1 Video: The Big Picture President Obama has stated why politics should matter to you. Now let’s hear from author Martin P. Wattenberg, who explains why.

1 Video: The Big Picture President Obama has stated why politics should matter to you. Now let’s hear from author Martin P. Wattenberg, who explains why having an interest in the political system can help you decide which issues you care about the most, and then evaluate the way that the government is handling and prioritizing those issues. TO THE INSTRUCTOR: To access the videos in this chapter, please enter your Pearson or MyPoliScilab username and password after clicking on the link on the slide.

1 Learning Objectives In this chapter we'll discover the differences between government and politics. Identify the key functions of government and explain why they matter 1.1 Define politics in the context of democratic government 1.2

1 Learning Objectives We’ll look at the ways you as a citizen can get involved in the policymaking system. We'll next examine democracy in theory and practice and, finally, consider debates about the appropriate scope of government. Keep these learning objectives in mind as you complete this chapter. Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people 1.3 Identify the key principles of democracy and outline theories regarding how it works in practice and the challenges democracy faces today 1.4

1 Learning Objectives Outline the central arguments of the debate in America over the proper scope of government 1.5

1 Video: The Basics Before we begin, let’s watch this video to learn what function government serves. In this video, you’ll analyze this question and explore the core values that shape our political system and how the growing diversity of our population is changing – and reaffirming -- the definition of what it means to be American.

DO WE REALLY NEED GOVERNMENT?

Thomas Hobbes Leviathan
Argued people are cruel, greedy, and selfish “War of everyman against everyman.” “Without government there would be continual fear and danger of violent death and life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” Hobbes believed we do Constant state of self-preservation

What is government and do we need it?
Government is the institution through which public policies are made for a society Why are governments established? What would it be like if there were no government? Who would protect the nation against foreign dangers? Who would pave the streets, punish those who rob and kill, guard the public’s health, protect the environment? DO we even need gov’t

Government 1.1 What is government? How should we govern?
Government is the institutions that make public policy decisions for a society. What are these institutions in the United States? One fundamental question to ask ourselves about government is: How should we govern? Our government is democratic, but that is not the only form government can take. Another question to ask ourselves is: What should government do? Debates over the scope of government are fierce in America today, but there is agreement in a few areas of government responsibility, including: • national defense • providing public goods and services • preserving order • socializing the young • and collecting taxes. Activity: How we should be governed? What are the strengths and weaknesses of our democracy in the contemporary era? What are its weaknesses? Why? What can we do about them? This could also be used for a reading and writing connection, asking students to keep a journal that focuses on these questions throughout the semester. What is government? How should we govern? What should government do? Maintain a national defence Provide public goods and services Preserve order Socialize the young Collect taxes

OK so what’s Politics? 1.2 Politics is a process that determines the leaders we select and the policies they pursue Politics determines whom we select as our governmental leaders and what policies these leaders pursue. Or, more succinctly, politics is who gets what, when, and how. Political participation comprises the ways people get involved in politics. Most people think first of voting when they consider political participation. This is an important form of political participation. The voter turnout rate in the U.S. is one of the lowest in the world. What is politics? Harold Laswell “Who gets what, when, and how” Political participation More than just voting, it’s the way people get INVOLVED in politics

Politics 1.2 Single-issue groups e.g., abortion
Voting is not the only way to get involved in politics. Single-issue groups consist of voters so concerned with one issue that members often cast their votes on the basis of that issue only, ignoring a politician’s stand on everything else. Groups of activists dedicated to outlawing abortion are a good example of a single-issue group.

Policymaking System 1.3 People Shape Policy Politics Impact People
The policymaking system is in effect a cycle. Citizens’ interests and concerns are transmitted through political parties and elections, interest groups, and the media. These concerns shape the government’s policy agenda. Congress, the presidency, and the courts choose the issues on the agenda they will address. The policies that are made, such as laws, executive orders, regulations, and court judgments, then influence people’s lives. People Shape Policy Politics Impact People

People Shape Policy 1.3 Linkage institutions Policy agenda
People, of course, do not always agree on what government should do. A political issue is the result of people disagreeing about a problem or about the public policy needed to fix it. The current health care policy debate is a perfect example. The U.S. Constitution created three policymaking institutions: Congress, the presidency, and the courts. Few policies are made by a single policymaking institution but rather by some combination, as intended by our system of checks and balances, which you'll learn more about later. Linkage institutions Policy agenda Political issue Policymaking institutions Congress Presidency Courts

Politics Impact People
1.3 Politics Impact People Every decision that government makes is public policy, and there are many forms that policy can take. Once policies are made and implemented, they should be effective, that is, they should address whatever problem they were designed to solve. Policy impacts are the effects that a policy has on people and on society’s problems. To be effective, a policy must have a goal, such as cutting crime or ensuring clean water. Public policy Statute Presidential action Court decision Budgetary choice Regulation Policies should be effective Policies must have a goal

Table 1.1: Types of public policies
1.3 Table 1.1: Types of public policies This table lists five types of public policies. Which government institution makes each type?

