CONCLUSION

Politics and its study Definition of politics The necessity of politics The actors of politics The motivation of actors

Political ideologies Set of ideas about the good society Liberalism Conservatism Socialism Feminism … and more Set of ideas about the good society Blueprints for the ideal society Prescribes behaviour and institutions 4 warnings

Government and political systems The role of the constitution The institutions used to govern The 3 powers and their separation legislative executive judicial Decision-making process Method of selection of rulers

Democracy, elections, and electoral systems Rule by the people Usually representative democracy Choosing rulers/representatives Translating people wants into policies Electoral systems & legislative elections

Citizenship, national identity, and nationalism Citizenship: “the right to have rights” by birth (blood or soil) or by naturalization privileges to citizens National identity sense of belonging may or may not correspond to citizenship Nationalism strongest identification sometimes desire to have own state sometimes intolerant or violent

Political culture and socialization Culture influences attitudes, behaviours & gov. policies Explaining differences between nations, groups inside nations, and from period to period Almond and Verba’s theory Inglehart’s theory Our socialization begins from birth with parents, peers, school, the media

Government and the economy Economic liberalism & free market theory Wealth production but worse living conditions The rise of the labour movement & the 1st expansion state intervention The Great Depression & the welfare state Economic stagnation & the questioning of the welfare state

Conclusion Complaining about politics/politicians: mostly pointless Behaviours that matter speaking out vs. keeping quiet acting vs. not acting Argue with friends, family, neighbours Collective action causes change