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Chapter 1

Chapter 1. Government in America. “There has never been, nor ever will be, a people who are politically ignorant and free.” -- T. Jefferson. Political Knowledge. Fosters civic virtues (e.g. political tolerance) Helps ID beneficial policies and a ffects voting Promotes participation

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Chapter 1

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  1. Chapter 1 Government in America

  2. “There has never been, nor ever will be, a people who are politically ignorant and free.” -- T. Jefferson

  3. Political Knowledge • Fosters civic virtues (e.g. political tolerance) • Helps ID beneficial policies and affects voting • Promotes participation > Young people score less than ½ on political knowledge test as those 65+

  4. Why are young people so deficient? • Perception/reality of little policy impact • Changes in media > multiplicity and narrowcasting • Diminished cultural interest contributes to lack of political culture • Busier

  5. “Government” • Institutions that make decisions “HOW should we govern?” “WHAT should government do?”

  6. Functions of Government • Maintain defense • Provide services • Preserve order • Socialize the young • Collect taxes

  7. “Politics” • Process whereby we select leaders & policies • Political Participation: activities to influence leaders and policies • Voting is most common method • Single-Issue Groups

  8. Policymaking System • How policy is made • How does gov’t. know the interests and priorities of people? • Linkage Institutions (parties, elections, Interest Groups, media, activities/demonstrations, etc.) POLICY AGENDA: priorities of gov’t. action(s)

  9. “Democracy” • Government that represents & responds to public’s preferences • Democratic Process: • Equality in voting • Effective participation • Free Speech & Press • Collective control of agenda • Inclusion

  10. Majority Rule (policies should reflect will of majority) vs. Minority Rights (restraints on the majority via rights of minorities)

  11. Who Really Governs? • Pluralism: competing interest groups set agenda and policy • Elitism: small upper-class holds power and makes policy • Hyperpluralism: strong competing groups cripple efficient governmental policy

  12. Challenges to Democracy • Complex Issues • Limited participation • Escalating costs of campaigns • Diverse interests • “Policy Gridlock”

  13. Political Culture • How is the U.S. a ‘Nation’? • Shared beliefs and values Liberty, Equality, Individualism, Laissez-Faire, & Populism

  14. Scope of American Government U.S. governments spend ~1/3 of GDP (nearly $4 trillion) Employ ~24 million people (~8% of population) Differing opinions on the scope of government is a source of continuing controversy

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