FIGURE 1.1: Political apathy among young and old Americans, 1972–2008
1.2 FIGURE 1.1: Political apathy among young and old Americans, 1972–2008 In every presidential election from 1972 to 2008, the American National Election Studies has asked a cross-section of the public the following question: “Would you say you follow what’s going on in government and public affairs most of the time, some of the time, only now and then, or hardly at all?” The graph shows the percentage who said they only followed politics “only now and then” or “hardly at all.” Lack of political interest among young people hit a record high during the 2000 campaign between Bush and Gore, when over two-thirds said they rarely followed public affairs. Compared to senior citizens, young people are twice as likely to report low political interest.

FIGURE 1.2: Age and political knowledge, 1972 and 2008
This figure shows the percentage of correct answers to questions asked in 1972 and 2008 by age group. One question was Which party currently had more seats in the House of Representatives? In 1972, the relationship between age and political knowledge was basically flat: Each age group displayed roughly the same level of information about basic political facts. By 2008, the picture had changed quite dramatically, with young people being substantially less likely to know the answer to such questions than older people.

1.2 FIGURE 1.3: Election turnout rates of young and old Americans, 1972–2010 This graph shows the turnout gap between young and old Americans in all presidential and midterm elections from 1972 through The sawtooth pattern of both lines illustrates how turnout always drops off between a presidential election and a midterm congressional election. In 2008, turnout among young people rose to the highest level since 1972, spurred by a surge of participation by minority youth. Record rates of turnout were set by young African- Americans, who for the first time had a higher turnout rate than young whites, and by young Hispanics and Asian-Americans. What happened in 2010?

The policymaking system
1.3 The policymaking system Let’s look at this graphic that shows the cycle of the policymaking system. Policymaking begins with people. We all have problems, interests, and concerns that we expect the government to act on. How are these transmitted to government policymakers? Usually by parties, elections, interest groups, and the media, so-called linkage institutions. These institutions help to shape the government’s policy agenda, which comprises the issues that public officials address.

Traditional Democratic Theory
1.4 Traditional Democratic Theory According to Robert Dahl the ideal democratic process should satisfy certain criteria, including: • equality in voting, which means one person, one vote • effective participation, by which we mean that all citizens have an equal chance to influence the policy agenda • enlightened understanding, which is predicated upon free speech and a free press • citizen control of the policy agenda • and inclusion, which we take to mean access to citizenship and rights for all residents of a democratic nation. Democracies must practice majority rule but the basic rights and liberties of minorities must also be protected. Since it is impractical for all citizens to vote individually on every policy issue, we elect representatives to do that for us. But before we move on GOING BACK TO THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS: What did Lincoln really mean in BY the people? Surely he wasn’t suggesting a direct democracy. He was obviously talking about representation that does work on behalf of the people or “FOR the people” Do you believe today that government is for the people? Do you believe that the policies created by elected representatives are “FOR the people” In other words are our representatives making policy that we desire? If not, why is this happening? Key principles of the democratic process (according to Dahl): Equality in voting Effective participation Enlightened understanding Citizen control of the agenda Inclusion Majority rule and minority rights Representation

Traditional Democratic Theory and the Policymaking System
Discussion: Is this Democracy a fantasy? Students should make the connections with the breakdown of Dahls 5 criteria of Democracy. Example: Equality of Voting-3/5 compromise, Effective Participation and Reading tests to vote, Oppressive regimes suppressing speech to prevent enlightenment, low voter turnout, citizenship procedures and illegal immigration. Students may suggest that interest groups or upper-class elites are in control because of their influence and money. This is the transition to Pluralism and Elitism Traditional democratic theory suggests that the people as a whole are the most influential voice in the policymaking system. Thus their voices expressed through linkage institutions forge policy agendas, and their majority votes elect the correct representatives to implement the policies that will satisfy the needs of the society. DISCUSS: Is this Democracy a fantasy?

