Week 1 Lecture Notes on Government PDF
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Frederick Community College
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This document is a set of lecture notes covering various aspects of government and political science. It introduces concepts such as government dysfunction, political culture, and forms of government. The document includes keywords like "government", "politics", "democracy", and "political culture" .
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Week 1 day 1 lecture notes: 1. Government Dysfunction and High School Student's Unemployment Case - A high school student lost her part-time job at a coffee shop due to COVID-19 and received unemployment benefits, but the state of Minnesota later demanded she repay the benefits. -...
Week 1 day 1 lecture notes: 1. Government Dysfunction and High School Student's Unemployment Case - A high school student lost her part-time job at a coffee shop due to COVID-19 and received unemployment benefits, but the state of Minnesota later demanded she repay the benefits. - This example illustrates government dysfunction and the complexity of laws and policies. 2. Introduction to Government and Politics - Government represents the sovereign entity that controls a territory and its people. - Politics involves conflict over the leadership structure and policies of government, tracing back to early political views like Federalists and anti-Federalists. - The government provides public goods like defense, public order, and a stable currency. 3. Contracts, Property Rights, and Rule of Law - Contracts and the rule of law are important for enforcing agreements and protecting property rights. - Historically, property rights primarily protected the interests of white male landowners, including the ownership of slaves. 4. Forms of Government and Their Characteristics - Different forms of government include constitutional, authoritarian, and totalitarian regimes, with examples like Russia and North Korea. - The influence of social institutions like the Russian Orthodox Church on government power is discussed. 5. John Locke's Social Compact and the American Revolution - John Locke's social compact theory, which states that the government and people have an agreement, is linked to the American Revolution. 6. Expansion of Voting Rights and Direct Democracy - Voting rights have expanded significantly since the founding era, with major progress during Reconstruction and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. - Direct democracy through referendums on issues like abortion and taxes is discussed. 7. Pluralism and Group Politics - Pluralism, or the struggle among interests to influence policy, is explained as a form of group politics. - The role of political action committees and lobbying in shaping public opinion and policy is discussed. 8. Challenges and Consequences of Direct Action - Direct action, including protests and civil disobedience, can be used to influence policy, but it can also face government repression. - The importance of peaceful protests and the right to demonstrate as guaranteed by the First Amendment is emphasized. 9. The Role of Political Participation in Democracy - Various forms of political participation, such as voting, donating to campaigns, and attending political meetings, are discussed. - The impact of social media on political discourse and the importance of standing by one's views publicly is highlighted. 10. The Importance of the Right to Vote and the Rule of Law - The right to vote and the rule of law are identified as cornerstones of American society. - The consequences of losing these rights on the function of government are discussed. 1. Importance of Citizen Participation and Political Knowledge: - Citizens play a crucial role in determining liability or guilt, rather than just having the government or judges make those decisions. - Political knowledge is a key ingredient for political participation, helping citizens be more educated and sophisticated when voting. - Political knowledge encompasses understanding formal government institutions, political actors, and political issues. 2. Consequences of Uninformed Voters: - Uninformed voters can elect officials who are not well-rounded or educated, leading to poor decision-making. - The speaker provided an example of commissioners who ran on an outdated anti-mask mandate platform, even though the state had already lifted the requirement. - Misinformed voters can elect officials with irrelevant or outdated platforms, resulting in ineffective governance. 3. Addressing Disinformation: - The upcoming class will cover the topic of disinformation and how to distinguish reliable from misleading information. - The focus will be on developing critical thinking and media literacy skills to combat the spread of disinformation. Week one day 2 lecture notes: 1. Types of Misinformation E rroneous Information: Incorrect but not intentionally misleading. Disinformation: False information deliberately spread to mislead, often used for political purposes. 2. Political Knowledge and Engagement D espite increased access to political information, actual knowledge remains low. Many Americans are unaware of basic government structures (e.g., only 56% could identify all three branches of government). Political efficacy, or the belief that citizens can influence government, has declined significantly, leading to apathy and lower participation, especially among younger people. 3. Historical Immigration and Demographic Changes E arly U.S. immigration policies favored Europeans and excluded others, such as the Chinese under the Chinese Exclusion Act (lifted in 1943). Major immigration shifts occurred post-1965, with increased diversity from Asia and Latin America. The U.S. population has become more diverse, with a projected shift toward a majority-minority population by 2040. 