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. 4. Because young people pay such little attention to politics they are less likely to be informed, leading the government to be less responsive to their needs.

9. http://www. thedailyshow

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

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

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

13. III. Public Policy
Government actions that are meant to control the behavior of people.
All three branches of government, as well as bureaucracies, regulatory agencies and the President’s cabinet.
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.

15. C. Politics
A. Howard Laswell: Who gets what when and how

16. IV. Types of Democracy
Direct- People themselves have a direct say over their lives in terms of public policy.
Representative or Republic- People freely elect someone to speak on their behalf.

17. C. 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