American Politics 2nd Meeting Recapitulation PDF

American Politics 2nd Meeting Political Behavior – refers to the behavior of a “state” and Recapitulation focuses on the how’s, specifically, Last meeting, we have discussed about...

American Politics 2nd Meeting Political Behavior – refers to the behavior of a “state” and Recapitulation focuses on the how’s, specifically, Last meeting, we have discussed about their actions in the political realm the following: and in the international arena. Principles as the belief system of Polis is considered as “man’s a state, similar to that of religion greatest self-expression.” wherein morality, rules, and beliefs differ from one religion to Anthropocentric view of politics another. where these political theorists share a common view: E.g. Catholicism’s morality and behavior is based on the 10 Plato – “The first and greatest Commandments. victory is to conquer yourself.” When speaking of states, it is Protagoras – “Man is the based on their Declaration of measure of all things.” Principles and State Policies (Art. 2 of the 1987 Philippine Socrates – “Know thyself.” Constitution). Mahatma Gandhi – “Be the All states have Declaration of change you wish to see in the Principles and State Policies, world.” however, not all states embed the Bill of Rights in their Constitutions. All in all, what is important here is They may have rights, but it that politics indeed focuses in the differs from the Bill of Rights. self. In order to understand a state, we Diplomacy as a means of must therefore study how they gathering intelligence from one mingle with other states. state to another. In Reference to the Bible According to James Madison, the In the process of studying, we traverse father of American Politics, “if men between knowledge and wisdom where were angels, no government knowledge (data) is less superior than would be necessary” because he wisdom (understanding of the data). By highlighted that no man is indeed understanding the data, we can then perfect because of our free will appropriately apply what we have (God’s greatest gift to mankind) learned. and our ability to rationalize. The distinction between Political Behavior and Political Attitude are as follows: Upon application, we can start to be Political Attitude – refers to the creative, and in our creativity, there will mental state of a “state” and be variations. Furthermore, if there are highlights on the why’s, variations, there is also beauty whereby specifically, their individual’s man tends to appreciate. Lastly, when feelings, beliefs, and evaluations we appreciate, we will experience joy about political issues, leaders, and happiness which is the ultimate and institutions. goal of humanity. Overall, we should use our wisdom to be After further studies in Politics and Law, an asset to the community and promote it is worth mentioning that all laws are in welfare towards the people; the source of accordance with Divine Law since it is inspiration among the people. considered as the blueprint of the laws for men. According to Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of On State Relationships the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” In our previous discussion, we have which strengthens the rationale of this mentioned that in order to understand discussion. This reverence, or “fear,” people, we have to study how they leads people to follow the Ten interact with others because it is the Commandments, which in turn promotes manifestation of who they are and what uprightness, dignity, and nobility. they ought to be. Ultimately, this adherence helps individuals become more virtuous and “free from guilt”. Studying people is pivotal in order to understand states because it is how we can predict on what they try to do. Examples of this so-called nobility is exemplified in Art. 2 Sec. 4 of the 1987 Constitution, the creation of polis (city- Speaking of relationships, when we try to state) in order to promote the welfare of relate, there is a tendency for friction the people, and of the legal construction which would then turn into of Cicero where salus populi est misunderstandings. Due to this, it is suprema lex. crucial that laws are placed in this so- called relationship because laws are the On Self ultimate regulator of human If we look at the statements of the relationship. Political Theorists/Philosophers that we It is important that we have guiding have mentioned, it is clear that they principles when we relate with others consider self as the enormous source because it would lead us to our goals of power and by studying the self, we towards the direction that we would can easily understand politics want to go. because it is equated with power (the undisputed definition or meaning with To simplify, an example for this is the politics). United States where we can test and study their acts through their foreign On Politics and Religion policies since this is how they mingle or In Political Science, the systematic study interact with other states. of politics and the state, there is indeed Differentiating Principles and Policies an intertwinement between politics and religion. By the use of contextualism, the Principles are the manifestation of our study of the past and its origins, we can belief system which is based on our 4P’s actually see that religion takes part in which are: politics (through Monarchial Absolutism which inherit/claim power Philosophy – Religion (Relationship through the Divine Right Theory). with God) Physiology – Genetics (What is inherited from parents) Even when we speak of the Vatican, it has ecclesiastical (theocratic) origins Physical Environment – Community rather than political (anthropocentric) where we belong which further strengthens the Practical Experience intertwinement between Politics and Religion. And by enforcing these principles, these are then called policies. Foreign Policies of the United States One of the belief systems of the United States is the acknowledgement of God which would then in turn create the so- called “manifest destiny” that aims to spread Christianity, and to promote freedom and democracy throughout the whole world. In sum, this is what we call a divine-ordained duty of the United States. ________________________________ Whiteboard Notes: