1. The Political Landscape
Unit 1

2. Founding a New System
At the time of the founding of our nation several forms of governments existed…
Monarchy
Oligarchy
Aristocracy
All are based on elite rule and give few rights to the people who live under them.
The colonists did not want to live under the systems they had suffered under in the Old World so they established a new system: democracy.

3. The Theory of Democratic Government
Direct democracy
Indirect democracy
Republic

4. Direct Democracy
A system in which all come together periodically to discuss policy and abide by majority rule.
New England town meeting

5. Indirect Democracy
A system of government that allows citizens to vote for representatives who will work on their behalf.

6. Republic
A government rooted in the consent of the governed.

7. Power Structure
All governments, including democracy can organize power in one of 3 ways
Unitary
Confederation
Federal

8. Unitary Confederation Federal
Types of Governments
Unitary
Confederation
Federal
Definition: One central government controls weaker states. Power is not shared between states, counties, or provinces.
Definition: An organization of states agrees to follow a central government.; nations can choose to follow or not follow the lead of the central government.
Power is shared by a powerful central government and states or provinces that are given considerable self-rule, usually through their own legislatures.
Examples: China, United Kingdom (although Scotland has been granted self-rule).
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), formerly known as the Soviet Union. Also, Switzerland's canton system and the Confederate States of America ( )
The United States, Australia, the Federal Republic of Germany.

9. Characteristics of American Democracy
individual liberty (few restrictions/fairness)
majority rule with minority rights (protect against tyranny)
free elections (all votes equal, opportunities to participate are high)
competing political parties (major parties point out differences/faults with opposition, work to make officials responsible)

10. Democracies Flourish When…
Economic climate is favorable
free market thinking lends itself well to good political decision making
Education is widespread
high levels of spending and choice
Social consensus
Citizens tend to agree on basic values like: liberty, equality, etc.

11. American Political Culture and the American People
Population of the United States:
July 1, 1900 there were 76,094,000
Today there are over 294,175,096
One birth every seconds
One death every seconds
One international migrant (net) every seconds
One Federal U.S. citizen (net) returning every seconds
Net gain of one person every seconds
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division

12. Changing Demographics
Not only are we bigger we are also more diverse.
In colonial times most Americans were Anglo-Saxon.
In 2000, the U.S. population was made up of…
whites 69.1%
African Americans 12.1%
Hispanics 12.5%
Asian 3.6%

14. Graying of America
In 2011, the “baby boom” generation will begin to turn 65, and by 2030, it is projected that one in five people will be age 65 or older.
The growth of the population age 65 and older will affect every aspect of our society, presenting challenges as well as opportunities to policymakers, families, businesses, and health care providers.