1. Politics Politics is a social process through which people and groups acquire, exercise, maintain, or lose power over others. (Sociology) Politics is the art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs. Politics is the activities or affairs engaged in by a government, politician, or political party. “All politics is local”--Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. “Politics have appealed to me since I was at Oxford because they are exciting morning, noon, and night”-- Jeffrey Archer

2. Political Systems Authoritarian—power is monopolized by a small elite (or a single leader) who govern without constitutional limits and who recognize responsibility only to themselves rather than the general public Democratic—power is based on popular participation in decision making, where ultimate authority is vested in people

3. Authority and Power Authority is legitimate power that has widespread social approval and is obeyed because people believe that those who exercise it have a right to do so--or because people see no need or way to change it –Traditional—based on custom or habit –Legal-rational—based on rules, regulations, and procedures –Charismatic—based on a leader’s personal qualities –Expertise—derived from the possession of specialized knowledge

4. Institutions Institution perpetuate ideologies, often, without conscious, explicit, or reasoned methodology, power and procedures become traditional —makes things seem natural —makes things invisible

5. Issues Issues influenced by politics do not stay confined to one area of the “pie;” they are complex—like humans –Abortion: Can be influenced by or exercise influence upon all of these areas Family Religion Work School Government Media

6. Political Spectrum Continuum Measures social or economic issues In the USA, these positions (in totality) vary by state

7. Range of Political Ideas Far Left —Left—Middle—Right—Far Right Extreme Liberal--------------Extreme Conservative Political Attitudes Change over Time –Mid 1960s, majority of population leaned left Civil Rights Women’s Rights –1980s, majority shifted to right Anti-ERA movement Moral majority Left Right

8. Variations in Political Ideas By Time By Region –Massachusetts and Minnesota Liberal –Indiana and Texas Conservative By Ethnicity and Religion –JewishLiberal –AsiansConservative By Gender –Women are more liberal than men, especially female feminists, and become more liberal as they age; men become more conservative as they age.

9. Social Liberals Lean to the left (side of the continuum) Shape their own lifestyles Want freedom to decide on moral questions Favor expanding opportunities for women Pro-Choice Propose [equal] rights for gay men and lesbians

10. Social Conservatives On the right (side of the continuum) Respect the traditional family –Marriage forever –Children are valued but subordinate –Men at work, women at home Criticize too much individualism Favor Pro-Life Look to the past, to tradition, for answers

11. Economic Decisions about how a society should distribute its material resources –How much control government should have –How much social inequality there should be Liberals favor government regulation of the economy to reduce inequality –Free-market, laissez-faire is BAD –Higher minimum wage and high taxes on rich to pay for social services for the poor Conservatives want limited government role –Market sets wage levels –Want lower tax rates so people keep more of their earnings and take responsibility for themselves

12. Existing Political System Both Liberal and Conservatives want changes to occur within the current system Radicals, those “off the spectrum,” want change of the system, itself –Extremely liberal or extremely conservative

13. Demographics of Representation Blacks in the 108th Congress –39 in House: 39 Democrats; 0 in Senate Hispanics in the 108th Congress –25 in House: 5 Republicans, 20 Democrats; 0 in Senate Asians and Pacific Islanders in the 108th Congress –5 in House: 5Democrats; 2 in Senate: 2 Democrats American Indians in the 108th Congress –2 in House: 1 Democrat, 1 Republican; 1 in Senate: 1 Republican Women in the 108th Congress –62 in House: 21Republicans, 41 Democrats; 14 in Senate: 5 Republicans, 9 Democrats –Of these 62, approximately 12 are also Black and 7 are also Hispanic

14. Abortion Controversy Liberals: Legal access to abortion is the key to women having control over their bodies (economy, career, etc.) during childbearing years and for their entire life. –Establishes independence from men when they (women) have more income earning opportunities.

15. Abortion Controversy Conservatives: Killing of unborn children; the issue is a matter of life and death –Nothing to do with economics or independence

16. Mild Statistics A typical woman receiving an abortion: –Is in her 20s –Has already had one –Is probably white (58%) –Is unmarried (81%)

17. Social –Political debates about moral judgments about how people should live Feminism Abortion Homosexual Marriages Death Penalty –Liberals –Favor expanding opportunities for women –Pro-choice –Greater rights for homosexuals –Conservatives –Want women to stick to, embrace, and enjoy traditional roles –Pro-Life –Homosexuals should choose traditional roles –Endorse Death Penalty

18. Politics by Demographics High Education, Good Wealth lead to “good” social position –Tend to be Liberal, more tolerant of difference in lifestyles Little Education, Little Wealth tend to have “lower” social position –Tend to be conservative on social issues –Tend to be liberal on economic issues Very little difference in the way men and women vote or make decisions. Social position determines political ideology.