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Page 1: Political Science 5 – Western Political Thought - Power Point #1

Western Political Thought Dr. John Paul Tabakian

Political Science 5 Fall 2012 – Power Point #1

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WELCOME TO THE FIRST WEEK!

New semesters bring various hiccups for everyone. This also goes for your instructor. We are all adjusting to new situations, course schedule conflicts and other adjustments. This course utilizes various methods to deliver information. Many of our materials are media driven. You will find many to be humorous, thought provoking , or even interesting. This first clip is presented merely for fun. It is titled “Welcome To School”.

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COURSE LECTURE: WEEK #1

Today’s Lecture Covers The Following: • Introduction To Course • Syllabus Review • Classical Political Thought • Modern Political Thought • Organic Roots Of The United States • Early Elite Influence In American History • American Persona • Transparency • Minor Paper Assignment #1 • Final-Major Paper

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Students are advised that plagiarism will not be tolerated. Your instructor has adopted the following definition of plagiarism that is followed by Cleveland Chiropractic College: “Plagiarism is defined as the act of appropriating the literary composition of another, or parts or passages of writings of another, or the ideas or language of the same, and passing them off as the product of one’s own mind. To be liable for ‘plagiarism’ it is not necessary to exactly duplicate another’s writing; it is sufficient if unfair use of such work is made by lifting of a substantial portion of the work, including material from the internet. If plagiarism is detected in the final draft of a student’s work, he/she will be given a final grade of F.” My personal advice to all students is the same that one of my graduate professors offered to my class, “When in doubt, cite!”

PLAGIARISM POLICY

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CLASSICAL POLITICAL THOUGHT

Aristotle states that inherent within man’s natural state of being, there exist different roles that are designated according to the need of any community. Special virtues are rewarded to those who accept their roles without question, beginning with those terms identified by Aristotle in the household, where the roles of husbands, wives, children and slaves are defined. Roles are assigned, for no man is able to exercise the same talents while producing exact levels of quality in their finished work (Politics, Book 1, Chapter 4, 1253b1). As the polis consists of citizens with enough leisure time to participate in government functions, it is the citizenry that determines those roles to be filled. Government itself has no emotions, or soul. Rather, it is the political activism of a few elites according to Aristotle that makes all government decisions.

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MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT

Classical liberalism refers to the beginning in terms of a historical rendition of the periods capable of being identified in which man existed. John Locke is recognized as being one of the first to anticipate the rise of liberal thought in his time. American political thought has been heavily influenced by Lockean principle. Simply put, liberalism derived comes from the straightforward ideology of capitalism, as one cannot have one without the other. Locke justifies capitalism by utilizing liberalism to criticize inequality, shaping everything around the premises of liberty and equality, thus coming to the conclusion that society cannot have one without the other.

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In their quest for designing a viable representative government, the founding fathers dedicated themselves to careful study of the political philosophy of Europeans. Focusing primarily on British political thinkers from the 16th and 17th century, the founding fathers focused primarily on the natural rights of man, which in turn varied according to the individual philosopher studied. Over the course of their study, the founding fathers openly discussed their opinions with one another so as to properly bring forth differing views in order to prudently construct a government that would protect individual liberty, as well as determine what was required of government to protect civil liberties.

ORGANIC ROOTS OF THE UNITED STATES (1)

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ORGANIC ROOTS OF THE UNITED STATES (2)

The theory of singular government deeply influenced founding fathers Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and even later political leaders like Abraham Lincoln, to present leaders of today. John Locke’s articulation of human nature, in turn relating the law of nature, which is reason, emphasized that a state of inconvenience results in a state of war (Second Treatise, Locke). The most acceptable alternative to a state of nature is a civil society or government, as long as the established authority protects equality. As the fundamental desire of mankind is life itself, government’s foremost priority is to protect property. Alexander Hamilton further propounded this position in that government is indeed a reflection on human nature (Federalist Paper #51).

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TECHNOLOGICAL MEANS OF DISTRIBUTION

Culture is influenced through various means that include print, radio and television. We will also examine how the common individual may use technology to distribute ideas in a cost effective manner. This video is just one example of how technology allows practically anyone the ability to influence their fellow man. Technological advancements have empowered common citizens with creative minds to produce their own propaganda. “The War On Terror” sparked a great deal of media distributed via the Internet. Elites no longer maintain total control over distribution.

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THE LAYERS

FARMERSGREAT MASS OF WHITE AMERICANS

WHO HAD LITTLE INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

MIDDLE CLASSSUCCESSFUL BODY OF INDIVDUALS

ELITEDOMINATED SOCIAL, CULTURAL, ECONOMIC, & POLITICAL LIFE

ELITES AND MASSES IN EARLY AMERICA

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• Government Under The Articles Of Confederation • Established A “Firm League Of Friendship” • Identified Powers Belonging To The National

Government • Reassured Each State Of Its

• Sovereignty • Freedom • Independence

• Repayment Of Loans Made To Congress • Investors Who Backed The American War Effort

Had Difficulty Securing Their Loans • Without The Power To Ta, The Future Of The

American Government Looked Bleak

ELITE PREFERENCES: INSPIRATION FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION

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ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

Though the American Revolution was that of ideas, it was a full out war. Victorious, the thirteen colonies established and lived under the Articles of Confederation until the adoption of the Constitution of 1787. Revolutionary itself, the Articles of Confederation provided little assistance for a nation absent of leaders who possessed experience in governing the whole country. The Articles of Confederation linked the thirteen colonies in mainly defensive guarantees. Though a congress with typical authority associated with a central government was established with normal duties including the right to declare war, engage in treaties and coin money, there lacked an executive branch to enforce decisions. Congress was state directed, with each state having a single vote. Nine out of thirteen states had to agree if anything were to be passed.

