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Constitutional Underpinnings
What is politics
What is the purpose of government
Word Association
bull List words that come to mind when you hear the word ldquopoliticsrdquo
bull Does the word ldquopoliticsrdquo have a more positive or negative connotation Why
bull Create a working definition of politics in your notebook that you will be able to refer to throughout the school year
Politics Defined
bull social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
bull the study of government of states and other political units
bull the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs
bull the opinion one holds with respect to socially relevant questions
bull the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government
httpwordnetprincetoneduperlwebwns=politics
Purpose of Government
bull List at least five functions of government in order of importance in your notebook (You may use examples of local state and federal functions)
bull Of the five functions you listed which is especially relevant today Why
bull Of the five functions which is the least relevant today Why
Machiavelli
bull Machiavellirsquos name is synonymous with tough and dirty politics
bull Author of The Prince One of historyrsquos first political scientists
Machiavelli Quotes
Respond in writing to the following quotes by Machiavelli Do you think these quotes are relevant today
bull ldquoThe ends justify the meansrdquobull ldquoIt is better to be feared than lovedrdquobull ldquoBy no means can a prudent ruler keep his word Because all men are bad and do not keep promises to you you likewise do not have to keep your promises to themrdquo
Can we be hopeful about politics
Politics is not about powerPolitics is not about moneyPolitics is not about winning for the sake of
winningPolitics is about the improvement of peoplersquos
lives-Sen Paul Wellstone
1944-2002
A neutral view of politics
Harold D Lasswell
bull Who gets what when and how
bull All of us are political wersquore just not used to calling it that You donrsquot have to take a class to get politics Aristotle was correct when he wrote ldquoMan is by nature a political animalrdquo
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Word Association
bull List words that come to mind when you hear the word ldquopoliticsrdquo
bull Does the word ldquopoliticsrdquo have a more positive or negative connotation Why
bull Create a working definition of politics in your notebook that you will be able to refer to throughout the school year
Politics Defined
bull social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
bull the study of government of states and other political units
bull the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs
bull the opinion one holds with respect to socially relevant questions
bull the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government
httpwordnetprincetoneduperlwebwns=politics
Purpose of Government
bull List at least five functions of government in order of importance in your notebook (You may use examples of local state and federal functions)
bull Of the five functions you listed which is especially relevant today Why
bull Of the five functions which is the least relevant today Why
Machiavelli
bull Machiavellirsquos name is synonymous with tough and dirty politics
bull Author of The Prince One of historyrsquos first political scientists
Machiavelli Quotes
Respond in writing to the following quotes by Machiavelli Do you think these quotes are relevant today
bull ldquoThe ends justify the meansrdquobull ldquoIt is better to be feared than lovedrdquobull ldquoBy no means can a prudent ruler keep his word Because all men are bad and do not keep promises to you you likewise do not have to keep your promises to themrdquo
Can we be hopeful about politics
Politics is not about powerPolitics is not about moneyPolitics is not about winning for the sake of
winningPolitics is about the improvement of peoplersquos
lives-Sen Paul Wellstone
1944-2002
A neutral view of politics
Harold D Lasswell
bull Who gets what when and how
bull All of us are political wersquore just not used to calling it that You donrsquot have to take a class to get politics Aristotle was correct when he wrote ldquoMan is by nature a political animalrdquo
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Politics Defined
bull social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
bull the study of government of states and other political units
bull the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs
bull the opinion one holds with respect to socially relevant questions
bull the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government
httpwordnetprincetoneduperlwebwns=politics
Purpose of Government
bull List at least five functions of government in order of importance in your notebook (You may use examples of local state and federal functions)
bull Of the five functions you listed which is especially relevant today Why
bull Of the five functions which is the least relevant today Why
Machiavelli
bull Machiavellirsquos name is synonymous with tough and dirty politics
bull Author of The Prince One of historyrsquos first political scientists
Machiavelli Quotes
Respond in writing to the following quotes by Machiavelli Do you think these quotes are relevant today
bull ldquoThe ends justify the meansrdquobull ldquoIt is better to be feared than lovedrdquobull ldquoBy no means can a prudent ruler keep his word Because all men are bad and do not keep promises to you you likewise do not have to keep your promises to themrdquo
