Chapter 1 Flashcards
Define Tribalism.
The behaviors and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one’s own social group, ideology, culture, economic group, political party, ideas, and/or religion. Tribalism engenders separation (us versus them).
Thomas Hobbes’ State of Nature:
The State of Nature, the Natural Condition of humans, is what exists when there is no government, no laws, no common power that restrains human nature and that directs us to escape tribalism, where, as Hobbes said, “life is nasty, brutish, and short”.
The purpose of politics?
Rise from the state of nature. The art of compromise. Not to divide us and help us define our tribes better, but to unite us and help us find ways to compromise; to live together in disagreement.
Why do people dislike politics?
What are some common complaints?
Inherently corrupt; Principles are compromised; Like watching sausage being made (disgusting, messy).
“Too complicated”; “Too argumentative”; “Politicians are only in it for themselves”
Define Politics.
The process that determines what government does. It is the art of compromise.
Politics is the means by which “statesman” resolve conflict and disagreement.
Politics takes Tribalism and turns it into the greater good.
Three key concepts about politics:
It is conflictual (reflects disagreements among the American people).
Process matters (elections, rules, and procedures dictate decisions).
It is everywhere (political policies shape every area of everyday life).
Define Culture Wars.
Divisions between strongly religious and secular citizens.
Disagreements about moral and cultural issues like prayer in school, evolution, abortion, and drugs.
Define Ideology.
A cohesive set of ideals and beliefs used to organize and evaluate the political world.
Define Conservative.
One side of the ideological spectrum; defined by support for lower taxes, a free market, and more limited government; generally associated with Republicans.
Define Liberal.
One side of the ideological spectrum; defined by support for stronger government programs and more market regulation; generally associated with Democrats.
Define Libertarians.
Those who prefer very limited government and therefore tend to be quite conservative on issues such as welfare policy, environmental policy, and public support for education, but very liberal on issues of personal liberty such as free speech, abortion, legalization of drugs, prostitution, and gambling.
Define Democracy.
Government by the people; in most contexts, this means representative democracy, in which the people elect leaders to enact policies. Democracies must have fair elections with at least two alternatives.
Define Equality.
In the context of American politics, equality means equality before the law, political equality (one person, one vote), and equality of opportunity (the equal chance for everyone to realize their potential), but not material equality (equal income or wealth).
Define Liberty.
Political freedom, such as freedom of speech, the press, assembly, and religion; these and other liberties protecting individuals from government control are outlined in the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution.
What happens when politics becomes an end in itself rather than a means to compromise?
1) Candidates, politicians and citizens begin to do things simply for the political benefit and not for a separate, definable societal good.
2) The end of politics ceases to be compromise and becomes what ever is expedient to gain more power, more influence, and to perpetuate political survival and party hegemony.
SUMMARY: We go back to tribalism.
