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Published byConstance Jefferson Modified over 9 years ago
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{ Ch. 1 American Government Distribution of Political Power
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When you hear “democracy,’ what comes to mind? Democracy: rule by many, people/citizens have a say or influence in political decisions or action rule by many, people/citizens have a say or influence in political decisions or action DIRECTREPRESENTATIVE citizens participate in ALL decisionscitizens elected to represent the Directly (voting on every issue)citizenry as a whole (legislatures, senators, governors, etc.) (legislatures, senators, governors, etc.) Democracy
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What are the advantages of a direct democracy? What are the disadvantages of a direct democracy What are the advantages of a representative democracy? What are the disadvantages of a representative democracy? Democracy
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Direct Democracy POSITIVES??NEGATIVES?? - Every voice = heard- not everyone is informed/educated - Equality - possible in large communities? - Majority rules- time consuming Representative Democracy POSITIVES??NEGATIVES?? - Informed/Educated making decisions- Possible corruption - Faster process- voter/nonvoter disinterest - Politician specialization to area - not all voices or interests are heard Direct v. Representative
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When majoritarian politics is NOT always a reality or an option… BUT decisions and policies need to be made…….. Political Power Views!! Majoritarian politics: rule by majority
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“Societal class”: - corporate/capitalist rich leaders dominate government Class View
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“Power group”: - few wealthy and powerful top leaders who do NOT hold elective office that dominates government * Top military officials * Labor union leaders * Interest group heads * Media executives Power Elite View Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army
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“Bureaucracy”: (large organization/administration/executive branch) - appointed officials of a bureaucracy dominate government OVER elected officials (congressmen) Bureaucratic View
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“Plural”/many - competition among many different affected interests shapes policy * states, cities * school boards * environment - No single “group "dominates (elite, social class, or bureaucracy) or can control all of the political factors that go into policy making * money * media coverage * education/prestige Pluralist View
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TASK: in pairs, attempt to fill in the 4-way venn diagram that compares and contrasts ALL views! Power View Venn Diagram
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