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