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• Protection Of Bankers And Creditors

• State-Issued Paper Money Permitted Debtors To Pay Off Creditors With Money Worth Less Than They Originally Owned

• Opening Western Land To Speculation

• Need A Strong Central Government

• With Enough Military Power To Oust The British From The Northwest

• To Protect Settlers Against Indian Attacks

• The Protection And Settlement

• Cause Land Values To Increase

• Make Land Speculators Rich

ELITE PREFERENCES: INSPIRATION FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION

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Protection Of Shipping And Manufacturing Strong Navy Important To American Commercial

Interests Tariff Barriers Not Adequate Against Foreign Goods

Ensuring The Return Of Runaway Slaves Protection Of Human “Property” Sought In 1787, Slavery Was Lawful Everywhere Except In

Massachusetts Nation’s Founders Prepared To Protect Slavery Southern Economy Highly Dependent On Slaves

Exercising Powers In World Affairs Confederation Held In Contempt By Britain And

Barbary States Elite Wanted To Assume Role In The International

Community And Exercise Power In World Affairs

ELITE PREFERENCES: INSPIRATION FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION

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• An Annapolis Convention

• Report That Outlined Defects In The Articles Of Confederation

• Called Upon States To Send Delegates To New Convention To Suggest Remedies

• George Washington’s Prestige

• 55 Men Chose George Washington In The Summer Of 1787

• Stood At The Apex Of American Elite Structure

FORMATION OF A NATIONAL ELITE

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• Founders’ Governing Experience—Wealthy Individuals

• Wealth Assumed A Variety Of Forms: • Land, Ships, Business Inventories, Slaves, • Credit, Bonds, Paper Money

• Founders’ “ Continental” View • Cosmopolitanism Distinguished The Men Of

Philadelphia From The Masses • “Continental” Point Of View For Political,

Economic, & Military Issues • Members Of The Elite Extended Their Loyalties

Beyond Their States

FORMATION OF A NATIONAL ELITE

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• Goal Of Government Is To Protect Liberty And Property

• Origin Of Government Is Implied Contract Among People

• Elites Believed In • A Republican Government • Limited Government Could Not Threaten Liberty

Or Property • A Strong National Government Could

• “Establish Justice, • Insure Domestic Tranquility, • Provide For The Common Defense, • Promote The General Welfare, And • Secure The Blessings Of Liberty”

ELITE CONSENSUS IN 1787

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• Representation Compromise • Addressed Representation In The National Legislature

• Slavery Compromise –The Three-fifths Compromise • For Tax And Representation Purposes: Slaves Counted

As Three-fifths of A Person • Export Tax Compromise –Between Planters And Merchants

• Articles Exported From Any State Should Not Bear Tax Or Duty

• Imports Could Only Be Taxed By The National Government

• Voter Qualification Compromise • Concerned Qualifications For Voting And Holding Office • Electors In States Should Qualify For Electors Of The

Most Numerous Branch Of The State Legislatures • Women Could Not Participate In Government

AN ELITE IN OPERATION: CONCILIATION AND COMPROMISE

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• Elites Benefited More Directly And Immediately Than Did Nonelites

• Levying Taxes • Congress Given Power To Tariff

• Regulating Commerce –The Interstate Commerce Clause & The Provision In Article I, Section 9 • Created Free Trade Area Over The Thirteen

States • The Arrangement Was Beneficial For American

Merchants. • Protecting Money And Property

• Congress Gains Control Over Currency And Credit

THE CONSTITUTION AS ELITIST DOCUMENT

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• Creating The Military –Two Purposes • Army and Navy Promote Commercial and

Territorial Ambitions • Protection From Invasion

• Protecting Against Revolution • Protect The Government From Revolution By

Providing Military • Protect Slaveholders From Slave Revolt

• Protecting Slavery • Congress Outlawed The Import Of Slaves After

1808 • Protect Existing Property And Slaves

THE CONSTITUTION AS ELITIST DOCUMENT

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• Limiting States In Business Affairs

• Prevents States “Impairing The Obligation Of Contracts”

• Limiting States In Monetary Affairs

• Provided Protection To Elite

• States Could Not

• Coin Money

• Issue Paper Money

• Make Money Other Than Gold Or Silver Coin Legal Tender In Payment Of Debt

THE CONSTITUTION AS ELITIST DOCUMENT

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• Structure Reflects Desire To Protect Liberty And Property

• Elite Control Government and Policy Decisions • National Supremacy – Congressional Control Of

