An Introduction to American Governmet Mr. Lucas Plotnik Culver City High School

I. Questions A. How has government and politics affected your life?

I. Questions How has government and politics affected your life?

I. Questions How has government and politics affected your life?

I. Questions How has government and politics affected your life?

B. Many people especially young people are apathetic about politics B. Many people especially young people are apathetic about politics. Why?

B. Many people especially young people are apathetic about politics B. Many people especially young people are apathetic about politics. Why? People feel they can not make a difference They believe the system is corrupt They don’t care

http://www. thedailyshow http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-may-7-2012/virginia-s-enthusiastic-young-voters

C. Why is it important that people stay informed and get involved?

C. Why is it important that people stay informed and get involved? It fosters civic virtues such as tolerance It helps citizens figure out which policies will benefit them. It promotes active participation A. Those who participate in the political process are more likely to benefit from government programs and policies.

II. Government A. The formal institutions that make policies or laws on behalf of the people.

What should the role of government be?

B. All governments are suppose to do three things Maintain national defense and maintain public order Provide public services Collect Taxes Socialize the young C. Linkage Institutions refer to the means in which people interact with their government including expressing their concerns

III. Public Policy Government actions that are meant to control the behavior of people. Law and Policy are not the same thing! Example: The law sets the speed limit at 65, yet the policy of the police is not to pull you over unless you go over 70.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVzzGZfZXqw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bgcUjiLvtk

IV. Types of Democracy Direct and Representative (republic)

b. Criteria for Democracy Effective Participation Enlightened Understanding Citizens control the political agenda Inclusion Majority Rule

V. Theories of Democracy Pluralist: People naturally are social and form associations. Pluralist believe that politics is a struggle among groups to obtain hold political power, yet it is done in a democratic fashion. Elitism or Class Theory: Believe that wealth is the basis of all power. Hyper Pluralism : Interest Groups become too powerful and dominate the decision making process.

VI. Challenges to Democracy The Law is becoming increasingly technical Limited Participation Escalating Campaign Costs Diverse political Interest

Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFjh2dl16Zs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNqOSORjg4g

Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZBm4G62e1qc#!