Principles of Government and Politics Section 1 Introducing Politics and Government

Politics = A struggle over who gets what, when, and how What Is Politics? Politics = A struggle over who gets what, when, and how Politics uses power and scarce resources. Politics attempts to reach a political goal. Politics produces winners and losers. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Politics and Government Politics is a process. Government is an organization. Each government exercises authority over a state or nation. Politics shapes the rules that a state uses to regulate how power is distributed. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Purposes of Government The purposes of government are to: Maintain social order Ensure domestic tranquility Establish justice Provide for the common defense Promote the general welfare Secure liberty © EMC Publishing, LLC

Government and Economics Economics: Production and distribution of goods and services Varies according to country Economic systems: Distribution of resources in a society Differs according to government control over economy Note to teachers: Emphasize that capitalism is often called a “free enterprise system” or a “market economy,” and that in a pure form of this system, the government has no role to play. Also discuss that the United States is a mixed economy because there is some government control. Next, discuss socialism and explain that it can also be called a “command economy” because the government, or government planners, “command” the interplay of goods and services. Finally, explain how social democracy is a mixture of ideas from socialism and capitalism. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Different Political Systems There are two broad types of political systems: Authoritarian: Government has ultimate power over how people live their lives. It can be totalitarian or it can limit its own power. Example: Nazi Germany Nonauthoritarian: Ultimate power rests with the people in the state. Example: United States © EMC Publishing, LLC

Authoritarian Systems Autocracy: One powerful individual Monarchy: Powerful king or queen, inherited position, not always authoritarian Fascism: Powerful state, dictator as leader Oligarchy: Powerful small group Theocracy: Sovereign God, powerful representative on earth © EMC Publishing, LLC

Nonauthoritarian Systems Anarchy: Neither government nor laws Why might this be a difficult system in which to live? Democracy: Government by the people All-powerful populace Certain rights guaranteed Direct democracy: Government with people standing up for themselves Majority rule by voter decision Indirect democracy: Government with elected leaders representing the people Note to teachers: Anarchy would be a difficult system to live in because there is no order. How does one organize to do anything in a system that believes in no order or rules? Point this out to students. Also point out there are no current systems that follow this model. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Principles of Government and Politics Introducing American Democracy

Origins of American Democracy Ancient Greece Some people were granted citizenship. All citizens had to participate. The Middle Ages  Divine right of kings was established. Privileged groups (for example, nobles) were given rights. © EMC Publishing, LLC

Continuing toward American Democracy Protestant Reformation Supporters challenged authority of Roman Catholic Church. Reformers introduced new ideas of power beyond religion. The Enlightenment Thinkers said reason alone manages the world, controls nature. © EMC Publishing, LLC

John Locke and the Social Contract Theory John Locke: A philosopher who supported a contract between people and government, not democracy Social contract: The idea that people freely exchange some rights for governmental protection Contract breaks = Government fails to protect people’s rights People’s consent = Legitimate government authority © EMC Publishing, LLC

John Locke’s Ideas Influence Founding Fathers Locke wrote while the Constitutional Convention met. “When any one, or more, shall take upon them to make laws without authority, which the people are not therefore bound to obey; by which means they come again to be out of subjection, and may institute to themselves a new legislature.” (Locke’s Second Treatise of Civil Government) © EMC Publishing, LLC

Characteristics of American Democracy Popular sovereignty: Is based on the idea that people are a source of power to government Republican democracy: Uses representation Madison: Wanted representative government to cool public passions Founders: Wanted representatives to be older, wiser than average citizen Limited government: Limits governmental actions Rule of law: Says all people must obey law of the land © EMC Publishing, LLC

Characteristics of American Democracy Common good: The protection of individual rights and liberties while at the same time helping society Equality as an inalienable right for all Majority rule balanced by protection of minority rights Compromise: Give and take in political bargaining Note to teachers: Discussion Question: “Because a majority decision determines the law, how do Americans protect minorities?” © EMC Publishing, LLC

Then versus Now Early on, Americans did not always act for the common good. Madison designed the republic in reaction to colonists’ self-interest. © EMC Publishing, LLC

U.S. Citizens Today Political Knowledge Most know who is president but do not recognize other elected officials. Ideology An increasing number call themselves independents. Tolerance Many accept others without compromising virtues. Participation Middle and upper classes are increasingly involved in government. Note to teachers: Discussion question: “Is it always good that middle- and upper-class citizens participate in the U.S. government?” Discuss pros and cons. © EMC Publishing, LLC