Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning ONE REPUBLIC— TWO AMERICAS? Chapter One

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

ONE REPUBLIC—TWO AMERICAS?

Chapter One

Copyright © 2014 Cengage LearningCopyright © 2014 Cengage Learning

Learning Outcomes

1. Define the institution of government and the process of politics.

2. Identify the political philosophers associated with the “social contract” and explain how this theory shapes our understanding of the purpose of government and the role for individuals and communities in the U.S.

3. Describe the U.S. political culture, and identify the set of ideas, values, and ways of thinking about government and politics shared by all.

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Learning Outcomes

4. Compare and contrast types of government systems, and identify the source of power in each.

5. Define political ideology, and locate socialism, liberalism, conservatism, and libertarianism along the ideological spectrum.

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Politics and Government

Politics: process of resolving conflicts and deciding who gets what, when and how Selection of decision-makers Structure of institutions Creation of public policy

Government: formal institutions which allocate resources and resolve conflicts

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Politics and Government5

Why is government necessary? Provide security Protect liberty and rights Maintain authority/legitimacy

“A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.”

President Gerald Ford


Politics and Government

Fundamental values Political culture (ideas, values, ways of thinking)

Shared by all Americans? Result of political socialization Liberty Order and rule of law Individualism Equality Property

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Confidence in Institutions

Declines


Why Choose Democracy?

Governments vary in structure and how they govern Totalitarian Authoritarianism Aristocracy Oligarchy Democracy

Political authority comes from citizens Anarchy

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Direct democracy as a model Political decisions made by the people directly,

not elected representatives Attained most easily in small communities Initiative/referendum/recall Founders had reservations

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A democratic republic Framers crafted a republic

Experimental Power (votes) resides with the people Representatives make policy and law Representative democracy

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Principles of democratic government Universal suffrage Majority rule and minority rights Free elections Limited government

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Who Really Rules in America?

Majoritarianism: government ought to do what majority desire

Elitism: society ruled by small group wishing to further self-interests

Pluralism: conflict among interest groups Bargaining Compromise

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Political Ideologies

Political ideology is closely linked set of beliefs about politics Share societal goals and plan for achieving them American politics focuses on conservatism and

liberalism

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The traditional political spectrum Compares ideologies on continuum based on:

Government influence over economy Goals of government activity Far left = socialism Far right = libertarianism Middle = liberal and conservative

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The Traditional Political Spectrum15



Conservatism Favor limited government economic involvement Often favor government involvement in social

issues to preserve traditional values

Liberalism Favor government regulation of economy to

benefit society Tolerance for social change Support for civil rights

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Socialism Strong support for economic and social equality Income redistribution

Libertarianism Skepticism toward government Laissez-faire capitalism Oppose regulation of personal behavior

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Liberal once meant limited government and no religion in politics Classical liberals Evolved into modern American meaning along

with political evolution of Democratic Party Meaning of liberal has not changed outside the

U.S. and Canada

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Conservatives traditionally supported maintaining traditions and opposing change

Today: Economic conservatives Social conservatives Not necessarily politically united

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Libertarians: extreme positions of both conservatives and liberals Limited government

power over economy Complete freedom in

social matters


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The Challenge of Change

Demographic change in a democratic republic Aging of citizens Increased diversity Decline in economic

dominance Globalization Technology Environmental change

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Distribution of U.S. Population by Race and Hispanic Origin, 1980-2075

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Ethnic change Latino voters tend to vote Democratic Multiracial, multiethnic group interests End of white dominance in political leadership?

Globalization Employment patterns Product quality/safety standards No single national economic dominance

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The technology revolution Affects communication, work and education Eliminates boundaries More people can compete, connect, collaborate

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Social Networking Usage25



Environmental change Political, technological and global challenges Global warming (more natural disasters, drought,

starvation)

What do changes mean for you? Can our government recognize and meet

challenges in time? Can we continue to embrace a single political

culture?

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Documents

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning ONE REPUBLIC— TWO AMERICAS? Chapter One