The Democratic Republic

Chapter 1

3 branches of American Gov’t

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

What is Politics?

• a process of resolving conflicts within a society and deciding “who gets what, when and how”

• the struggle over the distribution of benefits

• Politics can be found in all intervals of society

What is government?

• an institution of decision makers - who possess the power to enforce

rules that impose order and stability on a society

- has authority to make and enforce laws

• Why is gov’t necessary?

Types of Government

• democracy: ultimate political authority vested in the people

• totalitarian regime: government imposes its will through the threat and use of force

- control every aspect of life• Theocracy- rule by religion• anarchy: no government, no laws

Direct vs. Representative Democracy

• Direct- purest form of democracy

• Representative- people rule through elected representatives

- necessary for large populations

* aka: indirect democracy / republic

3 elements of American democracy

• Popular sovereignty

• Political Equality

• Political Liberty

Popular Sovereignty

• will of the people• 6 important conditions: 1) Gov’t leaders are elected 2) Gov’t policies reflect wishes of people 3) Free & fair elections 4) Participation 5) High-Quality information is available 6) The Majority rules

Political Equality• Each person carries same weight

in voting

• Equality exists: denial of vote & gov’t programs

• Does greater income affect political equality?

Political Liberty

• Protection of 1st amendment rights

• Basic freedom: speech, religion, assembly, press etc.

Democracy

• Objections

• Majority Tyranny- majority violates rights of minority

• People don’t care/ citizens ill-equipped

• Democracy in comparison

How do we form our beliefs about politics?

Political Ideology• a set of beliefs about politics

• 2 most common in United States

1) Conservatism- limited role for gov’t

- private sector outperforms gov’t

- individual responsibility

- limit programs

2) Liberalism- gov’t action to improve welfare of individuals

- gov’t should take positive action to reduce economic disparity, environment, etc

Other ideologies

• Socialism- social equality / gov’t ownership

• Libertarianism- opposes all gov’t regulation

• Totalitarian Ideologies:

• Communism- favors partisan dictatorship

- gov’t control of all enterprises

• Fascism- absolute ruler / glorification of war & power

Changing face of America

• Population growth

• Age

- Increase In older citizens

- SS & rise in medical services

The Changing Face of America

© 2004 Wadsworth Publishing / Thomson Learning™

Changing face of America

• Women in workforce

• Diversity

- minorities have higher birth rates

- immigration

- Hispanics are fastest growing minority

Ethnic Change in America

© 2004 Wadsworth Publishing / Thomson Learning™

Conclusion

• Why is democracy important?

• Why are politics important?

• Important to see the change in America