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What type of class is American Government 101 considered?
What type of class is American Government 101 considered?
Street lighting is financed by federal government funds.
Street lighting is financed by federal government funds.
False
What scale was used to measure the earthquake mentioned in the content?
What scale was used to measure the earthquake mentioned in the content?
Richter scale
Aristotle believed that man is by nature a ________ being.
Aristotle believed that man is by nature a ________ being.
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Which of the following best describes a totalitarian regime?
Which of the following best describes a totalitarian regime?
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Match the form of government with its description:
Match the form of government with its description:
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Federal agencies regulate the TV networks.
Federal agencies regulate the TV networks.
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What is the role of the federal agencies regarding the meat mentioned in the text?
What is the role of the federal agencies regarding the meat mentioned in the text?
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What is the primary purpose of government according to the content?
What is the primary purpose of government according to the content?
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The term 'polis' refers to a concept of government exclusively.
The term 'polis' refers to a concept of government exclusively.
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Who were the two political philosophers mentioned that influenced the founders' beliefs about government?
Who were the two political philosophers mentioned that influenced the founders' beliefs about government?
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In a democracy, citizens have rights and ________.
In a democracy, citizens have rights and ________.
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Match each term to its definition:
Match each term to its definition:
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Which of these is NOT identified as a reason for the existence of government?
Which of these is NOT identified as a reason for the existence of government?
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Americans have always had complete trust in government institutions.
Americans have always had complete trust in government institutions.
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What does the process of politics primarily involve?
What does the process of politics primarily involve?
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What is an oligarchy?
What is an oligarchy?
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In a constitutional government, authority is unlimited.
In a constitutional government, authority is unlimited.
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What is universal suffrage?
What is universal suffrage?
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An _____ government seeks to eliminate other institutions that might challenge its authority.
An _____ government seeks to eliminate other institutions that might challenge its authority.
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Match the following forms of government with their definitions:
Match the following forms of government with their definitions:
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Which of the following is a principle of democratic government?
Which of the following is a principle of democratic government?
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John Locke believed that government must have the consent of the governed.
John Locke believed that government must have the consent of the governed.
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What is the role of the social contract in governance?
What is the role of the social contract in governance?
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What was a primary complaint of the colonists against King George regarding immigration?
What was a primary complaint of the colonists against King George regarding immigration?
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What is the primary system of governance in the United States?
What is the primary system of governance in the United States?
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The Immigration Act of 1924 established a quota system that favored northern and western European countries.
The Immigration Act of 1924 established a quota system that favored northern and western European countries.
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In what year did Congress lift the ban on naturalization for nonwhites?
In what year did Congress lift the ban on naturalization for nonwhites?
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Direct democracy allows citizens to vote directly on laws and policies.
Direct democracy allows citizens to vote directly on laws and policies.
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What term describes the struggle over 'who gets what, when, how' in politics?
What term describes the struggle over 'who gets what, when, how' in politics?
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The Chinese Exclusion Act, which outlawed entry of Chinese laborers, was passed in ______.
The Chinese Exclusion Act, which outlawed entry of Chinese laborers, was passed in ______.
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Match the following immigration laws with their descriptions:
Match the following immigration laws with their descriptions:
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The theory that all interests should compete for influence in government is known as ______.
The theory that all interests should compete for influence in government is known as ______.
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Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
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Which group of people in the United States faced incarceration during World War II?
Which group of people in the United States faced incarceration during World War II?
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By 1970, the guidelines established by earlier immigration laws had increased the foreign-born population in the U.S. to 13.2 percent.
By 1970, the guidelines established by earlier immigration laws had increased the foreign-born population in the U.S. to 13.2 percent.
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What is a major concern regarding direct democracy?
What is a major concern regarding direct democracy?
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What percentage of the U.S. population identified as White according to the 2020 Census update?
What percentage of the U.S. population identified as White according to the 2020 Census update?
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All political power in the United States rests solely with ordinary citizens.
All political power in the United States rests solely with ordinary citizens.
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What does good citizenship require according to the content?
What does good citizenship require according to the content?
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What percentage of the U.S. adult population reported being Protestant in 2021?
What percentage of the U.S. adult population reported being Protestant in 2021?
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The majority of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. come from Asia.
The majority of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. come from Asia.
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What region did many Americans move to over the past 50 years?
What region did many Americans move to over the past 50 years?
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In 1900, only ____ percent of people were over the age of 65.
In 1900, only ____ percent of people were over the age of 65.
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What is the term used for the period in U.S. history when the wealthy elite emerged?
What is the term used for the period in U.S. history when the wealthy elite emerged?
