Introducing Government in America

Introduction Politics and government matter. Americans are apathetic about politics and government.

Introduction The American Youth: –Few keep up with politics. –Less likely to be informed.

Introduction

Presidential Election Turnout Rates by Age (Figure 1.3)

Government Definition: –The institutions and processes through which public policies are made for society. This definition leads to two basic questions: –How should we govern? –What should government do?

Politics Definition: –How we elect our leaders and what our leaders do with government. –In other words, politics is… Who gets what, when and how.

Figure 1.3 The Policymaking System The process by which policy comes into being and evolves over time. Policymaking begins and ends with the people! Figure 1.4

People Interests Problems Concerns

Linkage Institutions The “institutions” that LINK the American people it their government! –Political Parties –Elections –News & Entertainment Media –Interest Groups

Policy Agenda Political Issues –These arise when people disagree about a problem and how to fix it. Some issues will be considered, and others will not. A government’s policy agenda changes regularly.

Policymaking Institutions Legislature –Congress House of Representatives Senate Executive –President –Cabinet & Executive Offices Courts –Federal and State Bureaucracies –Federal and State

Policy Impacts People

Impacts of Policies: –Does it solve the problem? –Does it create more problems?

Democracy Definition: –A system of voting in representatives to do the work of government for us. Key beliefs: –Equality in voting –Effective participation –Informed citizenry –Citizen influence on politics –Inclusion

Theories of U.S. Democracy Pluralist Theory –A theory of government and policies emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies. Groups will work together Public interest will prevail

Theories of U.S. Democracy Elite and Class Theory –A theory of government and politics contending that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule, regardless of the formal niceties of governmental organization. Not all groups are equal Policies benefit those with money / power

Theories of U.S. Democracy Hyperpluralism –A theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened. There are too many ways for groups to control policy. Confusing / contradictory policies

Questions About Democracy Are the people knowledgeable- and do they apply what they know? Do interest groups help the process, or do they get in the way? Do political parties offer clear consistent choices for voters? Does the President & Congress work in the best interests of ALL the people?

Questions about the Scope of Government How big a role does the Constitution say should be played by the federal government? Does a bigger, more involved (active) government limit the people’s freedoms? Do we need a bigger, more involved government to protect our freedoms?

Questions about the Scope of Government, continued Do competing political parties make for better policies? Do more interest groups create a bigger government? Does the media help control the size and policies government?

Questions about the Scope of Government, continued Can the president control the government, or has it gotten too big? Can Congress respond to the needs of the people, or just to the interest groups? Do members of Congress expand government by seeking to be re-elected?

Questions about the Scope of Government, continued Do the federal courts overstep their bounds and intrude on the powers of other branches of government? Are the federal agencies too large and unresponsive to the public they are supposed to serve?