But who is REALLY driving policy? Who is REALLY creating policy?
Before we move on, consider the 3 contemporary theories of American democracy and explain who the real driving force is in the policymaking system. Pluralist theory: the peoples voice is most active even though they are part of groups Elitist theory: the wealth of the 1% in this country is so great that it is more influential in forging the agenda and then getting people elected who will craft policy desired by the 1%. Hyperpluralist: there are so many groups, with so much influence that nothing can get done. The driving force in this case would be whichever group managed to gain enough favor to get policy created Many groups compete to get issues on political agenda Therefor the truly important issues are addressed Government is more responsive to the people Pluralism A small group of elites (financial) have incredible influence over linkage institutions Therefor policy only reflects the desires of the rich trying to get richer Policymakers are just puppets for corporate giants Elitism (Class Theory) To many groups compete to get issues on political agenda Therefor policy is full of compromise to keep all happy, and no REAL policy is formed Government is held hostage by interest groups Hyper-Pluralism

Three Contemporary Theories of American Democracy
1.4 Three Contemporary Theories of American Democracy Pluralism is the theory that groups with shared interests influence public policy through organized efforts. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is an example of an interest group. Pluralists claim that no group can dominate because all have equal access to institutions of decision making. Is this true? Pluralism depends upon interest group participation. Are Americans joiners? Elitism contends that not all groups have equal access, that the wealthy have much more power and influence on government than the poor, and can therefore shape public policy to suit them. Current demographics and policy trends support elite theory. Hyperpluralism is pluralism gone sour. In this view, the influence of so many groups cripples government’s ability to make policy. When politicians try to placate every group, the result is confusing, contradictory, and muddled policy. Which theory do you subscribe to? Pluralism Groups of minorities working together Pluralist theory holds that American democracy works well, because competition among many organized groups means that the public interest forges the policy agenda which becomes public policy. Elitism Power is held by the wealthy, the powerful few dominate, influence the linkage institutions more than society as a whole Hyperpluralism Too many groups try to control policy, excessive influence of many competing groups as leading to muddled policy or inaction.

Challenges to Democracy
1.4 Challenges to Democracy Increased complexity of issues What does the average citizen know about welfare, agricultural price supports, foreign competition Limited participation in government Diverse political interests Policy gridlock Escalating campaign costs Traditional democratic theory holds that ordinary citizens have the good sense to reach political judgments and that government has the capacity to act on those judgments. But is that still true today when policy issues are so complex that they require intensive technical knowledge to make well-informed decisions? Limited participation challenges the very foundation of democratic government. Low voter turnout and low levels of political activity by young people are an ongoing challenge. The diversity of the American people can lead to each interest using its influence to thwart others, resulting in policy gridlock. The close connection between money and politics is the major challenge to democracy in this country. Candidates must raise vast sums to run for office, and spend most of their time in office fundraising rather than governing.

American Political Culture and Democracy
1.4 American Political Culture and Democracy Americans are diverse but the political culture binds us together. This set of values is widely shared, regardless of ancestry religion or heritage. Liberty is the primary value of the American creed, far exceeding the others in its importance to Americans. Political culture based on American creed Liberty Egalitarianism Individualism Laissez-faire Populism

1 Review of Reading Learning Objectives
What does gov’t do Identify the key functions of government and explain why they matter 1.1 Maintain a national defense Provide public goods and services Preserve order Socialize the young Collect taxes 1.2

In this chapter we'll discover the differences between government and politics. Define politics in the context of democratic government 1.2 Whom we select and what they do Harrold Laswell – “Who gets what, when, and how.” 1.2 Substance of government doings or politics: medical care, taxes Voters, Candidates, groups, parties Voting, lobbying, campaigning

The policymaking system is in effect a cycle. Citizens’ interests and concerns are transmitted through political parties and elections, interest groups, and the media. These concerns shape the government’s policy agenda. Congress, the presidency, and the courts decide the issues on the agenda they will address. The policies that are made, such as laws, executive orders, regulations, and court judgments, then influence people’s lives. Let’s look at this graphic that shows the cycle of the policymaking system. Policymaking begins with people. We all have problems, interests, and concerns that we expect the government to act on. How are these transmitted to government policymakers? Usually by parties, elections, interest groups, and the media, so-called linkage institutions. These institutions help to shape the government’s policy agenda, which comprises the issues that public officials address. As with any issue there are multiple sides, so inevitably there are winners and losers in policy making. The losers tend to use elections cycles as an opportunity to raise awareness about opponents views on important policies (those on the agenda or likely to be) to the people in order to win votes. Assess how citizens can have an impact on public policy and how policies can impact people 1.3 People Shape Policy 1.2 Politics Impacts policymaking Policy Impact People

Review Gov’t is just an institution that makes policy for a society AND Politics is the process for choosing those who work in the institution SO The Policymaking system is cycle in which the concerns of the people are reflected in created policy. So the next question then is what exactly does a democratic “institution” (gov’t) look like?

