The Democratic Republic

1
The Democratic Republic

• Chapter 1

2
3 branches of American Govt

• Legislative
• Executive
• Judicial

3
What is Politics?

• a process of resolving conflicts within a society
  and deciding who gets what, when and how
• the struggle over the distribution of benefits
• Politics can be found in all intervals of society

4
What is government?

• an institution of decision makers
• - who possess the power to enforce rules that
  impose order and stability on a society
• - has authority to make and enforce laws
• Why is govt necessary?

5
Types of Government

• democracy ultimate political authority vested in
  the people
• totalitarian regime government imposes its will
  through the threat and use of force
• - control every aspect of life
• Theocracy- rule by religion
• anarchy no government, no laws

6
Direct vs. Representative Democracy

• Direct- purest form of democracy
• Representative- people rule through elected
  representatives
• - necessary for large populations
• aka indirect democracy / republic

7
3 elements of American democracy

• Popular sovereignty
• Political Equality
• Political Liberty

8
Popular Sovereignty

• will of the people
• 6 important conditions
• 1) Govt leaders are elected
• 2) Govt policies reflect wishes of people
• 3) Free fair elections
• 4) Participation
• 5) High-Quality information is available
• 6) The Majority rules

9
Political Equality

• Each person carries same weight in voting
• Equality exists denial of vote govt programs
• Does greater income affect political equality?

10
Political Liberty

• Protection of 1st amendment rights
• Basic freedom speech, religion, assembly, press
  etc.

11
Democracy

• Objections
• Majority Tyranny- majority violates rights of
  minority
• People dont care/ citizens ill-equipped
• Democracy in comparison

12
How do we form our beliefs about politics?
13
Political Ideology

• a set of beliefs about politics
• 2 most common in United States
• Conservatism- limited role for govt
• - private sector outperforms govt
• - individual responsibility
• - limit programs
• Liberalism- govt action to improve welfare of
  individuals
• - govt should take positive action to reduce
  economic disparity, environment, etc

14
Other ideologies

• Socialism- social equality / govt ownership
• Libertarianism- opposes all govt regulation
• Totalitarian Ideologies
• Communism- favors partisan dictatorship
• - govt control of all enterprises
• Fascism- absolute ruler / glorification of war
  power

15
Changing face of America

• Population growth
• Age
• - Increase In older citizens
• - SS rise in medical services

16
The Changing Face of America
17
Changing face of America

• Women in workforce
• Diversity
• - minorities have higher birth rates
• - immigration
• - Hispanics are fastest growing minority

18
Ethnic Change in America
19
Conclusion

• Why is democracy important?
• Why are politics important?
• Important to see the change in America