Politics Now out of favor Still matters Aristotle’s “master science”

An Interdisciplinary Study History Human Geography Economics Sociology Anthropology Psychology

Power Distinguishing feature of political science Ability of one person to get another to do something

An Empirical Science Hypothesis Quantified data Qualitative data

Scholarly Work Reasoned Balanced Supported by evidence

Politicians Love power Seek popularity Practical thinking Hold firm views Offer single causes See short-term payoff Plan for next election Respond to groups Seek name recognition

Political Scientists Skeptical of power Seek accuracy Abstract thinking Reach tentative conclusions Offer many causes See long-term consequences Plan for next publication Seek good of whole Seek professional prestige

Development of Governments Why do people form and then put up with governments? State of “nature” Chaos vs order & predictability Protection of property and investment Liberties and human rights

Nation, State or Both? A nation is a population with a certain sense of itself or identity, a cohesiveness, a commonality of attitudes, ideals, history and culture. Often (but not always) a common: Enemy or “Others” Language Religion Economic way of living A state is a government structure, usually sovereign and powerful enough to enforce its writ within recognized territorial boundaries.

The Elements of Statehood Territory Population Independence or Sovereignty Government

The Crises of Nation Building Identity Legitimacy Penetration Participation Distribution

The Roots of Modern Government Aristotle and the Greeks articulated the idea of natural law. Society should be governed by ethical principles that are part of nature and can be understood through reason. Government before had been by “divine right,” but these philosophical changes put humans on the road toward self government.

Popular Consent Social Contract Theory (Hobbes & Locke) People are source of power People give consent to government to rule Government provides protection of natural rights (life, property? Liberty?)

Founding a New System At the time of the founding of U.S. several forms of governments existed… Monarchy Oligarchy Aristocracy All are based on elite rule and give few rights to the people who live under them. The colonists did not want to live under the systems they had suffered under in the Old World so they established a new system: democracy.

Indirect Democracy A system of government that allows citizens to vote for representatives who will work on their behalf.

Republic -A government rooted in the consent of the governed. -Indirect democracy

Classifying Governments Statist (South Africa, Brazil) Socialist (USSR, Cuba) State Ownership Laissez-faire (USA, Switzerland) Welfare state (Sweden, Denmark) Welfare Benefits

The U.S. Economic System Capitalism or Commercial Society private ownership of property free market economy (laissez-faire) with rules enforced by private organizations and by the government

Characteristics of American Democracy - popular consent - majority rule - individualism - equality - personal liberty

Framer’s Balancing Act - majority rule vs. minority rights - rights of individuals vs good of nation - state/local govt vs federal govt - branches of government vs each other

Explanations of Political Power Biological Psychological Cultural Rational Irrational Power as a composite

Key Power Concepts Legitimacy Sovereignty Authority

Ideology of Americans Political ideology is an individual’s coherent set of values and beliefs about the scope and purpose of government.

Ideology of Americans Conservativism – thought to believe that a government is best that governs least and that big government can only infringe on individual, personal, and economic rights. Change things slowly and carefully.

Ideology of Americans Liberalism – thought to favor government involvement in the economy and the provision of social services and to take an activist role in protecting women, the elderly, minorities, the poor, and the environment.

Ideology of Americans Libertarianism – thought to favor a free market economy and no governmental interference in personal liberties. As little government regulation and involvement as possible

Views of Government Our ideology and experiences greatly affect how we view our government. It is part of our culture to expect negative campaigns, dishonest politicians, and political pundits who bash our leaders and institutions. Role of the ever faster news media: The scoop Looking at our government this way leads many to remain uninformed & pessimistic.

High Expectations and No Appreciation of the Good Americans expect more and more from their government. Many Americans do not know what government actually does for them. Regulation of airwaves for TV and Radio Clean water FDA inspections Air Traffic Control