Can we be hopeful about politics
Politics is not about powerPolitics is not about moneyPolitics is not about winning for the sake of
winningPolitics is about the improvement of peoplersquos
lives-Sen Paul Wellstone
1944-2002
A neutral view of politics
Harold D Lasswell
bull Who gets what when and how
bull All of us are political wersquore just not used to calling it that You donrsquot have to take a class to get politics Aristotle was correct when he wrote ldquoMan is by nature a political animalrdquo
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Purpose of Government
bull List at least five functions of government in order of importance in your notebook (You may use examples of local state and federal functions)
bull Of the five functions you listed which is especially relevant today Why
bull Of the five functions which is the least relevant today Why
Machiavelli
bull Machiavellirsquos name is synonymous with tough and dirty politics
bull Author of The Prince One of historyrsquos first political scientists
Machiavelli Quotes
Respond in writing to the following quotes by Machiavelli Do you think these quotes are relevant today
bull ldquoThe ends justify the meansrdquobull ldquoIt is better to be feared than lovedrdquobull ldquoBy no means can a prudent ruler keep his word Because all men are bad and do not keep promises to you you likewise do not have to keep your promises to themrdquo
Can we be hopeful about politics
Politics is not about powerPolitics is not about moneyPolitics is not about winning for the sake of
winningPolitics is about the improvement of peoplersquos
lives-Sen Paul Wellstone
1944-2002
A neutral view of politics
Harold D Lasswell
bull Who gets what when and how
bull All of us are political wersquore just not used to calling it that You donrsquot have to take a class to get politics Aristotle was correct when he wrote ldquoMan is by nature a political animalrdquo
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Machiavelli
bull Machiavellirsquos name is synonymous with tough and dirty politics
bull Author of The Prince One of historyrsquos first political scientists
Machiavelli Quotes
Respond in writing to the following quotes by Machiavelli Do you think these quotes are relevant today
bull ldquoThe ends justify the meansrdquobull ldquoIt is better to be feared than lovedrdquobull ldquoBy no means can a prudent ruler keep his word Because all men are bad and do not keep promises to you you likewise do not have to keep your promises to themrdquo
Can we be hopeful about politics
Politics is not about powerPolitics is not about moneyPolitics is not about winning for the sake of
winningPolitics is about the improvement of peoplersquos
lives-Sen Paul Wellstone
1944-2002
A neutral view of politics
Harold D Lasswell
bull Who gets what when and how
bull All of us are political wersquore just not used to calling it that You donrsquot have to take a class to get politics Aristotle was correct when he wrote ldquoMan is by nature a political animalrdquo
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Machiavelli Quotes
Respond in writing to the following quotes by Machiavelli Do you think these quotes are relevant today
bull ldquoThe ends justify the meansrdquobull ldquoIt is better to be feared than lovedrdquobull ldquoBy no means can a prudent ruler keep his word Because all men are bad and do not keep promises to you you likewise do not have to keep your promises to themrdquo
Can we be hopeful about politics
Politics is not about powerPolitics is not about moneyPolitics is not about winning for the sake of
winningPolitics is about the improvement of peoplersquos
lives-Sen Paul Wellstone
1944-2002
A neutral view of politics
Harold D Lasswell
bull Who gets what when and how
bull All of us are political wersquore just not used to calling it that You donrsquot have to take a class to get politics Aristotle was correct when he wrote ldquoMan is by nature a political animalrdquo
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Can we be hopeful about politics
Politics is not about powerPolitics is not about moneyPolitics is not about winning for the sake of
winningPolitics is about the improvement of peoplersquos
lives-Sen Paul Wellstone
1944-2002
A neutral view of politics
Harold D Lasswell
bull Who gets what when and how
bull All of us are political wersquore just not used to calling it that You donrsquot have to take a class to get politics Aristotle was correct when he wrote ldquoMan is by nature a political animalrdquo
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
A neutral view of politics
Harold D Lasswell
bull Who gets what when and how
bull All of us are political wersquore just not used to calling it that You donrsquot have to take a class to get politics Aristotle was correct when he wrote ldquoMan is by nature a political animalrdquo
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Primitive Politics
bull What definition of politics is best Why
Political Theories deal withndash Authorityndash Legitimacyndash Conflictndash Compromisendash Mob rule
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Social Contract Theory
bull The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed ndash from John Locke
bull Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement or a social contract
bull Government by the people masses
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part I
bull State of Nature existed before government
