The Democratic Republic Chapter 1

3 branches of American Gov’t Legislative Executive Judicial

What is Politics? a process of resolving conflicts within a society and deciding “who gets what, when and how” the struggle over the distribution of benefits Politics can be found in all intervals of society

What is government? an institution of decision makers - who possess the power to enforce rules that impose order and stability on a society - has authority to make and enforce laws Why is gov’t necessary?

Types of Government democracy: ultimate political authority vested in the people totalitarian regime: government imposes its will through the threat and use of force - control every aspect of life Theocracy- rule by religion anarchy: no government, no laws

Direct vs. Representative Democracy Direct- purest form of democracy Representative- people rule through elected representatives - necessary for large populations * aka: indirect democracy / republic

3 elements of American democracy Popular sovereignty Political Equality Political Liberty

Popular Sovereignty will of the people 6 important conditions: 1) Gov’t leaders are elected 2) Gov’t policies reflect wishes of people 3) Free & fair elections 4) Participation 5) High-Quality information is available 6) The Majority rules

Political Equality Each person carries same weight in voting Equality exists: denial of vote & gov’t programs Does greater income affect political equality?

Political Liberty Protection of 1 st amendment rights Basic freedom: speech, religion, assembly, press etc.

Democracy Objections Majority Tyranny- majority violates rights of minority People don’t care/ citizens ill-equipped Democracy in comparison

How do we form our beliefs about politics?

Political Ideology a set of beliefs about politics 2 most common in United States 1)Conservatism- limited role for gov’t - private sector outperforms gov’t - individual responsibility - limit programs 2)Liberalism- gov’t action to improve welfare of individuals - gov’t should take positive action to reduce economic disparity, environment, etc

Other ideologies Socialism- social equality / gov’t ownership Libertarianism- opposes all gov’t regulation Totalitarian Ideologies: Communism- favors partisan dictatorship - gov’t control of all enterprises Fascism- absolute ruler / glorification of war & power

Changing face of America Population growth Age - Increase In older citizens - SS & rise in medical services

The Changing Face of America © 2004 Wadsworth Publishing / Thomson Learning™

Changing face of America Women in workforce Diversity - minorities have higher birth rates - immigration - Hispanics are fastest growing minority

Ethnic Change in America © 2004 Wadsworth Publishing / Thomson Learning™

Conclusion Why is democracy important? Why are politics important? Important to see the change in America