political processes and citizenship Essential Question: How are government decisions and international issues shaped by different points of view.

The Decision-making process Governments have to make important decisions affecting thousands or even millions of people. Examples: Should TX students have to pass an End of Course test in geography? Should taxes be increased to help reduce the national debt? Should oil companies be allowed to drill in the Gulf of Mexico? Should American troops be kept in Iraq or Afghanistan to fight terrorism?

The Decision-making process Cont’d To make good decisions, government officials should: 1) Identify the problem. 2) Gather information about the problem. 3) Consider a range of different options for solving the problem.

The Decision-making process Cont’d 4) Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option. 5) Select the best option. Implement the best option. 6) Evaluate the effectiveness of the solution.

The importance of different viewpoints Government leaders often consult with others and consider other viewpoints in order to reach better decisions. Government leaders are influenced by their own backgrounds and views of supporters.

Citizenship Practices Citizenship practices differ among different forms of government. Citizens participate actively in the decision-making process in a democracy. Dictatorial governments stage mass rallies but do not allow free and open criticism.

Cultural beliefs Cultural beliefs often influence decision-making. Example: All government leaders in China are members of the Communist Party. Rival political parties are not allowed.

Cultural beliefs cont’d Patriotism: The love of one’s country and a willingness to serve and defend it. Nationalism: Belief each “nation” deserves their own government and nation-state. Can be both a destructive and a constructive force in a nation. Can harness national energies and promote national unity. In a multi-ethnic country, if each ethnic group demands its own nation-state, nationalism can tear that nation apart.

Case studies of contemporary challenges- International “Hot Spots” Terrorism: Use of terror against civilians to gain concessions. Russia and Chechnya: Chechens use terror tactics to gain concessions from Russians.

Case studies of contemporary challenges – International “Hot Spots” Israel and Palestine: Both sides claim acts of violence; Palestinians want an independent state, while Israel wants secure borders and an end to violence.

Case studies of contemporary challenges – International “Hot Spots” Iran and Nuclear Energy: Iranians claim they need nuclear power for peaceful purposes; critics say they are developing nuclear weapons to use against their enemies.

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Review What different viewpoints do you think influenced the Texas legislature in its decision to require students to take an End-of-Course Assessment in World Geography? Do you see nationalism as mainly a constructive or destructive force? Explain.

Review Which type of government allows the greatest participation by ordinary citizens in the process of government decision making? Dictatorship Monarchy Democracy Totalitarianism ANSWER: C

Review cont’d Which is a major cause of conflict and discord in present-day Russia? Russian patriots want to expand into Central Asia. Business owners in Russia object to communism. Chechen nationalists seek independence. In the Baltic states, Russian minorities demand Russian aid. ANSWER: C

Review cont’d In May 2010, the leaders of Iran, Turkey, and Brazil made the following announcement from Iran’s capital city of Tehran: “We reaffirm our commitment to the Treaty on Non- Proliferation of nuclear weapons and…recall the right of all state parties, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy…for peaceful purposes…” What point of view is expressed in this announcement? Iran has a right to develop nuclear weapons for its defense. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty should be overturned. Iran has a right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful uses. Turkey and Brazil will sell nuclear weapons to Iran. ANSWER: C