bull State of Nature ndash people were naturally free and equal but freedom led to chaos
bull Natural rights to life liberty and property were jeopardized
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part II
bull Social Contract ndash people desired protection of their natural rights so they form government to protect rights
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
John Lockersquos Theory ndash Part III
bull Dissolution ndash If the government doesnrsquot adequately protect natural rights the people have an obligation to dissolve government
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Lockersquos influence on the US
bull ldquoA state also of equality wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal no one having more than anotherhellip - John Locke of Civil Government
bull ldquoWe hold these truths to be self-evident That all men are created equalrdquo - Thomas Jefferson Declaration of Independence
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
What makes a Democracy
Principles necessary for a democracy to exist
1 Universal Participation (everyone vote)
2 Political Equality (all votes counted equally)
3 Majority Rule
4 Government responds to public opinion
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Is Democracy Evil
bull ldquoThe masses are turbulent and changing and seldom judge or determine rightrdquo
-Alexander Hamilton
bull ldquoA democracy is a government in the hands of men of low birth no property and vulgar employmentsrdquo
-Aristotle
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Do we live in a Democracy
bull Q What system of government do Americans have
bull A hint not a democracy
bull We live in a republicndash We are all (little ldquorrdquo) republicansndash Our government is technically a
Representative Democracyndash Often referred to as a Democratic Republic
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Theory stating majority rules and government should follow the wants of the people
bull Community size makes this impractical
bull Also called ldquoDirect Democracyrdquo
bull EX ndash If every American was allowed to vote on every law this would be a direct democracy
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Majoritarian Democracy Theory
bull Majoritarian Democracy is alive and well at the ballot boxndash Recall ndash petitions used to ldquoun-electrdquo a government
official (This is how Arnold Schwarzeneger became governor of California)
ndash Referendum ndash legislation placed on the ballot by representatives but is approved by the voters
ndash Initiative ndash legislation placed on the ballot by the voters to be approved by voters
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Pluralist Democracy Theory
1 Modern society consists of many groups (ex Economic religious cultural ethnic)
2 The different groups compete to press their interests in government
3 Even if the average citizen does not keep up with politics their interests will be protected by their group
4 Political decision making is characterized by bargaining and compromise
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Arguments FOR Pluralism
bull There is no ONE majority in the US that thinks as ONE group Therefore the government canrsquot just aim to please a majority they must aim to please as many groups as possible
bull Groups must compete for government services and favorable laws
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Arguments AGAINST Pluralism
bull Relatively low numbers of people join interest groups
bull Poor citizens have less opportunity to join interest groups or contribute to them
bull One canrsquot assume that group decisions are always in the best interest of the nation
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Elite Theory
bull A small group of rich corporations run the US Politicians require massive funding to win elections and rely on corporations to supply them
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Hyperpluralist Theory
bull Pluralism on steroids ndash one group becomes more powerful than the government
bull Government does not function correctly ndash policy does not reflect the needs of the nation only the desires of the group
bull Fragmented political system allows this to occurs
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
A Reminderhellip
bull These are only theories They are peoplersquos perception of our democracy and the way it functions
bull Which theory is correctndash Pluralist ndash most popular todayndash Majoritarian ndash popular pre-1950rsquosndash Elite ndash rising since the 80rsquos (Michael Moore)
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Political Ideology
Most Government Least Government
POLITICAL THEORIES
Totalitarianism Libertarianism Anarchy
ECONOMIC THEORIES
Communism Capitalism Free-enterprise Laissez-faire
POPULAR LABELS IN THE UNITED STATES
Liberal Conservative
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Chapter One
The Study of American Government
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Two Key Questions
bull Who governs How will those who govern will affect us
bull To what ends To what extent will government affect our lives
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
What is Political Power
bull Power the ability of one person to cause another person to act in accordance with the first personrsquos intentions
bull Authority the right to use power
bull Legitimacy what makes a law or constitution a source of right
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Kinds of Democracy
