Introducing Government in America AP Government Mr. Munoz Introducing Government in America

Politics and Government Matter This is the single most important message of this course. Why? What things has the government created that effect you directly? Why are so many young Americans apathetic towards the Political Process? Why do the elderly have consistently higher voter turn out compared to the 18-24 year old bracket?

Government The institutions that make decisions for a society are collectively known as Government In the US, these institutions are Congress, the president, the courts, and Federal agencies. There are two major themes involved in government: How should we govern? What should government do?

Government National government throughout the world perform the following functions: Maintain a National Defense Provide Public Services and Public Goods Preserve order Socialize the young Collect taxes (in your notes define what each of these means)

Politics Politics determines whom we select as our governmental leaders and what policies these leaders pursue. Politicians decide, “Who gets what, when, and how. Media usually focuses on the “who” of politics Voters, candidates, groups, and parties “what” refers to the substance of politics (medicare, taxes, etc.) “how” refers to the ways in which people participate in government (voting, lobbying, compromising, etc.)

Politics Political participation is the way people get involved in politics. This can be used as to measure the health of a government Single-issue groups contain the most active members in politics. Why?

The Policymaking System The Policymaking system reveals the way our government responds to the priorities of its people. (project image on page 11 of Edwards book) Policymaking begins with people. Why?

The Policymaking System What do people do to express their opinions in democracy? How to they strengthen their voice? Linkage institutions – parties, elections, interest groups, and the media – transmit Americans’ preferences to the policymakers in government. All of these institutions help shape the government’s policy agenda. How?

The Policymaking System If candidates want to get elected, what do they need to do? Political issues are the results of people disagreeing about problem or public policy. There is never a shortage of political issues. It is the responsibility of the policymakers to address political issues within the three policymaking institutions as established by the US Constitution – Congress, the Presidency, and the Courts.

The Policymaking System Policies Impact People Every decision the government makes is public policy. Policies can be established through inaction as well as action. How? Now, once Policy is made, such as the removal of DOMA, they affect people. Policy Impacts are the effects that a policy has on people and on society’s problems.

Democracy Democracy is a system of selecting policymakers and of organizing government so that policy reflects citizens’ preferences. Is Democracy the best form of government? What has democracy come to mean today in the world?

Democracy Traditional Democratic Theory (ideally should satisfy the following five criteria) Equality in voting Effective participation Enlightened understanding Citizen control of the agenda Inclusion (what does this mean?)

Democracy What is the golden expression in US government? (answer on next slide)

Democracy “Majority rule with Minority rights.” What is the significance of this statement?

Democracy What is our form of government called? Why do we have representation?

Democracy There are three contemporary Theories of American Democracy Pluralism Elitism Hyperpluralism

Democracy Pluralism – A theory of American democracy emphasizing that the policymaking process is very open to the participation of all groups with shared interests, with no single group usually dominating. Pluralists tend to believe that as a result public interest generally prevails. Is this true? Counter example – Bowling league memberships decline while bowling increases

Democracy Elitism – A theory of American Democracy contending that an upper-class elite holds the power and makes policy, regardless of the formal governmental organization. How is this a valid theory? Note: 1% of the population holds over 1/3 of the nation’s wealth.

Democracy Hyperpluralism – A theory of American democracy contending that groups are so strong that government, which gives in to the many groups, is thereby weakened. What is the basis of this theory? What can this cause in our government?

Democracy Challenges to Democracy Define each of the above challenges Increased complexity of issues Limited participation in government Escalating campaign costs Diverse political interests Define each of the above challenges If these challenges are not overcome it can lead to policy gridlock.

American Political Culture and Democracy Political Culture – and overall set of values widely shared within a society What is the political culture in the Delta? San Francisco? Birmingham, Alabama?

American Political Culture and Democracy Liberty “give me liberty or give me death” – Patrick Henry What is liberty? Can liberty only exist in a democracy?

American Political Culture and Democracy Egalitarianism - a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic affair. Does everyone feel this way? Republicans vs Democrats Rich vs Poor? Munoz vs Walker? 

American Political Culture and Democracy Individualism What is the “American Dream?” Is it still achievable today? How strong is the individual in our government?

American Political Culture and Democracy Laissez-faire – free market economy and limited government What does free market mean? What is limited government? According to Adam Smith (author of A Wealth of Nations) what is the driving force of every economic system?

American Political Culture and Democracy Populism – a political philosophy supporting the rights of average citizens in their struggle against privileged elites.

American Political Culture and Democracy Are all of these different beliefs on subjects creating a culture war? (show cartoon on page 21 in Edwards)

Finally… We measure how well our economy is doing based off of our GDP (gross domestic product) – the sum total of the value of all goods and services produced in a year in a nation. The decisions our government makes has a huge impact on our GDP.