Chapter 1-The Political Landscape In this chapter we will cover: 1. The Roots of American Government: Where Did the Ideas Come From? 2. Characteristics of American Democracy 3. The Changing Political Culture and Characteristics of the American People 4. Political Culture and Views of Government

Roots of American Government Governments are policymaking vehicles- From Greek for “to pilot a ship” Made up of individuals and institutions through which policies are made and affairs of state are conducted A citizen is a member of the community, entitled to securities and freedoms guaranteed by the government. (recent debate has focused on who the rights of citizenship should be bestowed upon- via the 14th Amendment) Politics is game of who gets what, when, and how policy decisions are made.

Functions of Government Ideas drawn from Preamble to the Constitution. Establishing justice. Ensuring domestic tranquility. Providing for the common defense. Promoting the general welfare. What does this mean? Securing the blessings of liberty. Which do you believe to be most important?

Table 1.1- Symbols of the United States  Back

Philosophical Origins Enlightenment changes views on government. Mayflower Compact as example of a social contract. An agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed Hobbes and Locke’s both endorsed social contract theory (albeit for different reasons) Hobbes wants a single ruler to protect the weak. (favors strong executive). Believes that the basic nature of man is dire, brutish, stupid, evil, and basic- therefore they need to be kept in line by strength Locke believes the protection of property is key. (favors strong Congress) Hobbes and Locke are both Social Contract Theorists, however greatly differ on the “Natural state of Man”. Therefore, they both believe government is essential for vastly different reasons.

Social Contract Theory: Hobbes Thomas Hobbes – Pessimist Man’s basic state – war – Strong government necessary to restrain man. Man is inherently brutish, dire Men must give up certain rights for government to survive. Man must subject himself to laws made by men Evidence of Hobbes in Constitution is the eventual existence of strong executive branch

Social Contract Theory: Locke • John Locke – Optimist – Men form governments to preserve property rights and justice for all men – If government fails to uphold rights, people have a right to revolt – Founding Fathers tried to strike a balance between these views _Evidence of Locke in US government comes from existence of strong legislative checks on executive power and the existence of frequent elections

Types of Government Monarchy vests power in one in the interest of all. Totalitarianism vests power in one in self-interest. Oligarchy vests power in few in their own interest. Theocracy vests power in one or a few in the interest of religion Democracy is power for the people.- Greek, demos= the people, Kratia=power Democracy can be direct or indirect

Direct Democracy • A system in which all come together periodically to discuss policy and abide by majority rule. – New England town meeting **Could this be used today? What would it look like? discuss

Indirect Democracy A system of government that allows citizens to vote for representatives who will work on their behalf. What are the problems with this system? Discuss

Government in the Colonies Colonists fear British-style monarchy. Founders prefer the term republic to democracy. Republic implies that the interests of all are represented by a more educated and wealthy elite who respond to those who elect them (trustee view of government as opposed to delegate view of government). Some founders thought of pure direct democracy as “mob rule”

American Political Culture Attitudes toward the political system and its various parts and our role in the political system. Political equality. Personal liberty, or freedom from government. (Read text of Bill of Rights) Popular consent and majority rule. Popular sovereignty, which is based in natural law. Civil society, or the society created by the people, wherein laws rule. Individualism. Religious faith.

Political Ideology Ideologies are beliefs that shape worldviews. Libertarians favor free markets and personal liberty. Want very little government Conservatives want little regulation of economy, power to stay where it has traditionally been, traditionalists. Social conservatives favor regulation of morality and behavior, ironically by the use of laws-which classic conservatives abhor Liberals want an active government, believe government can solve complex social issues and create a more equal and fair society, yet want government to stay out of moral issues. OBVIOUSLY, Labels can be problematic. MOST AMERICANS ARE MODERATES

Most Americans More Liberal More Conservative Moderates Middle Left Liberals Want more major changes Want to help poor and working classes Feel power should be more EQUALLY distributed-(Gov’t can do this) Favor the poor/working class/organized labor More Government involvement in economy Want to tax the rich to pay for Government DEMOCRATS **SOCIALLY, WANT FEWER GOV’T REGULATIONS In favor of civil rights for blacks, hispanic, and Gay Americans Conservatives Want few major changes Believe the power structure fine as is Feel Government cannot assure equality Believe Government cannot solve economic issues Favor the wealthy/business Want lower taxes and free markets Laissez faire capitalism REPUBLICAN **SOCIALLY- MORE GOV”T CONTROL Generally against abortion rights, gay rights, and civil rights Moderates Are in between May have some of both views More Liberal More Conservative Moderates Lean Lean Middle Left Right Far Left Most Americans Far Right Radicals Religious Right

Figure 1.2- Adult Self-Identification  Back

Changing American People Population is increasing in size. Racial and ethnic composition is shifting. Country is aging. Families are becoming smaller and less traditional.

Figure 1.5- Race and Ethnicity  Back

Figure 1.4- U.S. Population Growth  Back

Figure 1.6- America Is Getting Older  Back

Attitudes Toward Government Demographics shape our perspective. American dream is a goal for many citizens. People have high expectations. Voters can be apathetic. Americans may lack faith in leaders. The standard of living is quite high.

AV- Faith in Institutions  Back

Figure 1.1- Allocation of the Budget  Back

Figure 1.3- 2008 Presidential Election  Back

Table 1.3- Cost of Health Care  Back