Decisions • Republicanism – Representative Government

• Separated Powers In The National Government • Bulwark Against Majoritarianism • Additional Safeguard For Elite Liberty & Property • Divides Responsibilities • Difficult To Hold Government Accountable For

Public Policy

ELITISM AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

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• Ratification Rules Designed To Give Clear Advantage To Supporters Of Constitution • Special Ratifying Conventions Called • Extraordinary Ratification Procedure • Minority Of Population Participated In Ratifying The

Constitution • Emergence Of Anti-federalist Opposition

• Feared A Strong Federal Government’s Control • Confidence In Ability To Control State Government

• The Bill Of Rights An An Afterthought • Most Effective Criticism Centered On The Absence

Of Bill Of Rights

RATIFICATION: AN EXERCISE IN ELITE POLITICAL SKILLS

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AMERICAN PERSONA (1)

America has enjoyed a comparable advantage in terms of its continental location. It has been insulated from major powers by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and bordered between two friendly neighbors, Canada and Mexico, who are heavily dependent on the well-being of its neighbor. Over the course of the early federalist period of the U.S., realism remained the prevalent form of political thinking among American statesmen. The basic underpinnings of the early nation sensed the apparent dangers of the great European powers reigning at the time, including an outright acceptance over the fact that the young republic was in constant danger of attack, never to escape the crosshairs of foreign politics.

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AMERICAN PERSONA (2)

Over the course of the early federalist period of the U.S., realism remained the prevalent form of political thinking among American statesmen. The basic underpinnings of the early nation sensed the apparent dangers of the great European powers reigning at the time, including an outright acceptance over the fact that the young republic was in constant danger of attack, never to escape the crosshairs of foreign politics. America’s leaders from past to present have maintained a cosmopolitan belief system. This entails viewing the power position of the United States from the eyes of foreign powers. public policy makers for the most part maintain a cosmopolitan belief system.

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AMERICAN PERSONA (3)

Embedded within the American persona is a belief that the U.S. was not solely an experiment in republican government, but a nation blessed with superior principles and institutions, which in time would be adopted throughout the world. American policy makers have maintained an idealist ideology in order to formulate foreign, as well as domestic policy, though its foreign policy is based inherently on realist dogma. U.S. foreign policy is thus utilized as an avenue in which to promote American ideals, combining practical capacity for realizing the evils of man, yet continuing to remain devoted to the idealistic notions of the American success story.

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AMERICAN PERSONA (4)

America’s political wisdom grew rapidly following its inception as an independent nation. The country never lost sight of its political insight, historic perspective and the common sense approach of the American spirit in relation to its standing among other nations. Maintaining a quest for simplistic solutions in disregard of concurrent external forces is a trait of the American persona. Relations among neighbors in the international system are focused on an unbridled philanthropy through apparent selfish inward improvement, as a training method for world improvement. Accordingly, it is idealism that promotes unbounded philosophical philanthropy as a selfish desire of American policy. In more extreme terms, idealism promotes the notion that the U.S., through its coaching of nation states, serves as the premiere example that if followed, will produce unbridled prosperity for all.

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TRANSPARENCY (1)

America has grown from the days of a colony to major power, superpower, and hegemon, to its present empire status. American power is felt throughout the international community. Playing poker requires one to adopt what is commonly known as a “poker face”. Players will hide their true emotions, even faking their true intentions to catch other players off guard. Some have even taken to wearing sunglasses. The exact opposite tactic that the United States has adopted is “Transparency”. This involves disclosing all routes the nation-state will undertake with regards to all forms of public policy pertaining to its political, economic and military strategies.

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TRANSPARENCY (2)

Alexander Hamilton initiated this policy as the chief financial philosopher of the United States even if he did not coin the term. Hamilton is regarded as the chief architect of our economic policy, which in turn was developed in order to win the confidence of domestic US business and financial elites as well as gaining the confidence of international business.

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TRANSPARENCY EXAMPLE #1

America possesses the most technologically advanced military hardware. This video demonstrates one of the first deployable force fields for light armored vehicles (LAVs). Welcome to the 21st Century.

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TRANSPARENCY EXAMPLE #2

America is not the only nation that utilizes Transparency. This video shows the Israeli Defense Force demonstrating a new type of gun that can shoot around corners. A brief interview with the inventor of this amazing weapon follows the demonstration.

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TRANSPARENCY EXAMPLE (3)

Some forms of transparency are both political and military in nature. The military sponsored the development of the Massive Ordinance Aerial Burst (MOAB). It is commonly referred to as “The Mother Of All Bombs”. It is the largest conventional bomb in our arsenal. There is a psychological component to this bomb. A mushroom cloud forms following successful detonation. It looks somewhat like a nuclear device being detonated.

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TRANSPARENCY EXAMPLE (4)

Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. The system takes a top-attack flight profile against armored vehicles (attacking the top armor which is generally thinner) but can also take a direct-attack mode for use against buildings or fortifications. This missile also has the ability to engage helicopters. Javelin is supplied by Raytheon/Lockheed Martin's JAVELIN Joint Venture.