Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byIrma Montgomery Modified over 9 years ago
1
Chapter 1 Government in America
2
“There has never been, nor ever will be, a people who are politically ignorant and free.” -- T. Jefferson
4
Political Knowledge Fosters civic virtues (e.g. political tolerance) Helps ID beneficial policies and affects voting Promotes participation > Young people score less than ½ on political knowledge test as those 65+
6
Why are young people so deficient? Perception/reality of little policy impact Changes in media > multiplicity and narrowcasting Diminished cultural interest contributes to lack of political culture Busier
7
“Government” Institutions that make decisions “HOW should we govern?” “WHAT should government do?”
9
Functions of Government Maintain defense Provide services Preserve order Socialize the young Collect taxes
10
“Politics” Process whereby we select leaders & policies Political Participation: activities to influence leaders and policies – Voting is most common method Single-Issue Groups
11
Policymaking System How policy is made How does gov’t. know the interests and priorities of people? Linkage Institutions (parties, elections, Interest Groups, media, activities/demonstrations, etc.) POLICY AGENDA: priorities of gov’t. action(s)
12
“Democracy” Government that represents & responds to public’s preferences Democratic Process: – Equality in voting – Effective participation – Free Speech & Press – Collective control of agenda – Inclusion
13
Majority Rule (policies should reflect will of majority) vs. Minority Rights (restraints on the majority via rights of minorities)
15
Who Really Governs? Pluralism: competing interest groups set agenda and policy Elitism: small upper-class holds power and makes policy Hyperpluralism: strong competing groups cripple efficient governmental policy
17
Challenges to Democracy Complex Issues Limited participation Escalating costs of campaigns Diverse interests – “Policy Gridlock”
18
Political Culture How is the U.S. a ‘Nation’? – Shared beliefs and values Liberty, Equality, Individualism, Laissez-Faire, & Populism
19
Scope of American Government U.S. governments spend ~1/3 of GDP (nearly $4 trillion) Employ ~24 million people (~8% of population) Differing opinions on the scope of government is a source of continuing controversy
Similar presentations
© 2024 SlidePlayer.com Inc.
All rights reserved.