Chapter 1 Notes Flashcards
The systematic study of government and politics, can increase ability to think politically
Political science
What are the basis of our national identity?
American ideals
Widely shared and deep-seated beliefs of its people about politics
Political culture
Thou “shall” or “shalt” not
Normative structure
Freedom to act and think as one chooses but no infringement on freedom of others
Liberty
All individuals equal in worth, legal treatment, and political voice
Equality
People are ultimate source of governing authority
Popular consent
People can achieve self sufficiency and material success
Individualism
Americans = one people in an invisible Union
Unity
Respect for individual and group differences -> national strength
Diversity
Value: Individuals should be free to act as they choose
Tradition: Unsettled land fostered freedom through migration, many fled Europe to escape religious persecution
Liberty
Value: Government’s role is to serve the people
Tradition: Tocqueville: Americans’ chief aim is to remain their own masters
Individualism
Value: Contrast- European aristocratic privilege versus American equal treatment under the law
Tradition: Perplexing ideal in the early years of the nation- some were free while others were enslaved
Equality
Value and tradition: American colonials had substantial self determination
Vision of a nation with powers from the consent of the governed
Self government
America’s cultural beliefs are?
Idealistic
“Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel”
S. Johnson
Political conflict develops for what two reasons?
- Scarcity of resources
2. Competing values
Process through which a society settles conflict
Politics
To have power, in a government context, means?
To control public policy
A course of action followed by the government
Public policy
The means by which society settles its conflicts and allocates the resulting benefits and costs
Politics
The ability of persons, groups, or institutions to influence political developments
Power
Controlled by a small group
Oligarchy
Autocracy
Controlled by an individual
The preference of special interests largely determine what government does
Pluralism
The recognized right of officials to exercise power
Authority
Represses opposition through intimidation, restriction of rights, and even imprisonment and physical abuse
Authoritarian government
Authority is the recognition of
Power
System in which the people govern, by direct or representative means. In practice, majority rule through the free and open election of representatives
Democratic system
The majority effective determines what government does
Majoritianism
Government ruled by groups, not necessary for the public benefit
Pluralism
A well positioned few manipulate the political process
Elitism
Power of high level administrators -> policy decisions
Bureaucracy
What is America’s political system like?
Parts are delet ate
Parts connect with eachother
Parts affect and interact with eachother
Dynamic system, changing as needed
What are the 5 overriding tendencies of the American political system?
- Enduring cultural ideals
- Fragmentation of governance based on checks and balances
- Competition between diverse groups
- Emphasis on individual rights and responsibilities
- Economic + political decision making separate -> economic issues out of political control
A system based on rule of law
Constitutionalism
An economic system that centers on the transactions between private parties, empowers business firms and the wealthy
Free market
- lays down the files and restricts/defines lawful uses of power
- protects rights of the minority
Constitutionalism
3 parts of the constitutional system?
The Constitution, elaborate checks and balances, Bill of Rights
Idea that there are lawful restrictions on governments power
Constitutionalism
Operates mainly on private transactions. Some government regulation through regulatory, taxing, and spending policies
Free market system
Influence firms have over policy makers
Corporate power
Power exercised by the influential few
Elitism
Government has large regulating role in economy
Socialism
Government owns most or all of industry. Well beyond regulation.
Communism
Government does not interfere in economy except when necessary
Capitalism
Outlined the Social Contract:
- a basis for legitimate political order
- sovereignty in the hands of the people, including the making of laws, opposed to representation
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Key ideas:
- the value of self: human nature characterized by reason and tolerance
- value and property: although limited, the right to accumulate and attain should be vigorously protected
- a right to rebel and replace failing govt
John Locke
Wrote Democracy in America:
- balance of liberty and equality: didn’t support individualism but believed Am democracy created an opportunity for the coming together for a common purpose
Alexis de Tocqueville
Involves the careful gathering and sifting of information to form a knowledgeable view about a political issue. Important for responsible citizenship.
Political thinking
