Unit 1 – Chapter 1 The United States was created by the colonists rebelling against British authority. Authority – The legal right or power to give orders and enforce rules. The Declaration of Independence defended that rebellion and listed all the British monarch’s (king’s) crimes against the American colonies.

Common Sense, Thomas Paine Paine expressed a viewpoint many colonists felt: “Society in every state [condition] is a blessing, but government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.” 1776

Power- (the ability to cause others to behave as they might not otherwise choose to do)  Power to rule can be gained or lost in many ways. a.Army is defeated b.Leader is overthrown c.New leader elected

Five Sources of Power:  Expertise – specific skills or expertise, i.e. Doctor, lawyer  Coercion – ability to punish or penalize others, i.e., police officer, judge  Rewards – give something of value, such as money or praise, i.e., teacher, parent  Persuasion – influence others, i.e., rabbi, preacher, minister  Formal Authority – power that has been defined in some legal way, i.e. Principal, Owner

Legitimacy – the quality of being accepted as an authority, often applied to laws or those in power Legitimacy (acceptance) rises and falls depending on the willingness of those being led to follow those doing the leading.

Different ways to achieve legitimacy:  Mandate of Heaven – a theory that Chinese rulers used for 2000 years: The Chinese ruler was the “Son of heaven” and thus had authority over “all under heaven”. Ruler had to rule morally or else the “mandate of heaven” would go to someone else.  Divine Right of Kings – European monarchs had a similar view in the 1500s. Monarchs represented G-d on Earth. Right to rule was divine, or G-d given and therefore kings didn’t have to answer to people for their actions. They had absolute power.  Social Contract Theory - Europeans eventually questioned this “theory”. Thomas Hobbes and John Locke - legitimacy comes from an unwritten agreement between the leader and the people. Leader protect the people’s rights and the people follow the laws. A ruler who abuses their power should be removed from being the leader.

Mayflower Compact In 1620, group of English colonists arrived off the shore of Plymouth, Mass. They hoped to settle there as a community. However, some colonists threatened to split off. To stop this, the group’s leaders demanded that all adult males sign a document promising to obey the rules and laws created by the group. This became known as the Mayflower Compact.

Government – the power or authority that rules a country.  Why do we need government? Promote the general welfare by protecting life and property Resolve conflicts and maintain order Provide public goods – i.e., schools, roads, fire and police protection, national parks and the armed forces.

Revenue Collection All governments need money to provide security and pay for public goods. They get it from taxes. According to the U.S. Constitution – Article I, Section 8 guarantees that the government can collect revenue/taxes. “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties…to pay Debts and provide for the common defense and general Welfare of the United States…”

Ancient Greek Philosopher  Aristotle, believed an ideal ruler would care about the common good. Aristotle was a realist and knew that Having only one leader isn’t good Because the leader could abuse his/her power. So, he believed that government should be run by a virtuous few (ruling morally/fairly) for the good of all.

Sovereignty The right to exercise supreme authority over a geographic region and group of people.

Politics – the process and method of making decisions for groups. Who gets what, when, how Different “games of politics” Horse Trading – Winning to Giving to Get – object is to achieve a “win-win situation” Basic strategy –involves giving up something one’s opponent wants in exchange for something of equal-or greater – value.

Why do people get involved in politics?  People our concerned about the world we live in. They want to make sure it is safe, clean and equitable.  People write letters to their congresspersons, they attend town meetings, and vote in elections.

Political Games People Play

Horse Trading Horse Trading – Winning to Giving to Get – object is to achieve a “win-win situation” Basic strategy –involves giving up something one’s opponent wants in exchange for something of equal-or greater – value.

Walkout Winning by refusing to play Example – labor unions ask for better pay and better working conditions and if employers refuse those demands – union workers may choose to strike or walk off their jobs.

Power Struggle Winning by being smarter and stronger than the opposition. Niccolo Machiavelli – “the end justifies the means” – a prince must not hesitate to destroy those who can and will injure him and instill fear in others, even if this costs him the love of the people. Politicians who use amoral tactics

Demolition Derby Winning by wiping by out the opposition Using fear and intimidation to murder and massacres, to wipe out the opposition.

Civil Disobedience Winning by shaming the opposition Mohandas Gandhi – takes courage, patience and the strength of character. He was arrested many times and spent seven year in prison. He protest the unjust government in India – British colonial rule.