1. Chapter 1
Political Theory

2. Politics
Politics comes from the Ancient Greek word Polis, which means city-state
Republic comes from the Roman words res publica, meaning for the public matter – this was opposed to a monarchy
All societies throughout time have had some form of government
After 1776 America wanted to get as far away from a monarchy as possible

3. Government Even the most basic societies require rules (Constitution)
BUT, successful government requires informed and active citizens

4. The United States
A country formed by rejects, exiles, runaways, criminals, and adventurers
We believe we should make the country better for our children
We are optimistic
We are risk takers
We believe that our system, which may not be perfect, is the best possible
“One nation under God”

5. Politics Today
Who gets what, when, and how

6. Public Policy
Four key institutions that make public policy at the national level:
Congress
President
The Courts
Bureaucracy - Cabinet

7. Functions of all Governments
1. Establish the laws societies need laws and the rational dispensing of justice
2. Insures domestic tranquility

8. 3. Provide for Common Defense - Commander in Chief
4. Promoting the General Welfare - Social Security
5. Securing the Blessings of Liberty - citizens enjoy liberties (freedoms)

9. What do you want from your government?
Why are rules important?
Who makes the rules and why?
What rules do you think should apply at South Cobb?
Will there be a revolution?
Can there be a compromise?
Why did the United States want to separate from Great Britain?

10. Political Spectrum Conservatives = Against change
LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE
Communist Centrist Fascist ___________________________________
Demos
Reps
Conservatives = Against change
Liberals = Freedom (Libertarians)
COMPROMISE!!!!!!

11. Political Ideology Fascists – extreme Right-wing
Communist – extreme Left-wing
Liberal – wants political, economic, and social change to develop equality
Conservative – wants to maintain the status quo
Libertarian – oppose government intervention in personal liberties

12. Traditional Democratic Theory
1. Equality in voting
2. Effective representation
3. Enlightened understanding
4. Citizen control of agenda
5. Inclusion

13. Representation
Relationship between the few leaders & the many followers

14. Contemporary Theories
1. Pluralist Theory — many centers of influence compete for power
All groups can make themselves heard at some stage or level
No one group or set of groups dominates

15. 2. Elite & Class Theory — claims our society is divided among class lines
Upper class rules
Wealth is basis of class power
Big business at center

16. 3. Hyperpluralism — pluralism gone bad
Many groups are so strong that government is unable to act
Creates muddled policy or no policy at all

17. Challenges to Democracy
1. Technical expertise
2. Limited participation
3. Rising campaign costs
4. Diversity of American political interests

18. Government Spending National defense takes 1/6 of federal budget
Social Security takes more than 1/5 — largest item on budget

19. American Government
Our govt actually does less & is quite small compared to others
Tax burden on us– relatively small
You get what you pay for
All candidates can promise to lower taxes

20. Individualism Dominant theme
Highly valued in U.S.—strong preference for free markets & limited govt.

21. Changing Demographics
America is getting older and more diverse

22. Classical Origins Ancient Greece Ancient Rome Athenian Democracy
The Assembly
Citizenship
Ancient Rome
Republic in Rome
The Senate
The Consuls

23. English Heritage Magna Carta (1215) Parliament
Nobles vs. King John
Limited monarchy to guarantee nobles rights and protections
Parliament
House of Lords
House of Commons
Petition of Right (1628)
Applied protections of the Magna Carta to rest of the English citizens
Restricted the monarchy further
English Bill of Rights (1689)
Free parliamentary elections, speedy trials, prohibit cruel and unusual punishment, petition the monarch, no taxation without consent of Parliament

24. The Enlightenment 16th-18th Centuries
Age of Reason (Enlightenment)
Inspired by the Scientific Revolution
Empiricism and Logic applied to human behavior
Break from tradition, heredity, religion (divine-right of kings)
Natural Laws applied to society - Natural Rights
Each individual born with natural rights such as life, liberty, property
Could never be denied like the laws of nature
Social Contracts
Established relationships between individuals/citizens and governments
Based on mutual consent – Mayflower Compact

25. The Enlightenment from England
Social Contract Theory
Thomas Hobbes
Leviathan
Society inherently evil and thus requires a strong central government ex. absolute monarch
John Locke
Second Treatise on Civil Government
State of nature - life, liberty, and property
Consent of the governed
Right to revolution

26. The Philosophes Baron de Montesquieu Voltaire Rousseau
Spirit of the Laws
Checks and balances
Three branches of government
Voltaire
Advocated individual freedoms; criticized traditional institutions
Candide
Rousseau
On the Social Contract
Based on the General Will
Was for complete freedom without constraints