Government and Politics

Why Government? Protect the Citizenry Secure Order Laws Regulatory agencies – organizations established by the government to enforce statutes that apply to a particular activity. Secure Order

Why Government? Distribute Power Equitably Provide a Safety Net Government provides a minimum standard of living below which it will not allow citizens to fall.

Voting In the first election for which a popular vote was recorded (1824), less than 4% of the population voted. The 15th Amendment (1870) gave black males the right to vote. State and local governments found numerous ways to subvert this right.

Voting The 19th Amendment (1920) gave women the right to vote. The 26th Amendment (1971) extended the right to vote to 18-year-olds.

Pluralism or Power Elites? Pluralism – the more or less equal distribution of power among interest groups. Interest Group – a group that attempts to influence public opinion and political decisions in accord with the particular interests of its members. National Rifle Association (NRA) National Organization of Women (NOW)

Pluralism or Power Elites? Power Elite Model – a model of politics in which power is concentrated in political, economic, and military leaders.

The Failure of Trust Only a little over a third of all Americans express confidence in the Supreme Court and presidency. One in eight has confidence in Congress

The Failure of Trust Lack of Citizen Participation. Low voter turnout is not a new phenomenon in American politics. About half or less of the voting-age population participates in national elections. National Voter Registration Act.

The Failure of Trust Altered Voting Patterns. Political Alienation – a feeling of political disillusionment, powerlessness, and estrangement.

The Economics of Campaigning In 2008, Senate candidates spent $449 million for 33 open seats. The cost of campaigning will only go up after the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision. Allowed for the creation of “Super PACs.”

The Economics of Campaigning People without access to considerable sums of money or money-raising skills are unlikely to win an election. Campaign finance reform.

The Media Political Campaigns Political Agendas and Government Actions A substantial proportion of Americas rely on television for their political news. Political Agendas and Government Actions Control of the media lies in the hands of a small group of corporations.

The Media Failure of Trust The Internet Media give much coverage to scandals, including matters that would have been glossed over as private affairs in past decades. The Internet Use of the Internet has become increasingly important for campaigning--Barack Obama owes his 2008 election win in part to active Internet campaigners.

Interest Groups Most effective way to influence government. There are about 30,000 interest groups in the U.S.

Interest Groups In the 2008 election, Political Action Committees (PACs) contributed $412.8 million to various candidates.

Interest Groups Lobbyist – An individual who tries to influence legislation in accord with the preferences of an interest group.