bull Direct democracy A form of democracy in which most or all of the citizenry participate directly
bull Representative democracy A government in which leaders make decisions by winning a competitive struggle for the popular vote
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
The Framersrsquo View
bull Government would mediate nor mirror popular views
bull People were viewed as lacking knowledge and susceptible to manipulation
bull Framersrsquo goal to minimize the abuse of power by a tyrannical majority or by officeholders
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Theories of Government
bull Marxism Those who own the means of production controlling the economic system will control the government
bull Elitism A few top leaders drawn from the major sectors of the United States polity will make all important decisions
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Theories of Government
bull Bureaucratic Appointed civil servants control the government without consulting the public
bull Pluralist Competition among affected interests shapes public policy decision-making
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Pluralism and Self-Interest
bull Is pluralist democracy driven by selfish desire ndash policies can be good or bad regardless of the
motives of their proponentsndash the belief that people always act in their own
self-interest has been refuted in practice (eg - heroic actions of September 11th 2001)
ndash public-spirited behavior was behind many of our greatest social movements (like the Civil Rights movement)
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Political Leanings
bull Our country is made up of liberals conservatives and moderates
bull Liberals are often associated with the Democratic Party
bull Conservatives are often associated with the Republican Party
bull Moderates are often associated with Independents
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Political Spectrum
bull 1048766Radical 1048766Liberal 1048766Moderate 1048766 Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary
Left Right
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Liberal ndash Left of Moderate
Liberal ndash Left
Believe that the government should actively promote social reform to increase individualsrsquo well being Favor change but work peacefully within the existing political system (Democrats The Green Party)
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Conservative - Right Side of Moderate
Conservative ndash (Right)
Believe that government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses except on moral issues
Most favor the status quo (the way things are) amp are hesitant to change
Will work peacefully within the existing political system (Republicans Reform)
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Moderate- Middle of the Spectrum
Moderate ndash (Middle)
Moderates are people who have opinions between liberal and conservative and may include some of both
They are generally tolerant of many viewpoints and generally donrsquot hold extreme views
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Radical - Far Left Side of the Spectrum
bull Radical ndash (Far Left) ndash Favor a rapid
fundamental change in the existing
social economic or political order
Will use extreme measures including
violence to achieve their goals
(Communist)
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Reactionary - Far Right of the Spectrum
bull Reactionary ndash (Far Right) Advocate a return to a previous state of
affairsoften a social political or economic order that existed earlier in history
bull Will use extreme measures to achieve their goals including violence
(Dictatorships MonarchiesOligarchies) (Taliban Nazis etchellip)
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Liberal vs Conservative
Change vsTraditionbull Problems are circumstantialbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Relative Valuesbull Freedom ndash personal choicesbull Equalityndashfairnessndashlevel the playing fieldbull Govt needs to be more involved in social issuesbull Human rightsbull Problems are Individual in naturebull Individuals are responsible for social reformbull Moral Absolutes bull Moral Absolutes determine appropriate behaviorbull Competition is good Affirmative action is unnecessarybull Govrsquot needs to be less involved in social issuesbull Property rights
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Ideology applied to issues
bull Pro-choice
bull Gay marriage
bull Flag burning
bull Pro-life
bull Heterosexual marriage
bull Flag burning amendment
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Problems in societyCircumstantial vs Individual
Liberals (Democrats)
Circumstantialbull Welfare programsbull Health care for allbull Drug rehabilitation programs
Conservatives (Republicans)Individualbull Welfare limitsbull Private health carebull Tough on crime
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
The role of government in society
Liberalsbull Govrsquot is responsible for social reformbull Education fundingbull Assistance programsbull Environmental protectionConservativesbull Govrsquot should be less involvedbull School vouchersbull Charity tax deductionsbull De-regulation
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition
Equality - Freedom
bull Social equalitybull Anti-discriminationbull Gender equitybull Affirmative action programs
bull Individual freedombull The right to hirebull Merit paybull Encourage competition