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As of today, 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas.
As of today, 80 percent of Americans live in urban areas.
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In 2020, what was the approximate percentage of people born outside the United States?
In 2020, what was the approximate percentage of people born outside the United States?
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Match the following percentages to their respective religious affiliations:
Match the following percentages to their respective religious affiliations:
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Study Notes
Chapter 1: Americans & Their Political Values
- The chapter explores the foundational political values of Americans
- The chapter objectives include defining government, forms of government, and political participation.
- Political values like liberty, equality, and justice influence the US government system.
- American attitudes towards government are also examined.
Chapter Goals
- Differentiate between forms of government
- Detail rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy
- Describe the changing social composition of the American population
- Explain how fundamental values influence the US government system
- Summarize American attitudes toward government
The Citizen and Government
- The word "political" derives from the Greek word "politikos," which relates to the "polis."
- "Polis" translates to city-state or simply, state.
- A state is a group of people within a defined territory, governed by a constitution.
- Constitutions are written by lawgivers and administered by politicians, defining the state's purpose.
Government: Definitions
- Politics is the struggle over the leadership, structure, and policies of government.
- Politics involves power or influence within organizations or informal groups.
- Government refers to the institutions and procedures that govern a land and its people.
- Government includes formal institutions that make decisions, allocate resources, and resolve conflicts.
Is Government Needed?
- Despite certain suspicion, government is necessary for a society.
- Government provides security.
- Protection from domestic and foreign threats is a critical government function.
- Government must also protect individual liberties and property, and enforce property rights.
- Public goods and services are also essential, including those provided by government.
- Government acts according to values of those it governs.
Is Government Needed?: Why is it Necessary
- Founding fathers were influenced by philosophers like Hobbes and Locke who believed governments were formed by consent.
- Individuals, with reason and equality, give up some liberty for government protection in a social contract.
- Government purpose is to protect life, liberty, and property.
- Citizens can withdraw consent if government acts against its fundamental values (liberty, equality, popular sovereignty, the rule of law, and limited government).
The Presence of Government in the Daily Life of a Student at "State University"
- A sample day includes activities that directly or indirectly involve government actions and institutions: waking up, showering (with water supplied via a regulated company), eating breakfast (with federal nutrition labels), commuting to campus/driving/public transit, classes, eating (with inspected meat) etc.
- Student activities often involve interactions with federal, state, and local institutions (education, infrastructure).
Forms of Government
- Governments vary according to who governs.
- Aristotle's six forms include monarchy, aristocracy, democracy, tyranny, oligarchy, and ochlocracy (rule by the mob).
- Aristotle viewed politics as crucial for a just society.
- In a democracy, authority is held by the people.
- Totalitarianism recognizes no limits to authority & seeks to eliminate other institutions.
Forms of Government: Structure, Size, and Operation
- Governments vary in size, structure, and operation, based on who governs.
- Autocracy is rule by a single, nonelected individual such as a king or dictator.
- Oligarchy is rule by a small group that is not accountable to citizens such as military officers or land owners.
- Democracy permits substantial citizen participation in the governmental process, often accomplished through electing public officials.
Forms of Government: Limiting Government
- Constitutional governments are limited by law and the powers they can exercise.
- Authoritarian governments recognize no limits to authority but may be constrained by other institutions.
- Totalitarian governments recognize no limits and eliminate challenging institutions.
Forms of Government: Limiting Government
- The founding generation of the United States placed several limits on government.
- Representative democracy
- Universal suffrage for legal adults to vote
- Majority rule & majority will
- Free & competitive elections
- Limits on government authority set by the US Constitution.
Forms of Government: John Locke
- Locke believed people are born free and equal.
- Governments must have consent from the civil society.
- Locke emphasized origins of government in force, fraud, conquest or usurpation—not just moral legitimacy.
- The social contract defines the obligations between citizens and government, emphasizing citizens' rights.
Democracy in the United States
- Direct democracy existed in Greek city-states, where citizens debated and voted directly on laws.
- Direct democracy requires high levels of citizen participation.
- Modern democracies use representative democracy, electing representative officials.
- Ballot initiatives and popular referendums are examples of direct democracy in the US.
Influencing the Government through Participation: Politics
- American democracy incorporates majoritarianism where the government does what the majority chooses.
- Political participation (especially in democracies) is significantly shaped by the opportunities people have to engage.
- Real political power lies within a series of groups and political elites.
Politics and Pluralism
- Political participation generally relies on an ideology based on beliefs about people and government.
- Pluralism is a theory representing the diversity and competition of interests.
