1. The Political Landscape Chapter 1

2. Objective Understand how our system of government has evolved Develop a healthy skepticism Question and think about our system of government Make necessary changes and reforms Become a more active participant

3. Functions of Government Establish Justice Insure Domestic Tranquility Provide for the Common Defense Promote the General Welfare Secure the Blessings of Liberty

4. Establish Justice – System of Laws and Bill of Rights – Federal Judicial System Insure Domestic Tranquility – Homeland Security – National Guard, police, military Provide for the Common Defense – 55.9% of the national mandatory spending – 16.1% discretionary spending Promote the General Welfare (Soc. Sec., Welfare System, Health Care, Education. Etc.) Secure the Blessings of Liberty

5. What is ‘natural law’ and who, first developed this idea? What was Aristotle’s view of democracy? What did he prefer? How did the Reformation and the Enlightenment pave the way for democracy?

6. The Roots of American Government Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) preferred a ‘polity’ – First to introduce concept of ‘Natural Law’ Thomas Aquinas – Raised the notion that Christianity and Natural Law are compatible – In contradiction to absolute monarchy that existed The Reformation – Reform how people viewed government – People can speak one-on-one to God – Power to self govern – Need for secular government expressed in Mayflower Compact The Enlightenment – Philosophers and scientists for an improved world Through human reason, science and religious tolerance

7. Social Contract Theory (Locke and Hobbes) Freedom and equality are God-given rights People give their consent to be governed In what ways do Hobbes and Locke agree? In what ways to they disagree?

8. Social Contract Theory Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) – Man’s natural state is war – Monarchy necessary to control man’s bestial tendencies – People must give up certain rights to government – Single ruler necessary to guarantee rights of weak against the strong – Intrusion on rights and liberties necessary To control society Preserve property rights

9. Social Contract Theory John Locke (1632-1704) Aristotelian Philosopher and Lecturer Influential in Declaration of Independence Government to preserve private property People form government to preserve life, liberty and property Law-making branch should be strongest Chief executive necessary – Execute laws – Powers limited by the governed – Strong Centralized Govt. (Jean-Jacques Rousseau)

10. Forms of Government Monarchy – Hereditary Kings and Queens – King George II – malevolent despot Oligarchy – Rule by the few – Perversion of a true Artistocracy – Wealth, social status, military power, achievement Aristocracy – Rule by the Highest

11. Characteristics of American Democracy How does our willingness to vote reflect John Locke’s social contract theory? Popular Consent Popular Sovereignty - the right of the majority to govern themselves Majority Rule / Minority Rights Individualism Equality - have we reached political equality? Personal Liberty Civil Society

12. Ideology of the American Public Set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government

13. Conservatism Defends status quo – change is slow Less government regulation of economy Favor more power to states and local governments Government is best that governs least Social problems like poverty, homelessness and discrimination dealt with best by private sector

14. Liberalism Extensive government involvement Government provided social services Protection of minority rights, and rights of elderly and women and the environment Economic, and social change necessary to foster development and well-being of the individual

15. Libertarianism Pure capitalists No government intervention in the economy No interference in personal liberties Abolishment of all welfare and public works programs Reduction in defense budget Elimination of CIA and FBI Object to many provisions of the Patriot Act and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security

16. Choosing your Ideology Want less government – Want Social Security in retirement – Want unemployment benefits Want lower taxes – Want better roads, bridges, mass transit Want better education – Don’t want to pay more taxes Want greater security – Want low fares, quick boarding Want less for others – Want more for themselves Want cheaper healthcare – Want government to take minimal role