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The Political Landscape

Chapter 1

O’Connor and Sabato

American Government:

Continuity and Change

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The Political Landscape

• In this chapter we will cover…1. The Roots of American Government

2. The Theory of Democratic Government

3. Characteristics of American Democracy

4. American Political Culture and the American People

5. Ideology of Americans

6. Views of Government

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1. The Roots of American Government

• Aristotle and the Greeks articulated the idea of natural law.

• Society should be governed by ethical principles that are part of nature and can be understood through reason.

• Government before had been by “divine right,” but these philosophical changes put humans on the road toward self government.

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Popular Consent

Social Contract Theory

• People are source of power

• People give consent to government to rule

• Government provides protection of natural rights

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Founding a New System

At the time of the founding of our nation several forms of governments existed…– Monarchy– Oligarchy– Aristocracy

All are based on elite rule and give few rights to the people who live under them.

The colonists did not want to live under the systems they had suffered under in the Old World so they established a new system: democracy.

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2. The Theory of Democratic Government

• Direct democracy

• Indirect democracy

• Republic

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• A system in which all come together periodically to discuss policy and abide by majority rule.

– New England town meeting

Direct Democracy

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Indirect Democracy

A system of government that allows citizens to vote for representatives who will work on their behalf.

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Republic

A government rooted in the consent of the governed.

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The Economic System

Capitalism

•private ownership of property

• free market economy (laissez-faire)

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3. Characteristics of American Democracy

1. popular consent2. popular sovereignty3. majority rule4. individualism5. equality6. personal liberty

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4. American Political Culture and the American People

Population of the United States:– July 1, 1900 there were 76,094,000 – Today there are over 293,656,000

• One birth every.................................7.8 seconds • One death every.................................. 14 seconds • One international migrant (net) every............ 14 seconds • One Federal U.S. citizen (net) returning every...2891

seconds • Net gain of one person every..................... 13 seconds

– Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division

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• Not only are we bigger we are also more diverse.

• In colonial times most Americans were Anglo-Saxon.

• In 2000, the U.S. population was made up of…– whites 69.1%

– African Americans 12.1%

– Hispanics 12.5%

– Asian 3.6%

Changing Demographics

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Graying of America

• The growth of the population age 65 and older will affect every aspect of our society, presenting challenges as well as opportunities to policymakers, families, businesses, and health care providers.

• In 2011, the “baby boom” generation will begin to turn 65, and by 2030, it is projected that one in five people will be age 65 or older.

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5. Ideology of Americans

• Political ideology is an individual’s coherent set of values and beliefs about the scope and purpose of government.

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• Conservativism – thought to believe that a government is best that governs least and that big government can only infringe on individual, personal, and economic rights.

Ideology of Americans

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• Liberalism – thought to favor government involvement in the economy and the provision of social services and to take an activist role in protecting women, the elderly, minorities, and the environment.

Ideology of Americans

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• Libertarianism – thought to favor a free market economy and no governmental interference in personal liberties.

Ideology of Americans

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6. Views of Government

• Our ideology and experiences greatly affect how we view our government.

• It is part of our culture to expect negative campaigns, dishonest politicians, and political pundits who bash our leaders and institutions.

• Looking at our government in such a light leads many to remain uninformed and pessimistic.

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High Expectations and No Appreciation of the Good

• Americans expect more and more from their government.

• Many Americans do not know what government actually does for them.– Regulation of airwaves for TV and Radio– Clean water– FDA inspections– Air Traffic Control