1.1 Which of the following is not a duty of government?
Now that we’ve discussed what government does, can you answer this question? Collecting taxes Providing for national defense Promoting religion Preserving order 31

1.1 Which of the following is not a duty of government?
As we'll learn in this course, the promotion of a religion was not intended to be a duty of government. Collecting taxes Proving for national defense Promoting religion Preserving order 32 32

1.2 Which is true of single-issue groups?
Now I want to check your comprehension of single-interest groups and their effect on politics. They increase voter participation. They negatively affect voter turnout. They vote just for politicians who support their issue. They force politicians to consider compromises. 33

1.2 Which is true of single-issue groups?
Single-issue voters cast votes only for politicians who support their stand on an issue. They increase voter participation. They negatively affect voter turnout. They vote just for politicians who support their issue. They force politicians to consider compromises. 34 34

1.3 Which of the following is an example of public policy?
Now I want to test your comprehension about public policy. Personal conviction Parental rule Congressional statute Religious edict 35

1.3 Which of the following is an example of public policy?
Laws that Congress passes create public policy. Personal conviction Parental rule Congressional statute Religious edict 36 36

In 1863 Abraham Lincoln defined democracy for us.
What he probably meant by this: Gov’t OF the people: no titles of nobility, rule of law, all equal so those running gov are truly people Gov’t BY the people: direct or indirect democracy Gov’t FOR the people: all policy decisions are made for the greater good of all people

Super PAC contributions
1.4 Super PAC contributions Billionaires like Sheldon and Miriam Adelson (shown here) made multimillion-dollar contributions to Super PACs that supported particular presidential candidates in What effect do you think money has on fair elections? 38

New Hampshire license plate
1.4 New Hampshire license plate Liberty is so important that New Hampshire has even gone so far to place a slogan to this effect on all the automobile license plates in the state. Freedoms such as speech and religion are also fundamental to the American way of life.

1.4 American Political Culture and Democracy Egalitarianism in the United States involves equality of opportunity and absence of formal class distinction such as titles of nobility. Americans have never been equal in terms of condition. Political culture based on American creed Liberty Egalitarianism Individualism Laissez-faire Populism

FIGURE 1.5: Pride in equal treatment
1.4 FIGURE 1.5: Pride in equal treatment of groups in the U.S. and other established democracies Americans rank very high in terms of being proud of their country’s fair and equal treatment of all groups. This figure shows the percentages who said “very proud” or “somewhat proud” in response to the question, “How proud are you of [country] in its fair and equal treatment of all groups—very proud, somewhat proud, not very proud, not proud at all?”

1.4 American Political Culture and Democracy Individualism is the belief that people should get ahead on their own, without assistance or interference from government. It stems from the fact that immigrants came to the New World to flee oppressive governments. Linked to individualism is a preference for laissez-faire or free market economic policies. Populism can be defined as a political philosophy supporting the rights of average citizens in their struggle against privileged elites. Activity: Although there is widespread support for the basic concepts of freedom and liberty in the United States, there have been many intrusions on basic rights in American history, from the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II to proposals to a constitutional amendment prohibiting flag burning. Ask: Can you explain why we find such discrepancies in an area where we also find complete public support for the basic principles? How might we reconcile such competing perspectives? Political culture based on American creed Liberty Egalitarianism Individualism Laissez-faire Populism

1.4 A Culture War? Some scholars are concerned that a sharp polarization into rival liberal versus conservative political cultures has taken place in recent years. They argue that the intensity of political divisions in twenty-first-century America is a major problem. Other scholars see little evidence of this so-called culture war. If anything, they say, public opinion has grown more centrist, more tolerant of the divergent views, values, and behavior. What do you think? Which side is correct? We can test for a crisis of cultural values by asking if there has been a loss over time of traditional values, such as the importance of religion and family life, if we can make an unfavorable comparison with the citizens of other countries in terms of key values such as patriotism, and if our society is now divided into opposed groups with irreconcilable moral differences. Activity: Ask students to find a political cartoon relating to a recent event or issue. Daryl Cagle’s PoliticalCartoons.com website ( may provide a useful starting point. Then ask students to bring their cartoon to class and discuss how the cartoon illustrates a central theme in American politics. Polarization of liberal and conservative political culture Is it happening? Testing a crisis of values Loss of traditional values Less patriotism Irreconcilable differences

1 Video: In Context Now let’s watch this video that explains more about American political culture. In this video, University of Oklahoma political scientist Allyson Shortle examines the core values that make up American political culture. She also discusses how these values gave rise to the American Dream.

