1. The Political Landscape
Chapter 1
Mr. Manzo
American Government:
Continuity and Change

2. The Political Landscape
In this chapter we will cover…
The Roots of American Government
The Theory of Democratic Government
Characteristics of American Democracy
American Political Culture and the American People
Ideology of Americans
Views of Government

3. The Roots of American 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.

4. Roots of Government Epicureans (natural rightsliberalism)
Self Interest of the individual
No participation in public life
Protection of natural rights by government
Government guarantees civil liberties, privacy & political rights.

5. Roots of Government Stoics (classical republicanism)
Common good over individualism
Participation in pubic affairs
Political rights i.e. voting, opinions, public office
Interest groups

6. Popular Consent Social Contract Theory People are source of power
People give consent to government to rule
Government provides protection of natural rights

7. John Locke Second Treatise of Government
Honorary Founding Father (Oxford fellow)
State of Nature – perfect freedom (world w/o civil authority) [moral state]
Natural Rights – life, liberty, (estate) property.
Contract w/ government
Government by Consent of the majority
Limited government (separation of powers)
Right to revolt

8. Second Treatise Parliamentary supremacy – legislative power
Rule of law (limited government to protect rights)
Constitutional government –role of the executive

9. Hobbes- Leviathan
The life of man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
State of war – conflicts of religious views, moral judgments, and exercising power over others (“all against all”)
Strong government is necessary to restrain man
Sovereign representative of the people

10. Rousseau Social Contract
His essay The Social Contract explores the dilemma of how man loses his identity and freedom by creating a state. His opening words embody his basic political theory: "Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains.

11. Montesquieu Spirit of Laws
Articulated the theory of separation of powers which is the basis for the United States Constitution.
Executive, Legislative, Judicial branches
"checks and balances"

12. Founding a New System
At the time of the founding of our nation 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.

13. The Theory of Democratic Government
Direct democracy
Indirect democracy
Republic

14. Direct Democracy
A system in which all come together periodically to discuss policy and abide by majority rule.
New England town meeting

15. Indirect Democracy
A system of government that allows citizens to vote for representatives who will work on their behalf.
Metropolitan Area Government
Los Angeles, New York, Boston

16. Republic
A government rooted in the consent of the governed.

17. The Economic System Capitalism private ownership of property
free market economy (laissez-faire)

18. Characteristics of American Democracy
popular consent
popular sovereignty
majority rule
individualism
equality
personal liberty

19. American Political Culture and the American People
Population of the United States:
July 1, 1900 there were 76,094,000
Today there are over 300,203,717
One birth every seconds
One death every seconds
One international migrant (net) every seconds
One Federal U.S. citizen (net) returning every seconds
Net gain of one person every seconds
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division

20. Changing Demographics
Not only are we bigger we are also more diverse.
In colonial times most Americans were Anglo-Saxon.

22. Graying of America
In 2011, the “baby boom” generation will begin to turn 65, and by 2030, it is projected that one in five people will be age 65 or older.
The growth of the population age 65 and older will affect every aspect of our society, presenting challenges as well as opportunities to policymakers, families, businesses, and health care providers.

23. Ideology of Americans
Political ideology is an individual’s coherent set of values and beliefs about the scope and purpose of government.
Americans' political ideology , with 40% self-identifying as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal.

24. Ideology of Americans
Conservativism – a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change; specifically : such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs (health care and retirement)

25. Ideology of Americans
Liberalism – a political philosophy based on belief in progress, accept change, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties; specifically : such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class)

26. Ideology of Americans
Libertarianism – thought to favor a free market economy and no governmental interference in personal liberties. Libertarianism is, as the name implies, the belief in liberty
The central tenet of libertarianism is the principle of self-ownership. To libertarians, an individual human being is sovereign over their body, extending to their life, liberty and property.
Oppose infringement of civil liberties such as restrictions on free expression (e.g., speech, press, or religious practice)
Libertarians believe you should be free to do as you choose with your own life and property, as long as you don't harm the person and property of others.

27. Ideology of Americans
Populism is a political philosophy or rhetorical style that holds that the common person’s interests are oppressed or hindered by the elite in society, and that the instruments of the state need to be grasped from this self-serving elite and used for the benefit and advancement of the people as a whole. Hence a populist is one who is perceived to craft his or her rhetoric as appeals to the economic, social, and common sense concerns of average people.
1912 – Theodore Roosevelt Bull Moose Progressive Party
1968 – George Wallace, Alabama Governor
1992 –Ross Perot, Texas businessman

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.
Looking at our government in such a light leads many to remain uninformed and pessimistic.

31. 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
Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security
Veterans Hospitals, public schools