Chapter 13, Politics and the Economy in Global Perspective

Politics, Power, and Authority Political Systems in Global Perspective Perspectives on Power and Political Systems The U.S. Political System Economic Systems in Global Perspective Work in the Contemporary United States Politics and the Economy in the Future

Politics, Power, and Authority

Politics - institution through which power is acquired and exercised by people and groups.

Power - ability of persons or groups to achieve their goals despite opposition from others.

Authority - power that people accept as legitimate rather than coercive.

Three Ideal Types of Authority

Charismatic authority Example:politicians, soldiers, entertainers

Traditional authorityExample: Kings, Queens, Pharaohs

Rational-legal authorityExample: elected officials and officers

Functionalist Perspective

Four main functions of government:

1. Maintain law and order.

2. Plan and direct society.

3. Meet social needs.

4. Handle international relations, including warfare.

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The Pluralist Model

Decisions are made on behalf of the people by leaders who engage in bargaining, accommodation, and compromise.

Competition among leadership groups makes the abuse of power by any one group more difficult.

The Pluralist Model

Power is widely dispersed and people can influence public policy by voting.

Public policy reflects the balance between competing interest groups.

The Elite Model

Decisions are made by a small, elite group. Consensus exists among the elite on the basic

values and goals of society. Power is concentrated at the top of a

pyramid‑shaped social hierarchy. Public policy reflects the values and

preferences of the elite.

Influence of the Ruling Class

1. Candidate selection - help finance campaigns and provide favors to candidates.

2. Participation in special interest - gain favors, tax-breaks, and other supports.

3. Policy making process - hold prestigious positions on advisory committees, presidential commissions, and other appointments.

Functions of Political Parties

Develop and articulate policy positions. Educate voters about the issues and simplify

the choices for them. Recruit candidates who agree with those

policies and help them win office.

Voter Apathy

Only 51.2% of the voting-age population voted in the 2000 presidential election.

The U.S. has one of the lowest percentages of voter turnout of all Western nations.

In many other nations, the average turnout is 80 to 90% of all eligible voters.

Capitalism

Four distinctive features:

1. Private ownership of the means of production.

2. Pursuit of personal profit.

3. Competition.

4. Lack of government intervention.

Socialism

Three distinctive features:

1. Public ownership of the means of production.

2. Pursuit of collective goals.

3. Centralized decision-making.

Five Characteristics of Professions

1. Abstract, specialized knowledge.

2. Autonomy.

3. Self regulation.

4. Authority.

5. Altruism.

Types of Unemployment

Cyclical - result of lower rates of production during recessions.

Seasonal - result of shifts in the demand for workers based on holidays.

Structural - skills needed by employers do not match skills of unemployed.