Chapter 1
The Political Landscape
Pearson Education, Inc. © 2008
American Government: Continuity and Change9th Edition(to accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions)
O’Connor and Sabato
Government: What It Is & Why We Need It
Governments The formal vehicle through which policies are
made and affairs of state are conducted Actions are binding on its citizens
Citizens Members of the political community Rights and obligations attached to them
Politics Study of who gets what, when, and how How policy decisions are made
Functions of Government Establishing Justice Ensuring Domestic Tranquility Providing for the Common Defense Promoting the General Welfare Securing the Blessings of Liberty
Types of Government Monarchy
Power vested in hereditary kings and queens Totalitarianism
Economic system in which government controls the economy
Oligarchy Form of government in which the right to participate
is conditioned on the possession of wealth, social status, military position, or achievement
Democracy System of government that gives power to the
people, whether directly or through elected representatives
Roots of American Government The Reformation and the Enlightenment
Enlightenment: Philosophers and scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton questioned fate and divine right of kings.
Reformation: Radical Protestants split from the Church of England. Protestants and Puritans believed in the ability to
speak directly to God. Pilgrims: established self-governing congregations
Mayflower Compact- a social contract An agreement between people and their government,
signifying consent to be governed
Hobbes, Locke, and a Social Contract Theory of Government
Argued that individuals were free and equal by God-given natural right
This required that all men and women give their consent to be governed.
Hobbes argued that man’s natural state was war and without government life would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short”; a struggle to survive. Therefore, there is a need for a single, strong ruler to guarantee the rights of the weak against the strong.
Locke took the basic survival of humanity for granted. Government is necessary to preserve private property. Denied divine right Individuals born equal and with natural rights no king had the right
to void
Devising a National Government in the American Colonies Colonists rejected system with strong ruler Supported more participatory forms Direct democracy
Members of the polity meet to discuss all policy decisions and then agree to abide by majority rule.
Indirect democracy (representative) Gives citizens the opportunity to vote for
representations who will work on their behalf Republic
Rooted in the consent of the governed; representative or indirect democracy
American Political Culture & the Characteristics of American Democracy
Political Culture Commonly shared attitudes, beliefs, and core values about
how government should operate American political culture emphasizes:
Personal Liberty Equality Popular Consent
The idea that governments must draw their powers from the consent of the governed
Majority Rule Central premise of direct democracy in which only policies that
collectively garner the support of a majority of voters will be made into law
Popular Sovereignty Right of the majority to govern themselves based on natural law
(ethical principles that are part of nature and understood by reason)
American Political Culture Civil Society
A society created when citizens are allowed to organize and express their views publicly as they engage in open debate about public policy.
Individualism Important political value Concept changed over time
Religious Faith Lens through which many Americans perceive policy
and political issues Most Americans have strong religious beliefs. Overwhelmingly Christian Major role in shaping current political agenda
Changing Characteristics of the American People
Size and Population Growth both in size and population
Changing Demographics Racial and Ethic Composition
Immigration has changed the nation. Racial balance is changing dramatically
today. Proportion of Hispanics growing at the quickest
rate 40% of Americans under the age of 25 are
members of a minority group.
Changing Characteristics of the American People
Changes in Age Cohort Composition No longer nation of young Average life expectancy: women: 80, men: 75
Types of services and policies demanded from government change
Baby Boomers (born in late 1940s-early 60s) 76.8 million people
Will reach age 62 and qualify for Social Security in 2011 and at age 65 qualify for Medicare
Potential political impact? Will pit young against old.
Changing Characteristics of the American People
Changes in Family and Family Size Large families were the norm and
gender roles were clearly defined. Industrialization and knowledge of
birth control methods began to shrink family size. 1949-49% said 4 or more children
was an ideal family size 2004-only 12% favored large families By 2004, 67.8 percent of children
under 18 lived with both parents.
Implications of These Changes Debate over illegal
immigration History of debate
on immigration Demographic
changes led to us vs. them mentality for some
Ideology of the American Public Political Ideology
A set or system of beliefs that shapes the thinking of individual and how they view the world
Perform four key functions: Explanation, Evaluation, Orientation, Political Program
Libertarian Favors a free market economy and no governmental
interference in personal liberties Conservative
A government is best that governs least; a big government can only infringe on individual, personal, and economic rights.
Social conservative Believes that traditional moral teachings should be
supported and furthered by the government
Ideology of the American Public Liberal
Favors extensive governmental involvement in the economy and the provision of social services; takes an activist role in protecting rights of women, elderly, minorities, and the environment
Problems with Political Labels May not predict political opinions Often opinions are mixed; conservative on some
issues, liberal on others Cut across ideological boundaries Most people prefer to be categorized as
moderates.
Current Attitudes Toward American Government
Americans’ views about and expectations of government affect the political system. High expectations Do not appreciate the good Mistrust politicians Voter apathy
Redefining our Expectations