Political Science Chapter 1 Flashcards
Aristotle called political science the…
“master science”
The study of governments, public policies, and political processes, systems, and political behavior
Political Science
The process of determining who gets what, when they get it, and how they get it
Politics
The ability to control or direct something or someone
Power
Power combined with the right to use that power
Authority
Claims of Authority can be ___/___
justified, unjustified; legitimate, illegitimate
Traditional Arguments of Authority:
Birth, Knowledge, Consent of the governed, Supreme being
Three types of Authority (Max Weber):
Traditional, Charismatic, Rational-Legal
Authority sourced from long-standing customs or traditions (parents, elderly, kings)
Traditional Authority
Authority gained from an individual or group’s personal qualities (Jesus, Politicians, Napoleon, MLKJ)
Charismatic Authority
Authority earned from an office or role (Police Officers, Military, Judges/Juries)
Rational-Legal Authority
Uses of Authority:
Protection of important rights and freedoms
Ensure that resources and burdens will be/are distributed fairly
Manage conflict peacefully and fairly
Benefit of Authority: Feel more secure, protecting rights of individuals and groups
Security
Benefit of Authority: Fair distribution of resources and fair management
Fairness
Benefit of Authority: Protection of an individual’s right to freedom of religion and expression
Freedom
Benefit of Authority: Clear assignment of responsibilities to various authorities, greater efficiency
Efficiency
Benefit of Authority: Protection and overall betterment of life
Quality of Life
Benefit of Authority: By placing people in positions of authority, we can hold them accountable for fulfilling the responsibilities of their job
Accountability
Benefit of Authority: We can provide some services we need by passing laws and appointing people to positions of authority to perform these services
Provision of Essential Services
Cost of Authority: Wrongful use of power
Misuse of Power
Cost of Authority: We need to make sure that people in positions of authority perform their responsibilities within acceptable limits
Need for Vigilance
Cost of Authority: Positions of Authority can promote an unwillingness to change
Inflexibility and Resistance to Change
Cost of Authority: Accessing people in positions of authority can be difficult in large, complex institutions
Inaccessibility
Cost of Authority: Every exercise of authority involves by definition a limitation on freedom
Limitations on Freedom
Cost of Authority: Every exercise of authority involves by definition a limitation on freedom
Limitations on Freedom
Cost of Authority: It costs money to support people and institutions in positions of authority
Economic Cost
What is John Locke’s view on government? Needed/Unneeded
Needed
According to John Locke, why do we need government?
Even though we are “more free” without government, our freedom isn’t protected without authority, and we may always be subject to attacks from others
According to John Locke, what is the source of authority of the government?
The people
What is Henry David Thoreau’s view on government? Needed/Unneeded
Unneeded
What 2 main reasons does Henry David Thoreau give for the government being unnecessary?
The government can abuse their power
The American people have accomplished everything in this country, not the govt.; the govt. only gets in the way
What changes in society would have to occur to make people ready to live without government?
We’d have to teach people to be self-sustaining & self-defending
If the US didn’t have a government today, what could potentially happen?
Become an easy target to take over by other countries with stronger governments
Tinker vs Des Moines: What was the source of authority for the school’s policy on wearing armbands?
School board
Tinker vs Des Moines: What was the source of authority for the Tinker children’s claim for wearing the black armbands to school?
The Constitution’s 1st Amendment (free speech & expression)
Tinker vs Des Moines: What was the source of authority for the Supreme Court’s decision?
The Constitution
What is the source of authority for the Constitution?
The people
