1. An Introduction to American Governmet
Mr. Lucas Plotnik
Culver City High School

2. I. Questions
A. How has government and politics affected your life?

3. I. Questions
How has government and politics affected your life?

4. I. Questions
How has government and politics affected your life?

5. I. Questions
How has government and politics affected your life?

6. B. Many people especially young people are apathetic about politics
B. Many people especially young people are apathetic about politics. Why?

7. B. Many people especially young people are apathetic about politics
B. Many people especially young people are apathetic about politics. Why?
People feel they can not make a difference
They believe the system is corrupt
They don’t care

8. http://www. thedailyshow

9. C. Why is it important that people stay informed and get involved?

10. C. Why is it important that people stay informed and get involved?
It fosters civic virtues such as tolerance
It helps citizens figure out which policies will benefit them.
It promotes active participation
A. Those who participate in the political process are more likely to benefit from government programs and policies.

11. II. Government
A. The formal institutions that make policies or laws on behalf of the people.

12. What should the role of government be?

13. B. All governments are suppose to do three things
Maintain national defense and maintain public order
Provide public services
Collect Taxes
Socialize the young
C. Linkage Institutions refer to the means in which people interact with their government including expressing their concerns

14. III. Public Policy
Government actions that are meant to control the behavior of people.
Law and Policy are not the same thing!
Example: The law sets the speed limit at 65, yet the policy of the police is not to pull you over unless you go over 70.

16. IV. Types of Democracy
Direct and Representative (republic)

17. b. Criteria for Democracy
Effective Participation
Enlightened Understanding
Citizens control the political agenda
Inclusion
Majority Rule

18. V. Theories of Democracy
Pluralist: People naturally are social and form associations. Pluralist believe that politics is a struggle among groups to obtain hold political power, yet it is done in a democratic fashion.
Elitism or Class Theory: Believe that wealth is the basis of all power.
Hyper Pluralism : Interest Groups become too powerful and dominate the decision making process.

19. VI. Challenges to Democracy
The Law is becoming increasingly technical
Limited Participation
Escalating Campaign Costs
Diverse political Interest

20. Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFjh2dl16Zs

21. Videos