1. Constitutional Underpinnings

2. #1. Types of Democracy?
1. Aristotle’s definition - direct or participatory
2. Representative democracy

3. Direct v. Representative Democracy
Direct: impractical, ”mobocracy” , tyranny of the majority
Representative: favored by the framers, Constitution does not contain word “democracy”

4. #2. How is power distributed in a democracy?
A. Majoritarian politics
Leaders follow the wishes of the people
B. Elitism
gov’t is controlled by the dominant class
Power elite – key corporate leaders, military leaders, & political leaders
Bureaucrats (nonelected gov’t workers)
Pluralist: no single elite has a monopoly on power

5. 3. Describe the events leading to the demise of the Articles of Confederation

6. Could not levy taxes or regulate commerce
little money coined by Congress
Disputes between states

7. No National judicial system
Congress did have the power to maintain an army & navy, yet lacked resources

8. # 4
Examine the philosophies, backgrounds, and experiences of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention

9. Framers - Young (exception Franklin) vast amount of political, educational, legal & business experience

10. Motives debated over the years.
Key players Hamilton & Madison
Missing- Jefferson, Adams & Henry

11. 5. Key Principles – Pushed by Madison
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks & Balances
Limits on the Majority- only the House elected by the people. Feared the “tyranny of the majority”

12. Critics views Reducing the Separation of Powers
Making the system less Democratic

13. 6. Describe the ratification procedures and arguments for and against ratification of the Constitution

14. The Constitution had to be approved by 9 states not 13
Proponents – Federalists (nationalists)
Opponents – Antifederalists (states’ righters)

15. 7. What were the liberties guaranteed in the Constitution?

16. Writ of habeas corpus may not be suspended
No bill of attainder may be passed
No ex post facto may be passed
Right of trial by jury
Citizens of each state are entitled to the privileges and immunities of the citizens of every other state
No religious test for holding federal office

17. How Democratic is the Constitution?
Original Constitution did not allow for popular vote for the Senate
Judges & Supreme court no popular vote
President officially elected by Electoral College
No bill of rights in the original Constitution
Limited voting rights

18. HOW IS POWER DISTRIBUTED?
Unitary
Federal
Confederation

19. Figure 3.1: Lines of Power in Three Systems of Government (cont’d)

20. American Political Culture
Political culture – is the distinctive and patterned way of thinking about how political and economic life ought to be carried out.
Political culture should not be confused with Political ideology

21. Cultural Conflict
Areas of disagreement include- abortion, gay rights, drug use, school prayer, and pornography
Two basic views
Orthodox – morality more important than self-expression
Progressive- personal freedom more important than traditional moral rules

22. Political Efficacy- The capacity to understand and influence political events

23. Figure 4.5: Changes in Levels of Political Tolerance, 1930-1999
Source: Gallup poll data, various years, as compiled by Professor John Zaller, Department of Political Science, UCLA; The Gallup Organization, Poll Releases (March 29, 1999), 2-6.