To Accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, and Texas Editions American Government: Roots and Reform, 10th edition Karen O’Connor and Larry J. Sabato  Pearson Education, 2009  Chapter 1 The Political Landscape

Roots of American Government  Governments are policymaking vehicles.  A citizen is a member of the community.  Politics are who gets what, when, and how.

Was it worth it?

Functions of Government  Ideas drawn from Preamble to the Constitution.  Establishing justice.  Ensuring domestic tranquility.  Providing for the common defense.  Promoting the general welfare.  Securing the blessings of liberty.liberty

Types of Government  Monarchy vests power in one in the interest of all.  Aristocracy vest power in a few in the service of many.  Totalitarianism vests power in one in self-interest.  Oligarchy vests power in few in their own interest.  Democracy is power for the people.

Philosophical Origins  Enlightenment changes views on government.  Mayflower Compact as example of a social contract.  Hobbes and Locke’s social contract theory.  Hobbes wants a single ruler to protect the weak.  Locke believes the protection of property is key.

The Roots of American Government Aristotle ( B.C.) preferred a ‘polity’ –First to introduce concept of ‘Natural Law’ Thomas Aquinas –Raised the notion that Christianity and Natural Law are compatible –In contradiction to absolute monarchy that existed The Reformation –Reform how people viewed government –People can speak one-on-one to God –Power to self govern –Need for secular government expressed in Mayflower Compact The Enlightenment –Philosophers and scientists for an improved world Through human reason, science and religious tolerance

Government in the Colonies  Colonists fear British-style monarchy.  New England uses direct democracy.  Most later colonies use indirect democracy.  Citizens prefer the term republic to democracy.

American Political Culture  Personal liberty, or freedom from government.  Political equality.  Popular consent and majority rule.  Popular sovereignty, which is based in natural law.  Civil society, or the society created by the people.  Individualism.  Religious faith.

Political Ideology  Ideologies are beliefs that shape worldviews.  Libertarians favor free markets and personal liberty.  Fiscally conservative, socially liberal  Conservatives want little regulation of economy.  Defenders of the status quo  Social conservatives favor regulation of morality.  May favor less federal regulation and more states rights over issues on abortion, gay rights, gay marriage.  Liberals want an active government.  In favor of social programs to aid the poor and regulation of industry  Labels can be problematic.Labels can be problematic

Conservatism Defends status quo – change is slow Less government regulation of economy Favor more power to states and local governments Government is best that governs least Social problems like poverty, homelessness and discrimination dealt with best by private sector

Liberalism Extensive government involvement Government provided social services Protection of minority rights, and rights of elderly and women and the environment Economic, and social change necessary to foster development and well-being of the individual

Libertarianism Pure capitalists No government intervention in the economy No interference in personal liberties Abolishment of all welfare and public works programs Reduction in defense budget Elimination of CIA and FBI Object to many provisions of the Patriot Act and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security

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

Attitudes Toward Government  Demographics shape our perspective.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.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 1.2- Adult Self-Identification  Back

Figure Presidential Election  Back

Figure 1.4- U.S. Population Growth  Back

Figure 1.5- Race and Ethnicity  Back

Figure 1.6- America Is Getting Older  Back

Table 1.1- Symbols of the United States  Back

Table 1.2- Types of Government  Back

Table 1.3- Cost of Health Care  Back