4. Citizenship and Legal Status T he 14th Amendment guaranteed citizenship rights, reversing the Dred Scott decision that denied citizenship to Black individuals. Native Americans were granted citizenship in 1924. Current debates over immigration focus on the status of undocumented immigrants and their access to public benefits, with misinformation prevalent about their eligibility for welfare and other services. 5. Economic Inequality and Class Shifts E conomic inequality has grown, mirroring the Gilded Age. The top 1% of earners receive a significant portion of national income. The middle class, which expanded in the mid-20th century, has since eroded. Recent tax policies have often favored the wealthy, increasing income disparity. 6. Population Trends and Urbanization T he U.S. population has shifted from rural to urban areas, affecting political representation. Rural areas tend to have lower education levels, less wealth, and higher birth rates than urban areas. Immigration has slowed the aging process in the U.S. compared to other developed nations. 7. Impact of Artificial Intelligence T echnological advancements, particularly AI, are expected to have significant impacts on employment and societal structures. 8. Cultural and Religious Diversity Increased immigration has brought cultural and religious changes, including a rise in Roman Catholicism due to Latino immigration. 9. Social Security and Medicare B oth programs face funding challenges, with projections indicating potential benefit cuts by the 2030s unless reforms are implemented. . The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution proclaim principles of liberty, equality, 1 and justice as the foundation of American political culture. . The concept of liberty is linked to limited government control and personal freedoms 2 protected by the Bill of Rights. . The Founding Fathers had concerns about slavery and its impact on the principles of liberty 3 and equality. . There is ongoing debate about the government's role in promoting equality, including issues 4 like income distribution, education, and housing. . The Great Depression led to widespread unemployment and economic hardship, which 5 prompted the New Deal policies of the Roosevelt administration. . Public trust in the federal government has declined over time, in contrast with relatively higher 6 trust in state and local governments. . There is an ongoing debate about the appropriate size and role of government, with opinions 7 divided between those favoring smaller government and those supporting greater government involvement. . Government policies and interventions, such as the New Deal and responses to economic 8 crises, have had significant impacts on economic stability and recovery. . The government's role in addressing economic inequality, including through policies related to 9 college admissions and corporate diversity initiatives, continues to be a subject of debate. 0. Low public trust in government can undermine its ability to effectively carry out its functions, 1 such as tax collection and national security. 1. The concept of laissez-faire capitalism, emphasizing minimal government interference in 1 economic activities, was important to the Founding Fathers. 2. The British East India Trading Company's monopoly on trade was a grievance that 1 contributed to the American Revolution. 3. The Bakke case and the Students for Fair Admissions decision have impacted the use of 1 race-conscious admissions in college admissions. 4. Corporations have faced challenges and lawsuits related to their diversity, equity, and 1 inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 5. The "switch in time that saved nine" refers to the Supreme Court's shift in upholding New 1 Deal legislation after initially opposing it. 6. The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected low-income workers without employee 1 benefits, leading to debates about the government's role in providing economic support. 7. The decline in public trust in the federal government began in the 1960s, with events like the 1 Vietnam War and Watergate contributing to the erosion of trust. 8. The lack of government regulation and the prevalence of margin trading contributed to the 1 stock market crash and the onset of the Great Depression. 9. The post-World War II economic boom and the challenges faced by countries like Germany 1 in their recovery are discussed. 0. The government's role in stabilizing prices, providing safety nets, and regulating the financial 2 sector have had significant impacts on economic stability. We the People Chapter 1 notes: 1. Introduction to Politics and Government D efinition of Government:Government is defined asthe set of institutions and processes through which public policies are made for a society. It includes all structures and offices, such as the presidency, Congress, courts, and bureaucracies. Purpose of Government:The primary functions of governmentare to maintain order, protect individual rights and liberties, provide public goods and services (like education, healthcare, and infrastructure), and enforce laws. It is also tasked with promoting the general welfare of the citizens. Role in Society:Governments play a crucial role inmanaging conflict, ensuring justice, and providing a stable structure within which individuals can live productive, safe lives. They also represent and articulate the interests and values of their citizens, both domestically and internationally. 2. Political Culture and Values D efinition of Political Culture:Political culturerefers to the shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that define the relationship between citizens and their government. In the U.S., this includes a belief in democracy, freedom, and equality. Core American Values: ○ Liberty:The belief that individuals should be freeto act and think as they choose, provided they do not infringe on others' freedoms. This encompasses both personal freedom (e.g., freedom of speech, religion) and economic freedom (e.g., free markets). ○ Equality:The principle that all individuals havea right to equal protection under the law and equal access to opportunities. This is seen in the promotion of political equality (one person, one vote) and the pursuit of social and economic equality. ○ Democracy:The belief in the right of the people tochoose their own government through free, fair, and open elections. Democracy also entails the protection of minority rights and the rule of law. Significance of Political Culture:Political cultureshapes citizens' expectations of government, influences their behavior (such as voting and protest), and determines how political conflicts are resolved. 