Transcript Document
To Accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, and Texas Editions
American Government: Roots and Reform
, 10th edition Karen O’Connor and Larry J. Sabato Pearson Education, 2009 Chapter 1
The Political Landscape
Roots of American Government
Governments are policymaking vehicles.
A citizen is a member of the community.
Politics are who gets what, when, and how.
Functions of Government
Ideas drawn from Preamble to the Constitution.
Establishing justice.
Ensuring domestic tranquility.
Providing for the common defense.
Promoting the general welfare.
Securing the blessings of
.
Types of Government
Monarchy vests power in one in the interest of all.
Totalitarianism vests power in one in self-interest.
Oligarchy vests power in few in their own interest.
Democracy is power for the people.
Philosophical Origins
Enlightenment changes views on government.
Mayflower Compact as example of a social contract.
Hobbes and Locke’s social contract theory.
Hobbes wants a single ruler to protect the weak.
Locke believes the protection of property is key.
Government in the Colonies
Colonists fear British-style monarchy.
New England uses direct democracy.
Most later colonies use indirect democracy.
Citizens prefer the term republic to democracy.
American Political Culture
Personal liberty, or freedom from government.
Political equality.
Popular consent and majority rule.
Popular sovereignty, which is based in natural law.
Civil society, or the society created by the people.
Individualism.
Religious faith.
Political Ideology
Ideologies are beliefs that shape worldviews.
Libertarians favor free markets and personal liberty.
Conservatives want little regulation of economy.
Social conservatives favor regulation of morality. Liberals want an active government.
.
Changing American People
Population is increasing in size .
Racial and ethnic composition is shifting
.
. Families are becoming smaller and less traditional.
Attitudes Toward Government
Demographics shape our perspective .
American dream is a goal for many citizens.
People have high expectations.
Voters can be apathetic.
Americans may lack faith in leaders
.
The standard of living is quite high.
AV- Faith in Institutions
Figure 1.1- Allocation of the Budget
Figure 1.2- Adult Self-Identification
Figure 1.3- 2008 Presidential Election
Figure 1.4- U.S. Population Growth
Figure 1.5- Race and Ethnicity
Figure 1.6- America Is Getting Older
Table 1.1- Symbols of the United States
Table 1.2- Types of Government
Table 1.3- Cost of Health Care