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Chapter 1 The Political Landscape. . To Accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, and Texas Editions American Government: Roots and Reform , 10th edition Karen O’Connor and Larry J. Sabato Pearson Education, 2009. Roots of American Government. Governments are policymaking vehicles.
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Chapter 1The Political Landscape To Accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, and Texas Editions American Government: Roots and Reform, 10th edition Karen O’Connor and Larry J. Sabato Pearson Education, 2009
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 liberty.
Types of GovernmentCategorized by Plato and Aristotle • Rule by One • Monarchy - in the interest of all. • Totalitarianism – self interest • Rule by the few • Aristocracy - In the service of many. • Oligarchy – for the benefit of the few • Rule by the many – Aristotle favored of collective judgment • Democracy – in the interest of the the individual • Polity – in the service of all – Supported by Natural Law
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.
The Roots of American Government • Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) preferred a ‘polity’ • First to introduce concept of ‘Natural Law’ • Thomas Aquinas • Raised the notion that Christianity and Natural Law are compatible • In contradiction to absolute monarchy that existed • The Reformation • Reform how people viewed government • People can speak one-on-one to God • Power to self govern • Need for secular government expressed in Mayflower Compact • The Enlightenment • Philosophers and scientists for an improved world • Through human reason, science and religious tolerance
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.
Garry Wills:”Uses of Government” Social Contract Theory • Self Sufficient/Self Interest in pre-social state • Collides with others over resources • Giving up natural liberty seen as a trade-off • Give up the right to decide law, enforce law, and determine punishment • Exchange for safetyand security • Loss of liberty in exchange for protection Division of Labor Theory • Insufficient in pre-social state • Fatigue and loss of productivity • Society allows for specialization and voluntary exchange • Increased productivity, efficient use of resources • Both are BETTER off • Government provides for equity and fairness and enforcement of contracts • Growth in human capital, intellectual and spiritual growth • Altruistic desires are met
John Locke – Two Treatises • State of Nature causes fear and insecurity • No common law; - no indifferent judge; - no enforcer • Greatest concern over life, liberty and property • Man is willing to give up some natural liberty to preserve others • Make laws, judge guilt and carry out punishment • Laws made by society allows preservation of self and socity • Enforcement and punishment by society allows for more conveniences of life • From labor, assistance of others, and living in community with others • “No rational creature can be supposed to change his condition with an intention to be worse” • Men are biased • ignorant of why law applies to them • Will choose more severe punishment for others • Will carry out punishment in vengeful and self destructive manner
Political Ideology • Ideologies are beliefs that shape worldviews. • Libertariansfavor free markets and personal liberty. • Fiscally conservative, socially liberal • Conservatives want little regulation of economy. • Defenders of the status quo • Social conservatives favor regulation of morality. • May favor less federal regulation and more states rights over issues on abortion, gay rights, gay marriage. • Liberals want an active government. • In favor of social programs to aid the poor and regulation of industry • Labels can be problematic.
Conservatism • Defends status quo – change is slow • Less government regulation of economy • Favor more power to states and local governments • Government is best that governs least • Social problems like poverty, homelessness and discrimination dealt with best by private sector
Liberalism • Extensive government involvement • Government provided social services • Protection of minority rights, and rights of elderly and women and the environment • Economic, and social change necessary to foster development and well-being of the individual
Libertarianism • Pure capitalists • No government intervention in the economy • No interference in personal liberties • Abolishment of all welfare and public works programs • Reduction in defense budget • Elimination of CIA and FBI • Object to many provisions of the Patriot Act and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security
Changing American People • Population is increasing in size. • Racial and ethnic composition is shifting. • Country is aging. • 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.
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