1.  In your journals, list as many adjectives as you can describing the US political system.  Be prepared to share your examples with the class. › Consider the perceptions that Americans have of their own government.

3.  Explain how the exercise of power varies by type of government.  Describe the major characteristics of the US political system.

4.  the ability to control the behavior of others with or without their consent  primary political authority in society = the state

5.  the system of roles & norms that governs the distribution & exercise of power in society

6. Authority & Coercion

7.  whether those in power are viewed as having the right to control/govern others Yes? = Authority No? = Coercion

8.  Traditional : power based on long- standing custom  Rational-Legal : based on formal rules & regulations that outline the rights & obligations of those in power  Charismatic : based on personal characteristics of the individual exercising the power

9.  power that is considered illegitimate by people being governed  exercised through force based on fear

10. Democratic vs. Authoritarian Systems

11.  Democracy : Power exercised through people  Monarchy : One person, who inherits power, rules › Constitutional Monarchy : true power rests with elected officials

12.  Authoritarianism: power rests firmly with the state  Absolute Monarchy: hereditary ruler holds absolute power  Dictatorship: power in the hands of a single individual  (Military) Junta: authoritarian system in which a small group has seized power from the previous government by force