Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy Lecture & Discussion 1: An Introduction to Political Power

Enduring Understanding A balance between governmental power and individual rights has been a hallmark of American political development.

Objective(s) To define political power and identify and understand theories of American democracy.

Do Now Respond to the prompts: List any individuals, institutions and/or circumstances that have power over you. List any individuals, institutions and/or circumstances in which you have power. How do you feel about power in your life?

A. What is Government? government: the institution through which a society makes and enforces public policy public policy: the goals government pursues in the areas of human affairs politics: the method or process to control government and establish the political agenda

B. The Power to Rule power: “the possibility of imposing one’s will upon the behavior of other persons” - Weber political power is associated with those who hold office or impact government authority: the right to use power in government, “formal authority” has been defined in some legal or official way

B. The Power to Rule legitimacy: power and authority are accepted as valid by the people U.S. Constitution is the source of “formal authority” in this country

C. What is Democracy? democracy: the “rule of the many” Types of Democracy participatory democracy: a government in which the people determine public policy (Ie. “Aristotelian” democracy in ancient Greece or New England town halls today) representative democracy: a government in which elected officials are authorized to make decisions on behalf of the people

C. What is Democracy? Theories or Views of American Democracy majoritarianism: elected officials are “delegates” of the people – majority rule elitism: an identifiable group of persons possess a disproportionate share of political power (Ie. Marxist, power elite & bureaucratic views) pluralism: political power is exercised among multiple groups as no single elite monopolizes the policy making process

Video: Does Government Represent the People? https://act.represent.us/sign/the-problem Directions: Watch the video and answer the prompts. Describe the data presented in the graph from the Princeton study. Explain what the data implies about American democracy. Which theory of democracy is best supported by the evidence from the video? Explain.