Introduction Government and Politics Politics - the basics Politics and Economics Political Ideas - Ideology Government

The Political Society No rules or laws are needed in the state of nature. (John Locke) Human nature – competitive or cooperative As we formed societies, we demanded the imposition of rules to govern innate “social conflict”. All societies needs government. Human beings are equal and endowed by nature with certain rights. (John Locke) Absence of government causing society to revert to a nasty, solitary, and brutish existence. (Thomas Hobbes) The political systems created to impose rules have varied throughout history.

From Family to Tribe to State Nation - sociological term State - political term State of Nature (Locke) Divine Right Theory (George III) Social Contract Theory Natural Rights Theory (Locke)

Political Theory Social Contract Theory – Locke Humans reasonable, tolerant and cooperative Government by people, separation of powers – Hobbes Humans nasty, mean and competitive Government by sovereign authority to maintain order with no separation of power – Rousseau Humans corrupted by society – the “noble savage” Favored government as a general will of the people

Politics Politics is the process of resolving social conflict over the distribution of limited resources. It is the process of deciding who will make the rules about what, when, how and to whom societies resources will be given. Peaceful reconciliation of social and economic differences. Politics is ubiquitous.

Economics and Politics Money and material resources are limited. Human desires are limitless. Natural conflict occurs. Politicians and government institutions must step in to resolve conflict. Capitalism versus Communism

Politics and Ideology Ideology - a patterned set of ideas or beliefs about a specific topic Political Ideology - a set of ideas, values or beliefs about the proper political and economic system in which people should live. The role government should play in the political system.

Government The institutions and procedures through which a territory and people are ruled. The political and administrative organization of a nation, state or locality. Governments vary in size, structure, and operational rules bases on many factors. Provides for conflict resolution, defense, safety, and economic prosperity.

Forms of Government Autocracy (One) Oligarchy/Aristocracy (Few) Democracy (Many) Theocracy

Autocracy A government in which a single individual—a king, queen, or dictator— rules. King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lion- Hearted, led Britain from 1189– 99. Sadam Hussein, Hitler, Stalin, and Castro were/are all examples of dictators.

Oligarchy or Aristocracy A government in which a small group— landowners, military officers, or wealthy merchants—controls most of the governing decisions. Louis XVI (1754 – 1793) was symbolic of the French aristocracy. The Royal Family in Saudi Arabia was an example of an aristocratic oligarchy.

Democracy A government in which political power is vested in the people. Direct (classic) democracy provides for decision making by all of the people. (Ancient Athens). Representative democracy or a Republic provides for representatives chosen by the people.

Modern Democratic Concepts Elitist Democracy – political power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of powerful (wealth) individuals. Pluralistic Democracy – power is dispersed among different power centers. –Labor organizations –Professional associations –Industry –Environmentalists

Representative Democracy Today, most nation-states operate under the concept of representative democracy. –Total Nation-States –Free - 90 Partially Free - 58 –Not Free - 45 Individuals are elected by the citizens to represent them in the affairs of civil society. Presidential versus Parliamentary organization is main difference.

How Do Governments Govern? Constitutional Authoritarian Totalitarian

Purpose of Government in the United States We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare and secure the Blessings of Liberty…. Collective Goods – for the benefit of all. Minimalist State – restrict government action to only those things individuals can not do.

Principles of American Democracy – Political Culture American Creed Individual Freedom (Liberty) Equality - political, economic, social –Not complete equality regulated by government Constitutional Democracy –Majority rule protecting minority rights –Voluntary consent of governed –powered by a written charter

Interaction: Core Ideals Institutions Individualism Politics Liberty Equality Constitutionalism Government Democracy Family Education Religion

The Initial Debate: The Proper Role of Government The Founders were divided over the proper size and role of government. — The Federalists wanted a strong central government to promote commerce, prevent political strife, and protect international interests. — The Antifederalists feared that a strong central government would endanger liberty, thereby favoring weaker and decentralized government.

The Current Debate The conflict continues today between conservatives (Republicans) and liberals (Democrats). —Conservatives (Republicans) seek a strong government to protect economic interests, public morality, and international interests, and generally prefer state government action. —Liberals (Democrats) seek a strong national government to protect civil liberties, the environment, and to provide economic security.