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 and explain how this theory shapes our understanding of the purpose of government and the role for individuals and communities in the U.S. 3. Describe the U.S. political culture, and identify the set of ideas, values, and ways of thinking about government and politics shared by all. 2
Learning Outcomes 4. Compare and contrast types of government systems, and identify the source of power in each. 3 5. Define political ideology, and locate socialism, liberalism, conservatism, and libertarianism along the ideological spectrum.
Politics and Government Politics: process of resolving conflicts and deciding who gets what, when and how Selection of decision-makers Structure of institutions Creation of public policy Government: formal institutions which allocate resources and resolve conflicts 4
Politics and Government 5 Why is government necessary? Provide security Protect liberty and rights Maintain authority/legitimacy A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have. President Gerald Ford
Politics and Government Fundamental values Political culture (ideas, values, ways of thinking) Shared by all Americans? Result of political socialization Liberty Order and rule of law Individualism Equality Property 6
Confidence in Institutions Declines
Why Choose Democracy? Governments vary in structure and how they govern Totalitarian Authoritarianism Aristocracy Oligarchy Democracy Political authority comes from citizens Anarchy 8
Why Choose Democracy? Direct democracy as a model Political decisions made by the people directly, not elected representatives Attained most easily in small communities Initiative/referendum/recall Founders had reservations 9
Why Choose Democracy? A democratic republic Framers crafted a republic Experimental Power (votes) resides with the people Representatives make policy and law Representative democracy 10
Why Choose Democracy? Principles of democratic government Universal suffrage Majority rule and minority rights Free elections Limited government 11
Who Really Rules in America? Majoritarianism: government ought to do what majority desire Elitism: society ruled by small group wishing to further self-interests Pluralism: conflict among interest groups Bargaining Compromise 12
Political Ideologies Political ideology is closely linked set of beliefs about politics 13 Share societal goals and plan for achieving them American politics focuses on conservatism and liberalism
Political Ideologies The traditional political spectrum Compares ideologies on continuum based on: Government influence over economy Goals of government activity Far left = socialism Far right = libertarianism Middle = liberal and conservative 14
The Traditional Political Spectrum 15
Political Ideologies Conservatism Favor limited government economic involvement Often favor government involvement in social issues to preserve traditional values Liberalism Favor government regulation of economy to benefit society Tolerance for social change Support for civil rights 16
Socialism Political Ideologies Strong support for economic and social equality Income redistribution Libertarianism Skepticism toward government Laissez-faire capitalism Oppose regulation of personal behavior 17
Political Ideologies Liberal once meant limited government and no religion in politics Classical liberals Evolved into modern American meaning along with political evolution of Democratic Party 18 Meaning of liberal has not changed outside the U.S. and Canada
Political Ideologies Conservatives traditionally supported maintaining traditions and opposing change Today: Economic conservatives Social conservatives Not necessarily politically united 19
Political Ideologies Libertarians: extreme positions of both conservatives and liberals Limited government power over economy Complete freedom in social matters 20
The Challenge of Change Demographic change in a democratic republic Aging of citizens Increased diversity Decline in economic dominance Globalization Technology Environmental change 21
Distribution of U.S. Population by Race and Hispanic Origin, 1980-2075 22
Ethnic change The Challenge of Change Latino voters tend to vote Democratic Multiracial, multiethnic group interests End of white dominance in political leadership? Globalization Employment patterns Product quality/safety standards No single national economic dominance 23
The Challenge of Change 24 The technology revolution Affects communication, work and education Eliminates boundaries More people can compete, connect, collaborate
Social Networking Usage 25
The Challenge of Change Environmental change Political, technological and global challenges Global warming (more natural disasters, drought, starvation) What do changes mean for you? Can our government recognize and meet challenges in time? Can we continue to embrace a single political culture? 26