1.4 Which of the following illustrates hyperpluralism?
Let’s see what you understand about what we’ve learned in this section. Can you answer this question? Use of the court system to try to set policy Decrease in patriotism Reliance on Congress to limit special interests Diversity in political interests 45

1.4 Which of the following illustrates hyperpluralism?
Interest groups may turn to the courts instead of Congress, turning the court system in a battleground. Use of the court system to try to set policy Decrease in patriotism Reliance on Congress to limit special interests Diversity in political interests 46 46

1 Explore the Simulation: You Are a Candidate for Congress
What fundamental values and beliefs shape our political processes? In this simulation, you will learn about shared expectations as you play the role of a candidate running for Congress. You’ll discover that American political values are grounded in the principles of the framers, and live on through our political processes.

Explore American Government: Can You Get Ahead in America?
1 Explore American Government: Can You Get Ahead in America? The American Dream is at the core of Americans’ identity. Let’s explore whether the dream is still attainable.

Scope of Government in America
1.5 Scope of Government in America One of the most important issues facing modern American democracy is the proper scope of government. Politicians constantly debate whether the scope of government responsibilities is too vast, just about right, or not comprehensive enough. This debate concerns whether the goals that are agreed to be important are best achieved through government action or rather through means other than government. How Active Is American Government?

1 Video: Thinking Like a Political Scientist
Before we continue, let’s watch this video to find out how and why research on American politics has shifted. Boston University political scientist Neta C. Crawford discusses how scholars who once focused on voters and institutions are now looking at deliberation as the primary indicator of the health of a democratic system.

1.5 The political debate over programs that help low-income individuals continues. Do such programs expand the scope of government too much? Or do they help people to get by during hard times?

How Active Is American Government?
1.5 How Active Is American Government? The gross domestic product is the total value of all goods and services produced annually by the United States. The federal government spends about one-third of this, or $3.7 trillion a year, implementing public policies, and it employs about 24 million Americans. The size of federal government expenditures should hardly be surprising in light of the many issues that Americans have come to expect their government to deal with. Gross domestic product (GDP) Government spends 1/3 Government employs 24 million people Americans expect government to solve problems Unemployment, terrorism, illegal immigration, energy, education, lack of access to health care

1 Video: In the Real World
As we’ve just learned, Americans demand a lot from government. What is the government’s function in everyday life? Real people share their opinions on how involved the federal government should be in education by evaluating the effectiveness of the No Child Left Behind Act, which encourages standardized testing.

1.5 About one-third of the GDP is spent by
Can you answer this brief question about government spending? The federal government State governments Local governments All three governments combined 54

1.5 About one-third of the GDP is spent by
The national government spends close to $4 trillion a year, some of which goes to state and local governments. These governments also have their own budgets. The federal government State governments Local governments All three governments combined 55 55

1 Discussion Question What are the three theories of
policymaking in the United States? Which theory seems most plausible to you? Why?

1 Video: So What? Now that we’ve discussed the purpose of government and the importance of voting, let’s turn to the question, What can happen if you don’t vote? More than you would think. Author Martin P. Wattenberg argues that by not voting, students and other demographics are sending a message to politicians that their interests are not as important as those of the groups with higher voter turnout.

1 Further Review: On MyPoliSciLab Listen to the Chapter
Study and Review the Flashcards Study and Review the Practice Tests

1 Video: The Big Picture President Obama has stated why politics should matter to you. Now let’s hear from author Martin P. Wattenberg, who explains why.

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1 Video: The Big Picture President Obama has stated why politics should matter to you. Now let’s hear from author Martin P. Wattenberg, who explains why.

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Presentation on theme: "1 Video: The Big Picture President Obama has stated why politics should matter to you. Now let’s hear from author Martin P. Wattenberg, who explains why."— Presentation transcript:

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