1. Chapter 13 Politics and the Economy in Global Perspective

2. Chapter Outline Politics Power and Authority Political Systems in Global Perspective Perspectives on Power and Political Systems The U.S. Political System Economic Systems in Global Perspective Work in the Contemporary United States Politics and the Economy in the Future

3. Politics, Power and Authority Politics is the social institution through which power is acquired and exercised by some people and groups. Power is the ability of persons or groups to achieve their goals despite opposition from others. Authority is power that people accept as legitimate rather than coercive.

4. Ideal Types of Authority Traditional - kings, queens, pharaohs, emperors, and religious dignitaries Charismatic – politicians, soldiers, or entertainers Rational–legal -elected or appointed government officials and by officers in a formal organization.

5. Political Systems in Global Perspective Political institutions first emerged when agrarian societies acquired surpluses and developed social inequality. When cities developed, the city-state became the center of political power. Nation-states emerged as countries developed geographic territories and acquired the ability to defend their borders.

6. Nation-states Approximately 190 nation-states currently exist throughout the world. Today, everyone is born, lives, and dies under the auspices of a nation-state Four main types of political systems are found in nation-states: monarchy, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, and democracy.

7. Functionalist Perspectives: Pluralist Model Assumes people have a consensus on central issues and the government serves functions that other institutions can’t. The functions of government: – maintain law and order – plan and direct society – meet social needs – handle international relations, including warfare.

8. Conflict Perspectives: Elite Models Power in political systems is in the hands of a small group of elites and the masses are relatively powerless. Decisions are made by the elites, who agree on the basic values and goals of society. The needs and concerns of the masses are not often given full consideration by the elite.

9. Perspectives on Economy and Work Functionalism - economy is the means by which goods and services are produced and distributed. Conflict - capitalist economy is based on greed. Symbolic Interactionists - focus on the social organization of work and its effects on workers attitudes and behaviors.

10. Purpose of a Political Party Develop and articulate policy positions. Educate voters about issues and simplify the choices for them. Recruit candidates who agree with those policies, help them win office, hold them responsible for implementing the party’s positions.

11. Voter Apathy At most, 10% of the voting-age population participates at a level higher than voting. Over the past 40 years, less than half the voting-age population has voted in nonpresidential elections. In many other Western nations, the average turnout is 80 to 90% of all eligible voters.

12. Why Eligible Voters Don’t Vote Conservative argument: People are satisfied with the status quo, are apathetic and uninformed and lack an understanding of the basic processes of government. Liberal argument: People feel alienated from politics due to political corruption and influence peddling by special interests and large corporations.

13. Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election RepublicanDemocrat GenderMen52%43% Women4354 Race /Ethnicity Whites5342 African Americans890 Latinos/as3264 Asian Americans3857

14. Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election RepublicanDemocrat Sexual Orientation Gay, lesbian, bisexual 2667 Age18–294548 30–4448 45–594947 60 and older5123

15. Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election RepublicanDemocrat EducationDid not graduate from high school 39 59 High school graduate 4948 Some college5045 College graduate4946

16. Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election RepublicanDemocrat RegionEastern U.S.3956 Midwest4947 Southern U.S.5245 Western U.S.4548

17. Voter Preferences in the 2000 Presidential Election RepublicanDemocrat Family Income Under $15,0003757 $15,000–$29,9994153 $30,000–$49,9994649 Over $50,0005146

18. Capitalism Four distinctive features: 1. Private ownership of the means of production. 2. Pursuit of personal profit. 3. Competition. 4. Lack of government intervention.

19. Socialism Three distinctive features: 1. Public ownership of the means of production. 2. Pursuit of collective goals. 3. Centralized decision-making.

20. Five Characteristics of Professions 1. Abstract, specialized knowledge. 2. Autonomy. 3. Self regulation. 4. Authority. 5. Altruism.

21. Types of Unemployment Cyclical - result of lower rates of production during recessions. Seasonal - result of shifts in the demand for workers based on holidays. Structural - skills needed by employers do not match skills of unemployed.