THE STUDY OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Wilson Chapter One

Politics

Unity is rare Differ in 2 areas

Who governs? Will affect what they to and for us

To what ends? How government affects our lives

Separate questions Focus on who

To what ends?

What are the best things governments do? Historic accomplishments

Top ten list Page 4

What are the worst things governments do? Historic failures

Commission Omission

Who governs?

Power Ability of one person to get another person to act

in accordance with the first person’s intentions Congress passing legislation President sending troops into combat

OR National press printing a photo Speechwriter crafting a press release

How is power used to affect who holds office? How is power used to affect what government

does?

Who governs?

Authority The right to use power

Varies over time Varies around the world

Legitimacy Political authority conferred by law or by a

state or national constitution US Constitution Democratic

Democracy

Rule of the many Direct

Participation Few people Narrow group Simple issues

Representative Elitist

Time Expertise Emotional

Republic

Constitution “republican form of government” Representative democracy Used interchangeably with democracy

Competition for leadership Meaningful choices Free communication “public good” vs. “will of the people”

Representative Democracy

Minimize the abuse of power Overcome popular tyranny

Lack of knowledge Susceptible to manipulation Access to time and information

Rule of law Best system?

Distribution of power

Majoritarian politics Leaders follow the wishes of the people Applies when issues are simple and clear

Elitism Persons who possess a disproportionate

share of power Four theories of elitist power

Elitist power theories

Marxist Reflection of production Controlled by top capitalists

Power Elite Served by government Includes institutions outside of government

Bureaucratic Appointed officials Exercise of how laws play out

Pluralist No single power group Bargain and compromise lead to outcomes

Self interest

Cynical view that each is out for political gain

Outcomes do not always follow authors’ motives

Inequalities within the system Common good Public spirit

Political change

Who gets what? Hard to quantify

Shared understanding Common friendships Communal organizations

Process of legislation Administration of law Avoid sweeping claims

Delay judgment until after observing wide range of behaviors

Who Governs?

How is political power actually distributed in America?

What explains major political change?

To What Ends?

What values matter most in American Democracy?

Are trade-offs among political purposes inevitable?

Supplemental Readings

Woll page 10 The Founding Fathers: A Reform Caucus in

Action Woll page 31

Framing the Constitution Woll page 41

Federalist 47, 48, 51 FT5 page 3

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