair elections, with competing political parties Majority Rule with Minority Rights Fear of tyranny of the majority led to protection of property rights. Freedom of expression Right to assemble and protest
Fundamental Democratic Structures Federalism Separation of Powers Checks and Balances Constitutionalism (rule of law) No one is above the law. No one. Just ask Richard Nixon
Rule of Law