- Competition between groups drives compromises and moderation in government.
Citizenship
- A republic requires good citizens with knowledge of political institutions & issues, respect for governing rules and customs, and utilization of accurate political information.
Disinformation
- Disinformation is intentional false information to achieve a political goal.
- Disinformation complicates the process of valid political information in a democracy.
- While truth is subjective, lies are easily accepted by those that believe their own ideology.
- Many Americans lack fundamental knowledge about current issues and how the government operates.
Political Efficacy
- Political efficacy is the belief that individuals can influence government.
- There is a decline in Americans' sense of political efficacy, with a smaller percentage of people feeling their opinions matter.
American Identity
- The U.S. population grew from 3.9 million in 1790 to 332 million in 2021, largely due to immigration.
- 1790 census reflected mostly Europeans, 20% African origin, with indentured servants, and unenumerated numbers of Native peoples.
Immigration Policy: Overview
- Immigration concerns, including capacity for immigrants and if their values align with American society, arose as the U.S. became more diverse.
- Questions emerged about whether immigrants could assimilate, particularly, could they learn English?
Immigration Laws
- Post-World War 1, immigration laws were passed limiting arrival, often based on national origins quotas.
- The quota system established a hierarchy, with Northern and Western European countries receiving preferential quotas.
Immigration Laws
- Racial and ethnic criteria used to restrict US population are not new.
- Naturalization Act (1790) stated only free white people could become citizens.
- The Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) outlawed Chinese laborer entry to the U.S.
Immigration Laws
- Japanese Americans faced significant denial of citizenship rights.
- There were questions about classifying people of Latin American origin, as citizenship laws linked to racial classification.
- In 1970, a “Hispanic” classification category was adopted by the census recognizing that Hispanics can be of any race.
Immigration by Continent of Origin
- Data about immigration by continent of origin are provided, showing shifts in source countries over time and highlighting the changing relationship between immigrants and their communities.
Who Are Americans?: Race and Ethnicity
- Current demographics (2020 census update) illustrate the complex ethnic and racial make-up of the US population: White 61.6%, Asian 6%, Black 12.4%, Latino 18.7% and two or more races 3%.
- A significant portion of residents are foreign born, similar to that in 1900.
Who Are Americans?: Race and Ethnicity
- Significant numbers of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., primarily from Mexico and Central America.
- Undocumented immigrants in the U.S. have limited access to many benefits offered to citizens.
Who Are Americans?: Religion
- U.S. population's religious diversity has increased.
- 35% of the population was Protestant in 2021.
Who Are Americans?: Age
- Life expectancy and the number of older Americans have increased.
- In 1900, only 4% of the population was over 65, but now it is 16%.
- The relative growth in the elderly population and working-age population may affect social programs like Social Security.
Who Are Americans?: Geography
- Americans have increasingly relocated from rural areas to large cities and suburbs.
- Urban areas house 80% of Americans.
- The U.S. Senate overrepresents sparsely populated rural states.
Who Are Americans?: Socioeconomic Status
- For much of US history, most citizens were poor farmers.
- A wealthy elite emerged in the late 1800s(the Gilded Age).
- Income inequality widened in the 20th century.
Who Are Americans?: Socioeconomic Status
- In the 1960s, civil rights legislation and new social programs helped reduce income inequality.
- Economic inequality has returned, due to factors such as deindustrialization, globalization, slow wages, technological change, and the Great Recession.
Wealth in the United States (chart)
- Chart showing the inequality of wealth distribution in the U.S since 1989
American Political Values
- American political culture and values – liberty, equality, democracy – are crucial for US government.
- Political socialization in families and schools shapes attitudes and beliefs.
- Public trust in government has declined over time.
American Political Values
- Liberty- An individual acts within civil society, benefiting from it and not denying that to fellow citizens.
- Order (or rule of law) protects society from violence and maintains peace.
- Popular sovereignty: the principle that political power ultimately rests with the people
- Equality
- Limited Government
- Free-market capitalism
Americans' Attitudes Toward Government
- Americans have often been resistant to giving the government extensive power, but government power has expanded in response to events like the Great Depression and the 2008/09 recession.
- Legislation in response to these events often broadened the role of government in the economy and finance.
Trust in Government
- Public trust of government has significantly declined.
- A decreasing percentage of Americans feel confidence in their government.
- Trust often follows the political party in power.
Readings from Faculty Website
- This section lists readings available on a faculty website.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of American Government in this engaging quiz. Explore key concepts like democracy, totalitarian regimes, and the roles of federal agencies. Perfect for students taking American Government 101 or anyone interested in U.S. political structures.
