AP U.S. Government Unit 1 Notes- Introduction 1. Power- The ability to make people do things they would not ordinarily do. 2. Authority- The legitimate right to power. 3. Sanctions- The penalties imposed by government for the failure to obey the rules and laws.

4. Why do we need government? 1. Freedom A. Freedom to- Liberty, i.e., speech, beliefs, privacy, due process of law B. Freedom from- Immunity from fear and want (Equality)

2. Order A. Social Order (Rights of the group) vs. Individual Liberty (Rights of the Individual) 3. Equality A. of Outcome B. of Opportunity

5. Where does the right to power/authority/sanctions come from? 1. Divine Right A. Monarchy/ Autocracy- One Ruler B. Aristocracy/ Oligarchy- A few rulers, i.e. nobility C. Theocracy- Rule by religious group- Iran D. Democracy- Laws of Nature (capital N) give each individual free will (John Locke’s 2nd Treatise)

2. Best and Brightest A. Meritocracy- based on merit B. Technocracy- those with the technical know how (Communism/ Socialism/Bureaucracy) C. Plutocracy- the wealthy

3. The people A. Democracy- power is derived from the individual B. Communism/ Socialism/ Oligarchy/ Bureaucracy in modern democracy: A few (the party) decide what is in the best interest for all

6. Who governs? 4 main views: A. Marxist- whoever controls the economic system will control the political system B. Elitist- A select few from major institutions (religious, political, economic, media) C. Bureaucratic- appointed civil servants D. Pluralist- competition between affected interest groups

7. Democracy- From the Greek, demokratia: demos(the people) kratien(to rule) 1. Types A. Direct Democracy- power rests directly with the people who decide on all issues (ancient Greece, town meetings in New England, initiative, referendum) B. Republicanism/ Representative - power rests indirectly with the people through the actions taken by their elected representatives. (All modern democracies!)

2. 4 conceptual/ theoretical views of modern democracy A. Majoritarian/Democratic- 1. One man, one vote 2. People elect representatives through long and thorough examination and then take an active role in elections, policy formulation and the lawmaking process. 3. Elected representatives carry out the will of the majority of the people on the issues or else they are voted out. 4. Initiative and referendum are important ways to express majority view. 5. Inclusion of all groups- a fundamental tenet

B. Pluralist (interest group)- 1. Competing interest groups vie for attention of the government and attempt to influence its governing. 2. Shift from the will and involvement of the majority to the will and involvement of the organized groups. 3. No great knowledge of government and the political process is necessary for the individual. 4. Government is decentralized allowing easy access to government officials who are then easier to sway to your position.

C. Hyperpluralist 1. “Pluralism gone sour”; groups are so strong that governmental structure is weakened 2. Government becomes incapacitated by the push and pull of the competing groups 3. Too many access points 4. Groups that lose in one arena (legislative) fight on in executive or judicial

D. Elitist/ Class Theory- 1. A few individuals control the major financial, communications, industrial, and governmental institutions. 2. This “few” then decide, based on their best interest what is best for the country. 3. Really an oligarchic view, not democratic.

8. Politics- “Who gets what, when and how.” Produces authoritative decisions about public issues 9. Political System- A set of institutions and activities that link together people, politics, and policy.

Figure 1.3 The Policymaking System The process by which policy comes into being and evolves over time.

Policy Impacts People

10. Political Ideology- A coherent set of beliefs about politics, public policy, and public purpose. It helps give meaning to political events, personalities, and policies. 1. Traditional view- political spectrum A. Liberal- Political Freedom over Order, Social Equality over Economic Freedom B. Conservative- Order over Political Freedom, Economic Freedom over Social Equality

Ideology of Americans

Traditional Political Spectrum Which Political Party in the U.S.? Democrats (Dems) Republicans (GOP)

Problems with the Traditional Political Spectrum Economic Freedom vs. Political Freedom Some favor individual liberty on economic AND personal/ social issues Some favor government control on economic AND personal/ social issues Some favor government control on economic issues BUT individual liberty on personal/ social issues Some favor individual liberty on economic issues BUT government control on personal/ social issues

Problems with the Traditional Political Spectrum Economic Freedom vs. Political Freedom Some favor government control on economic issues BUT individual liberty on personal/social issues Some favor individual liberty on economic issues BUT government control on personal/ social issues Liberals favor government regulation on business but a woman’s right to choose on abortion Conservatives favor businesses making their own decisions but want government restrictions on abortion

2. 2 additional views (Diamond/ Two Dimensional) A. Populist/ Communitarian/ Authoritarian- Order over Political Freedom, Social Equality over Economic Freedom B. Libertarian- Political Freedom over Order, Economic Freedom over Social Equality

A Different Way to Look at Political Ideology

Where are most Americans?