3. The Role of Citizens C ivic Engagement:In a democracy, citizens are expectedto be informed and actively participate in political processes. This engagement includes voting, volunteering, joining civic organizations, attending town hall meetings, and engaging in political discussions. Forms of Political Participation: ○ Voting:The most common form of participation; itallows citizens to choose their leaders and influence policy decisions. ○ P rotesting:A form of direct action where citizens express their opposition to certain government actions or policies. This can include peaceful demonstrations, rallies, and marches. ○ Contacting Representatives:Citizens may write letters,make phone calls, or use social media to reach out to their elected officials to express their opinions and influence decision-making. Importance of Participation:Active participationis essential for a functioning democracy. It ensures that the government reflects the will of the people and holds leaders accountable. A lack of participation can lead to apathy, erosion of democratic values, and the concentration of power. 4. Types of Government D emocracy:A system of government where power is vestedin the hands of the people, either directly or through elected representatives. In a representative democracy like the U.S., citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. Authoritarianism:A political system where a singleleader or a small group holds significant power, often without the input or consent of the governed. Individual freedoms and political dissent are typically restricted. Totalitarianism:An extreme form of authoritarianismwhere the government seeks to control every aspect of public and private life, often through propaganda, surveillance, and repression. Republic vs. Direct Democracy:The United States isa republic, meaning that citizens elect representatives to make laws and policy decisions. In contrast, a direct democracy involves citizens making decisions directly through referendums or initiatives. 5. Political Efficacy and Trust in Government P olitical Efficacy:Refers to the belief that one'sactions can influence government and political processes. High political efficacy means people feel empowered and that their participation matters, while low efficacy leads to feelings of powerlessness. Trends in Political Efficacy:Studies show that politicalefficacy in the United States has declined over time, particularly among younger generations, due to factors like political polarization, dissatisfaction with government performance, and media influence. Trust in Government:Trust in government has alsodeclined, with many Americans believing that government officials are disconnected from the needs of ordinary citizens, act in their own self-interest, or are ineffective in solving problems. This lack of trust can lead to decreased political participation and challenges to democratic legitimacy. 6. Challenges Facing American Democracy P olitical Polarization:The increasing divide betweenpolitical parties and ideologies has made it difficult to reach consensus on critical issues, leading to gridlock and dysfunction in government. M isinformation and Media Fragmentation:The rise of social media and partisan news outlets has contributed to the spread of misinformation, making it challenging for citizens to find accurate information and understand complex political issues. Declining Civic Engagement:There has been a declinein traditional forms of civic engagement, such as joining community organizations or participating in civic activities, which can weaken social cohesion and the democratic fabric of society. Voter Apathy and Low Turnout:Low voter turnout, especiallyamong young people and minorities, limits the representativeness of the government and can result in policies that do not reflect the interests of all citizens. Economic Inequality:Rising economic inequality canlead to unequal political influence, as wealthier individuals and groups have more resources to shape public policy and political discourse. Analytical stuff 1. Introduction to Politics and Government S ize and Scope of Government:A common example mightinclude data on the federal budget. For example, in recent years, the U.S. federal budget has been around $4 trillion annually, which funds programs like Social Security, Medicare, defense, and education. Government Employment:The U.S. government is oneof the largest employers, with around 2 million civilian employees in the federal workforce alone (excluding military personnel). Historical Context:The Constitution was adopted in1787 and remains the foundational legal document of the United States, defining the structure of government and citizens' rights. 2. Political Culture and Values L iberty:Data might show that freedom of speech isa widely cherished value in the U.S. For example, surveys by the Pew Research Center often find that a high percentage (70% or more) of Americans consider freedom of speech as a critical component of their identity. Equality:Public opinion polls may show support forequality, with a majority of Americans believing that everyone should have equal rights regardless of race, gender, or religion. For instance, a 2020 Gallup poll indicated that around 85% of Americans support equal job opportunities for women. Democracy:Pew Research surveys typically indicatethat a significant majority (around 80%) believe that democracy is important, though many express concern about its current functioning in the U.S. 3. The Role of Citizens V oter Turnout:In recent presidential elections, voterturnout has varied, but in the 2020 election, turnout was about 66.8% of eligible voters, one of the highest rates in modern U.S. history. Political Participation:Surveys suggest that lessthan half of Americans engage in forms of political participation beyond voting, such as attending political meetings or rallies (about 10-20%) or contacting their representatives (around 20-30%). Youth Participation:Data often shows that youngervoters (ages 18-29) have lower turnout rates compared to older age groups. For instance, in the 2018 midterms, about 36% of young adults voted, which was an increase from previous midterms but still below the national average. 