POLI 101: Introduction to Political Science Fall 2014 Professor R. Allen Bolar rbolar@ucsd.edu
We are our History History does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do -James Baldwin
You (and I) are weird We get lots of education---lots. I mean lots. (not to mention we can read!) We spend a small portion of our income on food, which comes from all over the world. We have credit cards We have culture available, nonstop, for free We are some of the richest people in the history of mankind. (I agree that it doesn t always feel like it) None of these opportunities were ones that we created alone. They depended on the history and communal effort of previous generations in particular places.
Markets and States No Man is an Island We live together We depend on each other How shall we coordinate our efforts? Two ways we coordinate: Markets States A gigantic amount of your life is determined by these two entities.
Markets and States Markets determine who gets what in a condition of scarcity. States are organized political units living under a government. As humans we mustdecide: Who deserves what? What rules shall we live under? To answer these questions together is politics.
Political Animals Aristotle said that humans are zoon politikon. We are political animals Politics is the defining trait of humanity. We reason We discuss We plan
POLI 101 Politics Politics consists of making a common decision for a group of people through the use of power Politics involves both power and choice. As Political Scientists we must understand what power is and obstacles to choice.
Choice But it is not so simple to make choices Collective Action Problems Prisoner s Dilemma Common Pool Resources Concentrated benefits and diffuse costs Accountability Institutions are designed to facilitate optimal choices and accountability.
Can we find examples? What is Power?
Examples of Power?
Examples of Power?
Examples of Power? Sheldon Adelson Billionaire casino owner; friend of Newt Gingrich Gave Mr. Gingrich $5 million for his campaign Legal since after supreme court case, Citizens v. United (2010)
Examples of Power?
Examples of Power?
Examples of Power? UC Davis Police Officer pepper spraying students on November 18, 2011
Examples of Power?
Examples of Power? Social expectations / gender roles
Examples of Power?
Examples of Power? Kim Kardashian Celebrity? Power?
What is Power?
What is Power? P = W/t Power is strength Power is influence Power is the ability to work one s will in the world. (All true, but I think this one is the best for our purposes)
Types of power: What is Power?
What is Power? Types of power: Violent force & physical coercion
What is Power? Types of power: Violent force & physical coercion Economic influence
What is Power? Types of power: Violent force & physical coercion Economic influence Legal
What is Power? Types of power: Violent force & physical coercion Economic influence Legal Cultural & Ideological
What is Power? Would you stop if a police car put their sirens on? Why? Do you believe that you should?
What is Power? Would you stop if a police car put their sirens on? Why? Do you believe that you should? What if your professor told you to pull over or you will get a bad grade?
What is Power? Power vs. Authority: Power and authority are not the same, they are separable concepts
What is Power? Power vs. Authority: Power and authority are not the same, they are separable concepts Authority is the legitimate use of power.
What is Power? 3 types of Authority: Traditional
What is Power? 3 types of Authority: Traditional Rational/legal
What is Power? 3 types of Authority: Traditional Rational/legal Charismatic
Problems of Power and Authority in America Power without legitimacy is tyranny.
Problems of Power and Authority in America Power without legitimacy is tyranny. How is legitimacy created?
Legitimacy? How is legitimacy created and bestowed? How is authority created?
Legitimacy? How is legitimacy created and bestowed? How is authority created?
Liberalism The dominant mode of political and economic organization in the world today is liberal democracy. Individual rights Liberty Equality Universalism But this is not the only mode. And life has not always been like this.
Before Liberalism The three estates: Knights Priests Peasants Roles were defined by birth and status and legitimated by the Church, tradition, and custom. An organic hierarchy existed: in other words, natural and not made by man.
The Three Estates
The Divine Right of Kings
Napoleon crowns himself
Render unto Caesar...
Martin Luther Against the Murderous, Thieving Hordes of Peasants, (1525)
Henry V