Introduction to American Government Chapter 1

Government The institutions and processes through which public policies are made for a society All of the people, organizations and institutions involved in the resolution of conflict

Policymaking System

Linkage Institutions Parties, Elections, Media, Interest Groups Linkage institution – the means by which individuals can express preferences regarding the development of public policy

Linkage Institutions Parties Elections Media Interest Groups

Policy Agenda Consists of the issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actively involved in politics at any given time

Policymaking Institutions Those formal institutions established in the Constitution Congress (Legislative) Presidency (Executive) Courts (Judicial)

Traditional Democratic Theory Right to vote Opportunities for political participation Political awareness Influence over the political agenda Citizenship Majority rule Minority rights

Direct Democracy (cont.) Today we are seeing a move towards more direct democracy through the use of Initiatives Referendum Recalls

Pluralist Theory A theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies. Groups with shared interests influence public policy by pressing their concerns through organized efforts. Examples: National Rifle Association (NRA); National Organization for Women (NOW).

Elitist Theory A theory of government and politics contending that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule, regardless of the formal niceties of governmental organization. The members of the elite class pull the strings of government to their benefit; wealth is the basis of their power.

Hyperpluralist Theory A theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened. Hyperpluralism is an extreme form of pluralism. The groups mentioned in the pluralist theory are so strong that they overpower the government’s ability to make policy.