Chapter 1 Political Thinking: Becoming a Responsible Citizen “The worth of the state, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it.” John Stuart Mill I. Learning to Think Politically A. Barriers to Political Thinking B. What Political Science Can Contribute to Political Thinking C. Political Culture II. Politics and Power in America A. A Democratic System B. A Constitutional System C. A Free Market System D. Who Does Govern?

I. Learning to Think Politically Political thinking is the careful gathering and sifting of information in the process of forming knowledgeable views of political developments.

I. Learning to Think Politically Political thinking is a key to responsible citizenship, but many citizens avoid it by virtue of paying scant attention to politics. Barriers to political thinking Unwillingness to make an effort Political “spin” White House Press Office Talking Points Modern media Liberal bias in “old media” Right-wing radio and blogs Internet & Social Media

I. Learning to Think Politically The tools of political science can contribute to effective political thinking. Reliable information about the U.S. political system Systematic generalizations about major tendencies in U.S. politics Terms and concepts that precisely describe the key aspects of politics

I. Learning to Think Politically Political Culture The characteristic and deep-seated beliefs of a particular people about government and politics. Rooted in European heritage of the first white settlers. America’s national identity rests largely upon shared political ideas These beliefs are said to be mythic ideas Symbolic postures that reflect partly what is ideal and partly what is real Presentation by Eric Miller, Blinn College, Bryan, Texas. Copyright © 2005 McGraw-Hill. All rights reserved. No part of this presentation may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher.

America’s Core Values Liberty Equality Self-Government Individualism Unity Diversity Presentation by Eric Miller, Blinn College, Bryan, Texas. Copyright © 2005 McGraw-Hill. All rights reserved. No part of this presentation may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher.

II. Politics & Power in America Politics is the process by which it is determined whose values will prevail in society. The basis of politics is conflict over scarce resources and competing values. Those who have power win out in this conflict and are able to control governing authority and policy choices.

II. Politics & Power in America Authoritarian governments openly repress their political opponents Totalitarianism: no limits on the power of the state

II. Politics & Power in America In the United States, no one faction controls all power and policy. James Madison-Federalist No. 10- the dangers of faction Government is most dangerous when a single group is powerful enough to gain full political control Majorities govern on some issues, while other issues are dominated by: Groups Elites Corporations Individuals through judicial action Officials who hold public office.

II. Politics & Power in America Politics in the United States plays out through rules of the game that include: democracy constitutionalism A free market system

II. Politics & Power in America Democracy is rule by the people, which in practice refers to a representative system of government in which the people rule through their elected officials. Majority rule through elections Empowers majorities (majoritarianism), groups (pluralism), and officials (authority) “demos” + “kratis” = “the people rule.”

II. Politics & Power in America Constitutionalism refers to rules that limit the rightful power of government over citizens. Based on the rule of law U.S. Constitution Legal protections for individuals Bill of Rights Empowers individuals by enabling them to claim their rights in court (judicial action) Gideon v. Wainwright- 6th Amendment “…if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be will be appointed for you.”

II. Politics & Power in America A free market system assigns private parties the dominant role in determining how economic costs and benefits are allocated. A system that centers on transactions between private parties Empowers business firms (corporate power) & the wealthy (elitism)

American Political System Inputs -Public Opinion -Voting -Interest Groups Political Institutions -Congress -President -Exec. Branch Agencies -Courts Outputs -Laws -Programs -Other Actions Based on Figure 1-4 page 29. Presentation by Eric Miller, Blinn College, Bryan, Texas. Copyright © 2005 McGraw-Hill. All rights reserved. No part of this presentation may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher.

Ch. 1- Major Concepts political thinking The careful gathering and sifting of information in the process of forming a knowledgeable view about a political issue. political science The systematic study of government and politics.   politics The process through which a society settles its conflicts. power The ability of persons, groups, or institutions to influence political developments. democracy A form of government in which the people govern, either directly or through elected representatives. majoritarianism The idea that the majority prevails not only in elections but also in policy determination. pluralism A theory of American politics that holds that society’s interests are substantially represented through power exercised by groups.

Ch. 1- Major Concepts authority The recognized right of officials to exercise power as a result of the positions they hold. constitutionalism The idea that there are definable limits on the rightful power of a government over its citizens. judicial action The use of courts of law as a means by which individuals protect their rights and settle their conflicts. free market system An economic system based on the idea that government should interfere with economic transactions as little as possible. Free enterprise and self-reliance are the collective and individual principles that underpin free markets. corporate power The power that corporations exercise in their effort to influence government and maintain control of the workplace. elitism The notion that wealthy and well-connected individuals exercise power over certain areas of public policy. public policies Decisions by government to pursue particular courses of action.