Chapter 1Principles of Government

and Politics

Section 1Introducing Politics

and Government

What Is Politics?Politics = A struggle over who gets what, when, and how

Politics uses power andscarce resources.

Politics attempts to reach apolitical goal.

Politics produces winnersand losers. Winner gets power or interests served.

Relationship between power and authority.

• Authority is power gained through lawful means which citizens recognize as legitimate or “right”.

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Political Activities

Question: What would you consider a political activity?

Question: What types of political activities do you take part in?

Answer: Persuading, coaxing, compromising, bargaining, and cooperating are all examples of political behavior because they help people attain their goals.

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Politics and Government Politics is a process. Does not equal government.

Government is an organization.

• provides the rules and institutions that shape how politics operates.

Institution: organization that carries out a certain function of government

Each government exercises authority over a state or nation. (State: Sovereignty over population in territory.)

Politics shapes the rules that a state uses to regulate how power is distributed.

When people accept the authority of a government, they are acknowledging that it is legitimate

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Purposes of Government

The purposes of government are to:

• Maintain social order

• Ensure domestic tranquility

• Establish justice

• Provide for the common defense

• Promote the general welfare

• Secure liberty

Role of the People

Rights of American People:

• Vote in free elections if 18 or older.

• Run for office if of the right age.

• Support political candidates for office, organize political groups, march for a cause, and protest.

Responsibilities

• Obey the law.

• Sit on juries.

• Pay taxes.

• Serve in the military.

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Government and Economics Economics: Production and distribution of goods and services

(Varies according to country)

Economic systems: Distribution of resources in society

• Differs according to government control over economy

• Do not require people’s consent

• Karl Marx: Socialist economist

• Regulated Capitalism: economic system based on free enterprise with government oversight to protect rights and promote fairness

United States is a Capitalist Republic

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Your Turn

Under which of the following economic systems would the government own all the land, factories, and businesses in

the society?

a. Laissez-faire capitalismb. Socialist or command economyc. Regulated capitalist economyd. Social democracy

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Different Political Systems

There are two broad types of political systems:

• Authoritarian: Government has ultimate power over how people live their lives. (State comes first; no rights.)Example: Nazi Germany

• Totalitarian: Can exercise power over everything.

• Nonauthoritarian: Ultimate power rests with the people in the state. Example: United States

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Authoritarian Systems

Autocracy: One powerful individual

Monarchy: Powerful king or queen, inherited position, not always authoritarian (Type of autocracy)

Fascism: Powerful state, dictator as leader (Hitler)

Oligarchy: Power given to small group or party (Government by the few)

Theocracy: Sovereign God, powerful representative on earth

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Nonauthoritarian Systems Anarchy: Neither government nor laws.

Democracy: Government run by the people

• All-powerful populace

• Equality: Certain rights guaranteed to all citizens

• Compromise is central

Direct democracy: Government with people standing up for themselves

• Majority rule by voter decision

Indirect democracy: Government with elected leaders representing the people. Example: United States

Socialism and Democracy

Socialism: individuals do not make decisions, government does. Government sets prices, wages, and distributes wealth.

Social Democracy: system that reflects a belief that most property can be privately held but also embraces the values of equality promoted by socialism.

Pluralistic democracy: participating in government as a group member is more valuable than participating as an individual. Example: Several small political groups uniting to outvote a larger group.

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Your Turn

Citizenship allows members of a government to take part in certain rights and responsibilities. What are the responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy?