1. Chapter 1 The Political Landscape Functions of Government Pearson Education, Inc. © 2008 American Government: Continuity and Change 9th Edition (to accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions) O’Connor and Sabato

2. Overriding Questions 1.How has the concept of federalism changed over time? 2.How does American Political Culture view economic and political rights? 3.How has American Political Culture expanded civil rights and liberties since the Founding? 4.How has America changed since the Founding and how has it stayed the same?

3. The Federal Budget Center on Congress How do we spend your tax dollars??

4. Government: What It Is & Why We Need It  Governments The organization through which policies are made and affairs of state are conducted Actions are binding on its citizens  Citizens  Members of the political community  Rights and obligations attached to them Politics  Study of who gets what, when, and how  How policy decisions are made

5. Functions of Government  Enforce the Law  Ensuring Stability in the Country  Providing for Defense  Promote Well Being for its Citizens  Protect Rights of Citizens

6. Types of Government  Democracy System of government that gives power to the people, whether directly or through elected representatives  Direct democracy Members of the political community meet to discuss all policy decisions and then agree to abide by majority rule.  Indirect/Representative democracy Gives citizens the opportunity to vote for representations who will work on their behalf Republic  Rooted in the consent of the governed; representative or indirect democracy

8. Theories of Rule  Elite Theory (Elitist) – all political powers is held by a small group of people, who have the same interests and same privileged backgrounds  Pluralist Theory (Pluralism) – power is distributed broadly among a group of interest groups, that compete with one another in an attempt to influence government  Hyperpluralist Theory (Hyperpluralism) – where too many groups are competing in the political process, leading to conflict without compromise, and nothing being accomplished Which one of these theories coincides with American political culture? However, which of these theories do you believe best describes our government today?

9. Chapter 1 The Political Landscape Political Culture Pearson Education, Inc. © 2008 American Government: Continuity and Change 9th Edition (to accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions) O’Connor and Sabato

10. American Political Culture & the Characteristics of American Democracy  Political Culture Commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about how government should operate American political culture emphasizes:  Personal Liberty  Equality – Opportunity, not Economics  Civic Duty  Popular Consent The idea that governments must draw their powers from the consent of the governed  Majority Rule Only laws that have support of the majority will be passed Minority Rights – the rule of the majority cannot infringe on the rights of the minority  Popular Sovereignty Right of the majority to govern themselves based on natural law (ethical principles that are part of nature and understood by reason)

11. American Political Culture  Civil Society A society created when citizens are allowed to organize and express their views publicly as they engage in open debate about laws/public policy.  Individualism Important political value Concept changed over time – Development of the U.S. Economy – Great Depression  Religious Faith Lens through which many Americans perceive policy and political issues Most Americans have strong religious beliefs. Overwhelmingly Christian Major role in shaping current political agenda

12. Chapter 1 The Political Landscape Changing Demographics Pearson Education, Inc. © 2008 American Government: Continuity and Change 9th Edition (to accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions) O’Connor and Sabato

13. Changing Characteristics of the American People  Demography – the study of population growth and movements  Size and Population Growth both in size and population  Changing Demographics Racial and Ethic Composition  Immigration has changed the nation.  Racial balance is changing dramatically today. Proportion of Hispanics growing at the quickest rate 40% of Americans under the age of 25 are members of a minority group.

16. Changing Characteristics of the American People  Changes in Age Composition No longer nation of young Average life expectancy: women: 80, men: 75  Types of services and policies demanded from government change  Baby Boomers (born in late 1940s-early 60s)  76.8 million people Will reach age 62 and qualify for Social Security in 2011 and at age 65 qualify for Medicare Potential political impact? Will pit young against old.

18. Changing Characteristics of the American People  Changes in Family and Family Size Large families were the norm and gender roles were clearly defined. Industrialization and knowledge of birth control methods began to shrink family size.  1949-49% said 4 or more children was an ideal family size  2004-only 12% favored large families  By 2004, 67.8 percent of children under 18 lived with both parents.

19. Implications of These Changes  Debate over illegal immigration  History of debate on immigration  Demographic changes led to us vs. them mentality for some  Arizona Legislation on immigration and education

20. Chapter 1 The Political Landscape Political Ideology Pearson Education, Inc. © 2008 American Government: Continuity and Change 9th Edition (to accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions) O’Connor and Sabato

21. Ideology of the American Public  Political Ideology A set or system of beliefs that shapes the thinking of individual and how they view the world  Libertarian Favors a free market economy and no governmental interference in personal liberties  Conservative A government is best that governs least; a big government can only infringe on individual, personal, and economic rights.  Social conservative Believes that traditional moral teachings should be supported and furthered by the government  Liberal Favors extensive governmental involvement in the economy and the provision of social services; takes an role in protecting rights of women, elderly, minorities, and the environment

22. Ideology of the American Public However, today most Americans are Moderate. They share views of both liberals and conservative, and are afraid of rapid changes to our society.

24. Ideology of the American Public  Problems with Political Labels May not predict political opinions Often opinions are mixed; conservative on some issues, liberal on others Cut across ideological boundaries Most people prefer to be categorized as moderates.

26. Current Attitudes Toward American Government  Americans’ views about and expectations of government affect the political system. High expectations Do not appreciate the good Mistrust politicians Voter apathy  Redefining our Expectations – otherwise, we will never think government does enough  Watergate and Vietnam – changed how Americans view government