Political Thinking: Becoming a Responsible Citizen AP U.S. Government and Politics

Learning to Think Politically Political Thinking – The careful gathering and sifting of information in the process of forming a knowledgeable view of a political issue. – Helps citizens act responsibly. – Defined by process, not result.

Barriers to Political Thinking Democracy allows individuals to make choices. – Can this be a bad thing? Barriers to political thinking include: – Unwillingness of citizens to make the effort. – Paying attention in unproductive ways. News programs, internet blogs, talk shows. – Political leaders “spin” their messages. Ex: Iraq and al Qaeda “lumped together” as terrorists, economic stimulus program. – Citizens don’t know whether their views are sound until they heard alternate arguments and weighed the conclusion.

Impact of Political Science Political Science – the systematic science of government and politics. – Focuses on “how to think” not “what to think.” Tools that help one think politically: – Reliable information about how U.S. political system works. – Generalizations about major tendencies in U.S. politics. – Terms and Concepts that describe key aspects of politics.

Politics and Power in America Politics – the process through which a society settles its conflicts. Power – the ability of persons, groups, or institutions to influence political development. – The U.S. has rules in place to ensure that the political process is kept within peaceful bounds. Government is the formal vehicle through which policies are made and affairs of state are conducted.

Democracy – A form of government in which people govern, either directly or through elected representatives.

Theories of Democratic Governments – Majoritarian Theory - leaders are forced to follow the wishes of the people because majority rules. – Pluralist Theory - groups compete and compromise with each other to get the gov’t to do what they want. If too many groups compete, hyperpluralism can occur, which results in a weaker government. – Elite Theory - groups or people who possess the most more power (money or influence) dominate gov’t. – Bureaucratic Theory - appointed officials dominate the gov’t through unelected jobs.

A Constitutional System The writers of the Constitution placed limits lawful limits on the power of gov’t (constitutionalism). – Officials are required to act within the limits of the law, which include protection of individual rights. Judicial action is a channel through which ordinary citizens exercise power. – Protects citizens’ rights, settles conflicts.

American Political Culture American political culture emphasizes: – Liberty and equality. – Popular consent – the idea that the government draws its power from the consent of the governed. – Popular sovereignty – the idea that the ultimate authority in society rests with the people. – Individualism. – Religious faith and religious freedom.

What are the functions of American Government? – Establishing justice – create laws allowing citizens to abide by a set of principles. – Maintain a national defense to protect citizens. – Provide public services. – Promote the general welfare of citizens. – Ensure that Americans have liberty. – Socialize the young. – Collect taxes.