Introducing Government in America Chapter 1

Learning Objectives for Chapter 1 Government- functions and why they matter Politics- define politics and the context of democratic government Policymaking System- how citizens impact public policy and how policies impact citizens Democracy- identify key principles of democracy, theories of democracy and the challenges democracy faces today The Scope of Government in America- outline arguments over the role and scope of government in America

Government Government makes public policies made for society. Governments must perform five basic functions. Maintain a national defense. Provide public services. Preserve order. Socialize the young. Collect taxes. What are the 4 national institutions that make policy?

Politics Politics is the process by which we select our governmental leaders and what policies they pursue. Harold Lasswell defines politics as the struggle over who gets what, when, and how. People participate in politics through voting, running for office, having their voice herd through support of single-issue groups or forming their own interest groups

Policymaking System People Shape Policy People have interests, problems, and concerns. Four linkage institutions political parties, elections, mass media, and interest groups. Linkage institutions transmit our preferences to policymakers All these institutions shape the policy agenda Policy agenda are the issues that attract the attention of public officials. The four policymaking institutions are the legislative branch, executive branch, judicial branch, and the bureaucracy Policy agenda is always changing Responds more to failures than successes

Policymaking System Policies Impact People Public policy is a choice that government makes in response to a political issue. Policy impacts are the effects a policy has on people and problems. People want policies that address their interests, problems and concerns

democracy

Democracy Traditional Democratic Theory Democracy is a system in which policy represents and responds to the public’s preferences. Five components of Traditional Democratic Theory equality in voting, effective participation enlightened understanding, citizen control of the agenda, inclusion. Democracies practice majority rule, non-infringement on minority rights and the idea of representation

Democracy Three Contemporary Theories of American Democracy Pluralist Theory is a theory of government and policies emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies. There are multiple access points to government Group compromise is essential Everybody has a voice in the political process, not just electoral majorities Generally optimistic that the public interest will win out

Democracy Elite and Class Theory contends that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule. Policies benefit those with money and power. Center of this theory is that big business controls government

Democracy Hyperpluralism is a theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened. Confusing and contradictory policies result from politicians trying to placate every group. So many groups competing for power that the government can’t take any action Public interest can’t be translated into public policy

Challenges to Democracy Increased complexity of issues make it harder for citizens to make decisions. Limited participation in government, especially voting. Escalating campaign costs stop people from running for office. Diverse political interests result into policy gridlock.

Democracy American Political Culture and Democracy Political culture is an overall set of values widely shared within a society. Five elements of American political culture are Liberty- cornerstone for the Bill of Rights egalitarianism- equality of opportunity (social and political) Individualism- belief that we can get ahead on our own laissez-faire- promotion of free markets and limited government Populism- politics is for the people, politicians represent “the people”