1. Chapter 1-The Political Landscape
In this chapter we will cover:
1. The Roots of American Government: Where Did the Ideas Come From?
2. Characteristics of American Democracy
3. The Changing Political Culture and Characteristics of the American People
4. Political Culture and Views of Government

2. Roots of American Government
Governments are policymaking vehicles- From Greek for “to pilot a ship”
Made up of individuals and institutions through which policies are made and affairs of state are conducted
A citizen is a member of the community, entitled to securities and freedoms guaranteed by the government. (recent debate has focused on who the rights of citizenship should be bestowed upon- via the 14th Amendment)
Politics is game of who gets what, when, and how policy decisions are made.

4. Functions of Government
Ideas drawn from Preamble to the Constitution.
Establishing justice.
Ensuring domestic tranquility.
Providing for the common defense.
Promoting the general welfare.
What does this mean?
Securing the blessings of liberty.
Which do you believe to be most important?

5. Table 1.1- Symbols of the United States
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6. Philosophical Origins
Enlightenment changes views on government.
Mayflower Compact as example of a social contract. An agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed
Hobbes and Locke’s both endorsed social contract theory (albeit for different reasons)
Hobbes wants a single ruler to protect the weak. (favors strong executive). Believes that the basic nature of man is dire, brutish, stupid, evil, and basic- therefore they need to be kept in line by strength
Locke believes the protection of property is key. (favors strong Congress)
Hobbes and Locke are both Social Contract Theorists, however greatly differ on the “Natural state of Man”. Therefore, they both believe government is essential for vastly different reasons.

7. Social Contract Theory: Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes – Pessimist
Man’s basic state – war – Strong government necessary to restrain man. Man is inherently brutish, dire
Men must give up certain rights for government to survive. Man must subject himself to laws made by men
Evidence of Hobbes in Constitution is the eventual existence of strong executive branch

8. Social Contract Theory: Locke
• John Locke – Optimist – Men form governments to preserve property rights and justice for all men – If government fails to uphold rights, people have a right to revolt – Founding Fathers tried to strike a balance between these views _Evidence of Locke in US government comes from existence of strong legislative checks on executive power and the existence of frequent elections

9. Types of Government
Monarchy vests power in one in the interest of all.
Totalitarianism vests power in one in self-interest.
Oligarchy vests power in few in their own interest.
Theocracy vests power in one or a few in the interest of religion
Democracy is power for the people.- Greek, demos= the people, Kratia=power
Democracy can be direct or indirect

10. Direct Democracy
• A system in which all come together periodically to discuss policy and abide by majority rule. – New England town meeting **Could this be used today? What would it look like? discuss

11. Indirect Democracy
A system of government that allows citizens to vote for representatives who will work on their behalf.
What are the problems with this system? Discuss

12. Government in the Colonies
Colonists fear British-style monarchy.
Founders prefer the term republic to democracy. Republic implies that the interests of all are represented by a more educated and wealthy elite who respond to those who elect them (trustee view of government as opposed to delegate view of government). Some founders thought of pure direct democracy as “mob rule”

13. American Political Culture
Attitudes toward the political system and its various parts and our role in the political system.
Political equality.
Personal liberty, or freedom from government. (Read text of Bill of Rights)
Popular consent and majority rule.
Popular sovereignty, which is based in natural law.
Civil society, or the society created by the people, wherein laws rule.
Individualism.
Religious faith.

14. Political Ideology Ideologies are beliefs that shape worldviews.
Libertarians favor free markets and personal liberty. Want very little government
Conservatives want little regulation of economy, power to stay where it has traditionally been, traditionalists.
Social conservatives favor regulation of morality and behavior, ironically by the use of laws-which classic conservatives abhor
Liberals want an active government, believe government can solve complex social issues and create a more equal and fair society, yet want government to stay out of moral issues.
OBVIOUSLY, Labels can be problematic.
MOST AMERICANS ARE MODERATES

15. Most Americans More Liberal More Conservative Moderates Middle Left
Liberals
Want more major changes
Want to help poor and working classes
Feel power should be more EQUALLY
distributed-(Gov’t can do this)
Favor the poor/working class/organized labor
More Government involvement in economy
Want to tax the rich to pay for Government
DEMOCRATS
**SOCIALLY, WANT FEWER GOV’T
REGULATIONS
In favor of civil rights for blacks, hispanic, and
Gay Americans
Conservatives
Want few major changes
Believe the power structure fine as is
Feel Government cannot assure equality
Believe Government cannot solve
economic issues
Favor the wealthy/business
Want lower taxes and free markets
Laissez faire capitalism
REPUBLICAN
**SOCIALLY- MORE GOV”T CONTROL
Generally against abortion rights, gay
rights, and civil rights
Moderates
Are in between
May have some
of both views
More
Liberal
More
Conservative
Moderates
Lean
Lean
Middle
Left
Right
Far Left
Most Americans
Far Right
Radicals
Religious
Right

16. Figure 1.2- Adult Self-Identification
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17. Changing American People
Population is increasing in size.
Racial and ethnic composition is shifting.
Country is aging.
Families are becoming smaller and less traditional.

18. Figure 1.5- Race and Ethnicity
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19. Figure 1.4- U.S. Population Growth
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20. Figure 1.6- America Is Getting Older
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21. Attitudes Toward Government
Demographics shape our perspective.
American dream is a goal for many citizens.
People have high expectations.
Voters can be apathetic.
Americans may lack faith in leaders.
The standard of living is quite high.

22. AV- Faith in Institutions
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23. Figure 1.1- Allocation of the Budget
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24. Figure 1.3- 2008 Presidential Election
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25. Table 1.3- Cost of Health Care
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