{ Ch. 1 American Government Distribution of Political Power.
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Transcript of { Ch. 1 American Government Distribution of Political Power.
{
Ch. 1 American Government
Distribution of Political Power
When you hear “democracy,’ what comes to mind?
Democracy: rule by many, people/citizens have a say or
influence in political decisions or action
DIRECT REPRESENTATIVE
citizens participate in ALL decisions citizens elected to represent the
Directly (voting on every issue) citizenry as a whole (legislatures,
senators, governors, etc.)
Democracy
What are the advantages of a direct democracy?
What are the disadvantages of a direct democracy
What are the advantages of a representative democracy?
What are the disadvantages of a representative democracy?
Democracy
Direct DemocracyPOSITIVES?? NEGATIVES??
- Every voice = heard - not everyone is informed/educated
- Equality - possible in large communities?- Majority rules - time consuming
Representative DemocracyPOSITIVES?? NEGATIVES??
- Informed/Educated making decisions - Possible corruption- Faster process - voter/nonvoter
disinterest- Politician specialization to area - not all voices or
interests are heard
Direct v. Representative
When majoritarian politics is NOT always a reality or an option… BUT decisions and policies need to be made……..
Political Power Views!!
Majoritarian politics:rule by majority
“Societal class”:
- corporate/capitalist rich leaders dominate government
Class View
“Power group”:- few wealthy and powerful top
leaders who do NOT hold elective office that dominates government
* Top military officials* Labor union leaders* Interest group heads* Media executives
Power Elite View
Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army
“Bureaucracy”:(large organization/administration/executive branch)
- appointed officials of a bureaucracy dominate government OVER elected officials (congressmen)
Bureaucratic View
“Plural”/many- competition among many different affected interests shapes policy* states, cities* school boards* environment
- No single “group "dominates (elite, social class, or bureaucracy) or can control all of the political factors that go into policy making
* money* media coverage* education/prestige
Pluralist View
TASK: in pairs, attempt to fill in the 4-way venn diagram that compares and contrasts ALL views!
Power View Venn Diagram