4. Types of Government G lobal Context:The United States is categorized asa “full democracy” in global indices, such as the Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index, which rates countries based on electoral processes, civil liberties, and political participation. However, concerns about political polarization and voter suppression have impacted perceptions of U.S. democracy. Constitutional Republic:The U.S. operates under aconstitution adopted over 230 years ago. The concept of checks and balances, federalism, and the separation of powers are key features that differentiate it from other types of government. 5. Political Efficacy and Trust in Government D ecline in Trust:Trust in government has been decliningsince the 1960s. In the 1960s, more than 70% of Americans said they trusted the government to do what is right most of the time. By 2023, that number had fallen to around 20%, according to surveys from Pew Research Center. Political Efficacy:Studies have shown that politicalefficacy, especially among young people, has declined, with only around 40% of young adults feeling that their generation has a great deal of power to influence the political system. 6. Challenges Facing American Democracy P olitical Polarization:Data shows increasing ideologicalpolarization. For example, in 1994, 64% of Republicans were more conservative than the median Democrat, and 70% of Democrats were more liberal than the median Republican. By 2017, those figures had jumped to 95% for Republicans and 97% for Democrats. Media Consumption:With the rise of social media,a significant portion of Americans (about 55%, according to Pew) get their news from social media platforms, which can contribute to misinformation and polarization. E conomic Inequality:Economic inequality has been rising over the past decades. The Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, has increased from around 0.34 in the late 1970s to about 0.49 today, indicating growing income disparity. Voter Apathy:Even in high-turnout elections, a significantportion of the eligible population does not vote. In the 2016 election, for example, about 40% of eligible voters did not cast a ballot. Population 1. Early American Population (18th Century) C olonial Period:In the early 1700s, the populationof the thirteen American colonies was approximately 250,000. By the time of the American Revolution (late 1700s), the population had grown to around 2.5 million. Demographics:The population was primarily of Europeandescent, mainly British, with significant numbers of Africans, most of whom were enslaved. Native American populations were also present but had been dramatically reduced due to disease, warfare, and displacement. Urbanization:Most people lived in rural areas orsmall towns. Cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia were growing but still relatively small compared to modern standards. 2. 19th Century Population Changes E arly 1800s:By 1800, the population of the UnitedStates was about 5.3 million. This included a mix of free citizens and enslaved individuals, with slavery being a significant issue that shaped the political landscape. Mid-1800s:The population continued to grow rapidlydue to high birth rates and increasing immigration, reaching about 23 million by 1850. The population was still predominantly rural, with only about 15% living in urban areas. Late 1800s (Post-Civil War):The industrial revolutionand westward expansion led to rapid urbanization and population growth. By 1900, the U.S. population had reached approximately 76 million. Immigration was at its peak, with large numbers of people arriving from Europe (especially Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Eastern Europe) and Asia. Racial and Ethnic Composition:In the 19th century,the U.S. remained majority White, but the diversity was increasing. Enslaved African Americans were emancipated after the Civil War (1861-1865), contributing to changes in the social and political dynamics of the country. 3. 20th Century Population Dynamics E arly 20th Century:By 1900, only about 40% of Americanslived in urban areas. The population reached about 106 million by 1920, with more than half now residing in cities due to industrialization. Immigration Waves:The early 20th century saw continued waves of immigration, leading to significant ethnic diversity. The Immigration Act of 1924 limited immigration, but by then, millions of immigrants had already arrived, particularly from Southern and Eastern Europe. Mid-20th Century:The post-World War II baby boomsignificantly increased the population, which reached about 150 million by 1950 and over 200 million by 1970. Suburbanization became a key trend, with many Americans moving out of urban centers into suburban neighborhoods. Civil Rights Movement:The 20th century also markedcritical changes in civil rights for minorities, particularly African Americans, who fought for and gained significant legal and political rights through landmark legislation in the 1960s. 4. Population Trends in the 21st Century G rowth and Diversity:As of the early 21st century,the U.S. population has surpassed 335 million, with significant diversity due to immigration and changing birth rates. Hispanic and Asian populations have seen the fastest growth rates, reflecting broader changes in American society. Aging Population:The proportion of Americans aged65 and older has increased due to longer life expectancy and the aging of the Baby Boomer generation. This has implications for