POSC 1000(003) Introduction to Politics Unit One: Introduction Russell Alan Williams

Unit One: Introduction Required Reading:Mintz, Chap. 1 Unit Objectives: Introduction of key political concepts Introduction to the field of “political science” Outline: 1. Introduction 2. What is “politics”? 3. Basic political concepts – “power” and the “common good” 4. What is “political science”? 5. Why study political science? 6. For next time

1) Introdctuction - themes Politics is everywhere Citizens need to understand political processes Politics is “unsavory” Its greasy... Full of conflict – it is not polite to disagree!!!!!!!!

“Core” political concepts are “contested” Debate about basic ideas E.g.“Public vs. Private” Some say – politics is struggle over control/definition of concepts “Political science is the “master” social science All other departments are limited “subfields”

2) What is “Politics”? Many definitions... Some focus on formal political institutions E.g. media focus on political parties/elections Some focus on process that generate “ authoritative ” decisions E.g. the making of laws/public policy Some see politics as “ procedural ” – process of struggling over resources Very wide definition – politics would be everywhere(!)

Textbook: Politics: Activity relating to influencing, making, or implementing collective decisions for a political community =the authoritative definition E.g. Deciding what to spend government money on is political, but deciding what you spend your money is not....

Politics often associated with conflict Actors struggle over competing agendas War Elections What causes conflict? 1) Different “interests” Actors have different interests in public policy –E.g. Tuition fees

2) Different ideas or “values” Actors pursue policies that reflect their beliefs –Different than interests E.g. Religious beliefs on abortion Can lead to worse conflicts –Harder to compromise over beliefs Argument: Canada is a more “ civil ” community because there is less conflict over values –Text: Most Canadians are “liberal”????

3) The struggle for “ Power ” Argument:Power generates political conflict You need to be in control to ensure that others cannot impose their will on you... Some suggest that many who participate in modern politics do so only to seek “power” E.g. Canadian Liberal Party E.g. U.S. Democratic Party

3) Basic Political Concepts A)Power: Ability to achieve an objective by influencing the behavior of others  Get them to do what they would not otherwise have done. Achieved by: Coercion – threats of negative consequences E.g. Law enforcement or military aggression Inducement – offering rewards or bribes E.g. Patronage Persuasion – use of “information” to get people to act the way you want them to E.g. Government health advisories or “Propaganda”

Three “faces” of power: Argument that power is not simply about who makes and enforces decisions; it is often more subtle 1. =Ability to affect decisions about issues 2. =Ability to ensure that some issues are not raised “Political Agenda”: Issues that are considered important and are given priority by governments 3. =Ability to affect dominant ideas of society

Who has power? 1) “Pluralist Perspective”: Individual freedom in liberal democracies means many groups, actors and individuals can possess power All have opportunities to influence government and public policy Result: Politics attempts to satisfy wishes of “the many” “Pluralist System”: System where many different interests are able to influence decisions of governments. E.g. Democracies not dominated by elites and entrenched interests (traditionally associated with the U.S. ??????)

Who has power? 2) “Elitist Perspective”: Power in all societies is concentrated in the hands of the few. Economic and social elite really in charge Result: Democracy is a sham (!)

Where does power come from? 1) Capabilities (?) E.g. Guns and such = coercion 2) Authority: Right to exercise power. Those in authority are an accepted government. E.g. Winning political parties E.g. Dictators

3) “Legitimacy”: Acceptance by the members of the community (the public) that those in positions of authority have a “right” to govern. Sources: Charismatic authority: Based on the perception of extraordinary qualities of a leader. E.g. “Devotion” to Yasser Arafat Traditional authority: Customs and cultural practices that establish the rights of certain persons to rule. E.g. Tribal elders, Monarchs and Senators Legal-Rational authority: Right to rule based on legal rules and procedures, rather than personal qualities of rulers. E.g. Leaders chosen in free and fair elections

B) “Common Good”: What is good for the entire community... a.k.a “General welfare” or “national interest” Key to political struggles E.g. No politician ever campaigned by saying that their policies are good for some of the community Question: How do we define the common good? Two perspectives:

1) Individualist Perspective: Common good is what serves interest of individuals “No such thing as society” - People should be free to pursue their own goals Result: limited government involvement in peoples lives Problems: 1) What if we all want different and mutually contradictory things? E.g. different interests 2) “Free Rider Problem”:

1) Individualist Perspective: Common good is what serves interest of individuals “No such thing as society” - People should be free to pursue their own goals Result: limited government involvement in peoples lives Problems: 1) What if we all want different and mutually contradictory things? E.g. different interests 2) “Free Rider Problem”: A problem with voluntary collective action, because all actors can enjoy benefits of group action without contributing E.g. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions –Requires government to achieve the common good....

2) Collectivist Perspective: Common good is what serves interest of community as a whole Suggest that individuals should sacrifice own interests for good of the community Problems? 1) Less popular today – associated with fascism and communism 2) Raises problematic questions about “who” the community is....

4) What is Political Science “Political Science”: The systematic study of politics. -Is it a science? Research strategies: Empirical Analysis: Careful observation and comparison of facts to draw causal connections E.g. Why are women less likely to run for office than men? Normative Analysis: Careful examination of the ideas and values that govern, or should govern society. E.g. Should there be more women elected? Policy Analysis: Careful evaluation of existing and alternative policies that may respond to a particular problems. E.g. What policies might help more women get elected?

Subfields: Comparative Politics: Focuses on domestic political systems. Tries to draw conclusion based on comparisons. E.g. What electoral system is better? International Relations: Focuses on relations amongst states and global politics E.g. What causes war? Political Theory/Philosophy: Focuses on debates about how the community should be governed E.g. Is the Canadian Charter of Rights good?

5) Why study politics? Its good for us... Collectivist perspective – for civic reasons! We can make our communities better by understanding politics Individualist perspective – for self interest! Knowing how the world works can help you get ahead... Only 4% of Memorial students are PS majors Almost 20% of employment is in PS related fields: –Government, law, communications...

6) For next time: Unit Two: Nations, States and Globalization - Required Reading: Mintz, Chap 2, pp