To Accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, and Texas EditionsAmerican Government: Roots and Reform, 10th editionKaren 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 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 safety and 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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-a_VLOTzsk

Political Ideology Ideologies are beliefs that shape worldviews. Libertarians favor 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.

AV- Faith in Institutions

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Figure 1.1- Allocation of the Budget

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Figure 1.2- Adult Self-Identification

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Figure 1.3- 2008 Presidential Election

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Figure 1.4- U.S. Population Growth

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Figure 1.5- Race and Ethnicity

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Figure 1.6- America Is Getting Older

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Table 1.1- Symbols of the United States

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Table 1.2- Types of Government

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Table 1.3- Cost of Health Care

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