1. Politics
Now out of favor
Still matters
Aristotle’s “master science”

2. An Interdisciplinary Study
History
Human Geography
Economics
Sociology
Anthropology
Psychology

3. Power Distinguishing feature of political science
Ability of one person to get another to do something

4. An Empirical Science
Hypothesis
Quantified data
Qualitative data

5. Scholarly Work
Reasoned
Balanced
Supported by evidence

6. Politicians Love power Seek popularity Practical thinking
Hold firm views
Offer single causes
See short-term payoff
Plan for next election
Respond to groups
Seek name recognition

7. Political Scientists Skeptical of power Seek accuracy
Abstract thinking
Reach tentative conclusions
Offer many causes
See long-term consequences
Plan for next publication
Seek good of whole
Seek professional prestige

8. Development of Governments
Why do people form and then put up with governments?
State of “nature”
Chaos vs order & predictability
Protection of property and investment
Liberties and human rights

9. Nation, State or Both?
A nation is a population with a certain sense of itself or identity, a cohesiveness, a commonality of attitudes, ideals, history and culture.
Often (but not always) a common:
Enemy or “Others”
Language
Religion
Economic way of living
A state is a government structure, usually sovereign and powerful enough to enforce its writ within recognized territorial boundaries.

10. The Elements of Statehood
Territory
Population
Independence or Sovereignty
Government

11. The Crises of Nation Building
Identity
Legitimacy
Penetration
Participation
Distribution

12. The Roots of Modern Government
Aristotle and the Greeks articulated the idea of natural law.
Society should be governed by ethical principles that are part of nature and can be understood through reason.
Government before had been by “divine right,” but these philosophical changes put humans on the road toward self government.

13. Popular Consent Social Contract Theory (Hobbes & Locke)
People are source of power
People give consent to government to rule
Government provides protection of natural rights (life, property? Liberty?)

14. Founding a New System
At the time of the founding of U.S. several forms of governments existed…
Monarchy
Oligarchy
Aristocracy
All are based on elite rule and give few rights to the people who live under them.
The colonists did not want to live under the systems they had suffered under in the Old World so they established a new system: democracy.

15. Indirect Democracy
A system of government that allows citizens to vote for representatives who will work on their behalf.

16. Republic -A government rooted in the consent of the governed.
-Indirect democracy

17. Classifying Governments
Statist
(South Africa, Brazil)
Socialist
(USSR, Cuba)
State Ownership
Laissez-faire
(USA, Switzerland)
Welfare state
(Sweden, Denmark)
Welfare Benefits

18. The U.S. Economic System Capitalism or Commercial Society
private ownership of property
free market economy (laissez-faire) with rules enforced by private organizations and by the government

19. Characteristics of American Democracy
- popular consent
- majority rule
- individualism
- equality
- personal liberty

20. Framer’s Balancing Act
- majority rule vs. minority rights
- rights of individuals vs good of nation
- state/local govt vs federal govt
- branches of government vs each other

22. Explanations of Political Power
Biological
Psychological
Cultural
Rational
Irrational
Power as a composite

23. Key Power Concepts
Legitimacy
Sovereignty
Authority

24. Ideology of Americans
Political ideology is an individual’s coherent set of values and beliefs about the scope and purpose of government.

25. Ideology of Americans
Conservativism – thought to believe that a government is best that governs least and that big government can only infringe on individual, personal, and economic rights. Change things slowly and carefully.

26. Ideology of Americans
Liberalism – thought to favor government involvement in the economy and the provision of social services and to take an activist role in protecting women, the elderly, minorities, the poor, and the environment.

27. Ideology of Americans
Libertarianism – thought to favor a free market economy and no governmental interference in personal liberties. As little government regulation and involvement as possible

28. Views of Government
Our ideology and experiences greatly affect how we view our government.
It is part of our culture to expect negative campaigns, dishonest politicians, and political pundits who bash our leaders and institutions.
Role of the ever faster news media: The scoop
Looking at our government this way leads many to remain uninformed & pessimistic.

29. High Expectations and No Appreciation of the Good
Americans expect more and more from their government.
Many Americans do not know what government actually does for them.
Regulation of airwaves for TV and Radio
Clean water
FDA inspections
Air Traffic Control