1. Principles of Government and Politics
Section 1 Introducing Politics and Government

2. Politics = A struggle over who gets what, when, and how
What Is Politics?
Politics = A struggle over who gets what, when, and how
Politics uses power and scarce resources.
Politics attempts to reach a political goal.
Politics produces winners and losers.
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3. Politics and Government
Politics is a process.
Government is an organization.
Each government exercises authority over a state or nation.
Politics shapes the rules that a state uses to regulate how power is distributed.
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4. Purposes of Government
The purposes of government are to:
Maintain social order
Ensure domestic tranquility
Establish justice
Provide for the common defense
Promote the general welfare
Secure liberty
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5. Government and Economics
Economics: Production and distribution of goods and services
Varies according to country
Economic systems: Distribution of resources in a society
Differs according to government control over economy
Note to teachers: Emphasize that capitalism is often called a “free enterprise system” or a “market economy,” and that in a pure form of this system, the government has no role to play. Also discuss that the United States is a mixed economy because there is some government control. Next, discuss socialism and explain that it can also be called a “command economy” because the government, or government planners, “command” the interplay of goods and services.
Finally, explain how social democracy is a mixture of ideas from socialism and capitalism.
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6. Different Political Systems
There are two broad types of political systems:
Authoritarian: Government has ultimate power over how people live their lives. It can be totalitarian or it can limit its own power. Example: Nazi Germany
Nonauthoritarian: Ultimate power rests with the people in the state. Example: United States
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7. Authoritarian Systems
Autocracy: One powerful individual
Monarchy: Powerful king or queen, inherited position, not always authoritarian
Fascism: Powerful state, dictator as leader
Oligarchy: Powerful small group
Theocracy: Sovereign God, powerful representative on earth
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8. Nonauthoritarian Systems
Anarchy: Neither government nor laws
Why might this be a difficult system in which to live?
Democracy: Government by the people
All-powerful populace
Certain rights guaranteed
Direct democracy: Government with people standing up for themselves
Majority rule by voter decision
Indirect democracy: Government with elected leaders representing the people
Note to teachers: Anarchy would be a difficult system to live in because there is no order. How does one organize to do anything in a system that believes in no order or rules? Point this out to students. Also point out there are no current systems that follow this model.
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9. Principles of Government and Politics
Introducing American Democracy

10. Origins of American Democracy
Ancient Greece
Some people were granted citizenship.
All citizens had to participate.
The Middle Ages
 Divine right of kings was established.
Privileged groups (for example, nobles) were given rights.
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11. Continuing toward American Democracy
Protestant Reformation
Supporters challenged authority of Roman Catholic Church.
Reformers introduced new ideas of power beyond religion.
The Enlightenment
Thinkers said reason alone manages the world, controls nature.
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12. John Locke and the Social Contract Theory
John Locke: A philosopher who supported a contract between people and government, not democracy
Social contract: The idea that people freely exchange some rights for governmental protection
Contract breaks = Government fails to protect people’s rights
People’s consent = Legitimate government authority
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13. John Locke’s Ideas Influence Founding Fathers
Locke wrote while the Constitutional Convention met.
“When any one, or more, shall take upon them to make laws without authority, which the people are not therefore bound to obey; by which means they come again to be out of subjection, and may institute to themselves a new legislature.” (Locke’s Second Treatise of Civil Government)
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14. Characteristics of American Democracy
Popular sovereignty: Is based on the idea that people are a source of power to government
Republican democracy: Uses representation
Madison: Wanted representative government to cool public passions
Founders: Wanted representatives to be older, wiser than average citizen
Limited government: Limits governmental actions
Rule of law: Says all people must obey law of the land
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15. Characteristics of American Democracy
Common good: The protection of individual rights and liberties while at the same time helping society
Equality as an inalienable right for all
Majority rule balanced by protection of minority rights
Compromise: Give and take in political bargaining
Note to teachers: Discussion Question: “Because a majority decision determines the law, how do Americans protect minorities?”
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16. Then versus Now
Early on, Americans did not always act for the common good.
Madison designed the republic in reaction to colonists’ self-interest.
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17. U.S. Citizens Today Political Knowledge
Most know who is president but do not recognize other elected officials.
Ideology
An increasing number call themselves independents.
Tolerance
Many accept others without compromising virtues.
Participation
Middle and upper classes are increasingly involved in government.
Note to teachers: Discussion question: “Is it always good that middle- and upper-class citizens participate in the U.S. government?” Discuss pros and cons.
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