1. { Ch. 1 American Government Distribution of Political Power

2.  When you hear “democracy,’ what comes to mind? Democracy: rule by many, people/citizens have a say or influence in political decisions or action rule by many, people/citizens have a say or influence in political decisions or action DIRECTREPRESENTATIVE citizens participate in ALL decisionscitizens elected to represent the Directly (voting on every issue)citizenry as a whole (legislatures, senators, governors, etc.) (legislatures, senators, governors, etc.) Democracy

3.  What are the advantages of a direct democracy?  What are the disadvantages of a direct democracy  What are the advantages of a representative democracy?  What are the disadvantages of a representative democracy? Democracy

4.  Direct Democracy POSITIVES??NEGATIVES?? - Every voice = heard- not everyone is informed/educated - Equality - possible in large communities? - Majority rules- time consuming  Representative Democracy POSITIVES??NEGATIVES?? - Informed/Educated making decisions- Possible corruption - Faster process- voter/nonvoter disinterest - Politician specialization to area - not all voices or interests are heard Direct v. Representative

5.  When majoritarian politics is NOT always a reality or an option… BUT decisions and policies need to be made…….. Political Power Views!! Majoritarian politics: rule by majority

6.  “Societal class”: - corporate/capitalist rich leaders dominate government Class View

7.  “Power group”: - few wealthy and powerful top leaders who do NOT hold elective office that dominates government * Top military officials * Labor union leaders * Interest group heads * Media executives Power Elite View Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army

8.  “Bureaucracy”: (large organization/administration/executive branch) - appointed officials of a bureaucracy dominate government OVER elected officials (congressmen) Bureaucratic View

9.  “Plural”/many - competition among many different affected interests shapes policy * states, cities * school boards * environment - No single “group "dominates (elite, social class, or bureaucracy) or can control all of the political factors that go into policy making * money * media coverage * education/prestige Pluralist View

10.  TASK: in pairs, attempt to fill in the 4-way venn diagram that compares and contrasts ALL views! Power View Venn Diagram