Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Chapter 1 Government in America. “There has never been, nor ever will be, a people who are politically ignorant and free.” -- T. Jefferson.

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "Chapter 1 Government in America. “There has never been, nor ever will be, a people who are politically ignorant and free.” -- T. Jefferson."— Presentation transcript:

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

3

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+

5

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?”

8

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)

14

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

16

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


Download ppt "Chapter 1 Government in America. “There has never been, nor ever will be, a people who are politically ignorant and free.” -- T. Jefferson."

Similar presentations


Ads by Google