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The Political Landscape

Explore the historical roots of American government, the theory of democracy, characteristics of democracy, and evolving American political culture. Delve into the varying ideologies of Americans towards government and understand how views shape expectations. Discover the impact of changing demographics and the challenges posed by the graying population, offering policymakers, families, and businesses new opportunities. Unveil the dynamic landscape of American governance, the role of capitalism in the economy, and the complexities of personal liberty and equality within US democracy.

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The Political Landscape

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  1. The Political Landscape Chapter 1 O’Connor and Sabato American Government: Continuity and Change

  2. The Political Landscape • In this chapter we will cover… • The Roots of American Government • The Theory of Democratic Government • Characteristics of American Democracy • American Political Culture and the American People • Ideology of Americans • Views of Government

  3. 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.

  4. Popular Consent Social Contract Theory • People are source of power • People give consent to government to rule • Government provides protection of natural rights

  5. 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.

  6. The Theory of Democratic Government • Direct democracy • Indirect democracy • Republic

  7. Direct Democracy • A system in which all come together periodically to discuss policy and abide by majority rule. • New England town meeting

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

  9. Republic A government rooted in the consent of the governed.

  10. The Economic System Capitalism • private ownership of property • free market economy (laissez-faire)

  11. Characteristics of American Democracy • popular consent • popular sovereignty • majority rule • individualism • equality • personal liberty

  12. 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

  13. Changing Demographics • 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%

  14. Graying of America • 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. • 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.

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

  16. Ideology of Americans • 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.

  17. Ideology of Americans • 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.

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

  19. 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.

  20. 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

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