The Political Landscape Unit 1

Founding a New System At the time of the founding of our nation several forms of governments existed… Monarchy Oligarchy Aristocracy All are based on elite rule and give few rights to the people who live under them. The colonists did not want to live under the systems they had suffered under in the Old World so they established a new system: democracy.

The Theory of Democratic Government Direct democracy Indirect democracy Republic

Direct Democracy A system in which all come together periodically to discuss policy and abide by majority rule. New England town meeting

Indirect Democracy A system of government that allows citizens to vote for representatives who will work on their behalf.

Republic A government rooted in the consent of the governed.

Power Structure All governments, including democracy can organize power in one of 3 ways Unitary Confederation Federal

Unitary Confederation Federal Types of Governments Unitary Confederation Federal Definition: One central government controls weaker states. Power is not shared between states, counties, or provinces. Definition: An organization of states agrees to follow a central government.; nations can choose to follow or not follow the lead of the central government. Power is shared by a powerful central government and states or provinces that are given considerable self-rule, usually through their own legislatures. Examples: China, United Kingdom (although Scotland has been granted self-rule). The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), formerly known as the Soviet Union. Also, Switzerland's canton system and the Confederate States of America (1861-1865) The United States, Australia, the Federal Republic of Germany.

Characteristics of American Democracy individual liberty (few restrictions/fairness) majority rule with minority rights (protect against tyranny) free elections (all votes equal, opportunities to participate are high) competing political parties (major parties point out differences/faults with opposition, work to make officials responsible)

Democracies Flourish When… Economic climate is favorable free market thinking lends itself well to good political decision making Education is widespread high levels of spending and choice Social consensus Citizens tend to agree on basic values like: liberty, equality, etc.

American Political Culture and the American People Population of the United States: July 1, 1900 there were 76,094,000 Today there are over 294,175,096 One birth every.................................. 8 seconds One death every.................................. 13 seconds One international migrant (net) every............ 36 seconds One Federal U.S. citizen (net) returning every...2891 seconds Net gain of one person every..................... 13 seconds Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division

Changing Demographics Not only are we bigger we are also more diverse. In colonial times most Americans were Anglo-Saxon. In 2000, the U.S. population was made up of… whites 69.1% African Americans 12.1% Hispanics 12.5% Asian 3.6%

Graying of America In 2011, the “baby boom” generation will begin to turn 65, and by 2030, it is projected that one in five people will be age 65 or older. The growth of the population age 65 and older will affect every aspect of our society, presenting challenges as well as opportunities to policymakers, families, businesses, and health care providers.