Introducing Government in America

The Scope of Government Fundamental Question: Is the government responsible for ensuring important societal goals (such as adequate healthcare or fair business practices) are achieved?

Government Matters

Young People are Politically Apathetic Why? – They think they can’t make a difference – They think the political system is corrupt – They don’t care What are the benefits of being informed? – Fostering Civic Virtues – Informed Voting – Active Political Participation

Government The institutions and processes through which public policies are made for a society. Essential Questions – How should we govern? – What should government do?

Government Basic Functions of Government – Maintain National Defense – Provide Public Services – Preserve Order – Socialize the Young – Collect Taxes

Politics The process by which we select our governmental leaders and what policies these leaders pursue. “Who gets what, when, and how.” (Lasswell) – Who: Voters, Candidates, Groups, Parties – What: Issues, Services, Benefits – How: Voting, Lobbying, Protesting

Politics Political Participation: All the activities used by citizens to influence the selection of political leaders and the policies they pursue. – Ex: voting, protesting, civil disobedience – Americans’ participation very low

Policymaking The process by which policy comes into being and evolves over time Essential Components – People – Linkage Institutions – Policy Agenda – Policymaking Institutions – Policy Politics

Democracy A system of selecting policymakers and of organizing government so that policy represents and responds to the public’s preferences.

Democracy Democratic Theory – Equality in Voting – Effective Participation – Enlightened Understanding – Citizen Control of the Agenda – Inclusion Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights

Democracy Three Theories of American Democracy – Pluralist Theory: Politics is a competition among groups No one group dominates – Elite Theory: An upper-class elite control government – Hyperpluralism: Many strong groups competing hinder government’s ability to perform

Challenges to Democracy Increased Technical Expertise – Hard for citizens to make well-informed decisions Limited Participation in Government – Americans know little about leaders and policy Escalating Campaign Costs – Connection between money and politics – Increased influence of PACs Diverse Political Interests – Policy gridlock

American Political Culture Political Culture: An overall set of values shared by most members of society Elements of American Political Culture: – Liberty – Egalitarianism – Individualism – Laissez-Faire – Populism