healthcare, social security, and other public services. Urbanization:About 83% of Americans now live in urbanareas, reflecting ongoing trends toward urban living and away from rural areas. Sum of Week 1: Introduction to Politics and Government Definition of Government: G overnment is the set of institutions and processes through which public policies are made for a society. It includes structures like the presidency, Congress, courts, and bureaucracies(We the People Chapter 1…). Purpose of Government: T he primary functions of government are to maintain order, protect individual rights and liberties, provide public goods and services, and enforce laws. Governments manage conflict, ensure justice, and provide stability for productive, safe lives(We the People Chapter 1…). Historical Context: T he U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1787, remains the foundational legal document, defining government structure and citizens' rights( Wethe People Chapter 1…). Political Efficacy: P olitical efficacy refers to the belief that one's actions can influence the government. A decline in political efficacy, especially among younger generations, has led to lower participation and feelings of powerlessness( Noteson week 1)(We the People Chapter 1…). Trust in Government: T rust in government has been declining since the 1960s, due to factors like political polarization, dissatisfaction with government performance, and media influence. This has led to decreased participation and challenges to democratic legitimacy( Notes on week 1)(We the People Chapter 1…). Political Culture and Values Political Culture: P olitical culture includes the shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that define the relationship between citizens and government. In the U.S., this includes democracy, freedom, and equality(We the People Chapter 1…). Core American Values: L iberty:Individuals should be free to act and thinkas they choose, as long as they do not infringe on others' freedoms(We the People Chapter1…). Equality:All individuals have a right to equal protectionunder the law and equal access to opportunities( We the People Chapter 1…). Democracy:The belief in the right of the people tochoose their government through free, fair elections, while protecting minority rights and upholding the rule of law( We the People Chapter 1…). Challenges Facing American Democracy: P olitical Polarization:The increasing divide betweenpolitical parties makes consensus difficult, leading to government dysfunction( We thePeople Chapter 1…). Misinformation and Media Fragmentation:Social mediaand partisan news outlets contribute to misinformation, making it hard for citizens to find accurate information( We the People Chapter 1…). Economic Inequality:Rising economic inequality canlead to unequal political influence, as wealthier individuals and groups have more resources to shape public policy(We the People Chapter 1…)(Notes on week 1). Types of Government Democracy: A system where power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives. The U.S. operates as a representative democracy( We the People Chapter 1…). Authoritarianism: A political system where a single leader or small group holds significant power, often without consent from the governed, with restricted individual freedoms and political dissent(We the People Chapter 1…). Totalitarianism: A n extreme form of authoritarianism where the government seeks to control every aspect of public and private life(We the People Chapter1…). Republic vs. Direct Democracy: T he U.S. is a republic, meaning citizens elect representatives to make laws and policy decisions. Direct democracy involves citizens making decisions directly through referendums or initiatives(We the People Chapter1…). The Role of Citizens Civic Engagement: C itizens are expected to be informed and participate in political processes, such as voting, volunteering, and engaging in discussions( Wethe People Chapter 1…). Forms of Political Participation: V oting:The most common form, allowing citizens tochoose leaders and influence policy(We the People Chapter 1…). Protesting:A form of direct action expressing oppositionto government actions or policies( We the People Chapter 1…). Contacting Representatives:Citizens may write letters,make phone calls, or use social media to reach out to their elected officials( Wethe People Chapter 1…). Importance of Participation: A ctive participation is essential for democracy, ensuring that the government reflects the will of the people. A lack of participation can lead to apathy, erosion of democratic values, and concentration of power(We the PeopleChapter 1…). Consequences of Uninformed Voters: U ninformed voters can lead to the election of poorly informed officials, resulting in ineffective governance( Notes week one chapter …). Population and Demographics Historical Immigration and Demographic Changes: E arly U.S. immigration policies favored Europeans, with shifts after 1965 leading to increased diversity from Asia and Latin America. The U.S. population is projected to become majority-minority by 2040(Notes on week 1). Economic Inequality and Class Shifts: E conomic inequality has grown, with the middle class eroding and recent tax policies favoring the wealthy, increasing income disparity(Noteson week 1). Urbanization: T he U.S. population has shifted from rural to urban areas, affecting political representation. Rural areas have lower education levels, less wealth, and higher birth rates(Notes on week 1). Key Historical and Analytical Points The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution: T hese documents proclaim principles of liberty, equality, and justice as the foundation of American political culture(Notes on week 1). The Great Depression and New Deal: T he economic hardship of the Great Depression led to New Deal policies aimed at recovery and stability. The government's role in economic intervention remains a subject of debate(Notes on week 1)(We the People Chapter1…). Public Trust and Government Intervention: P ublic trust in the federal government has declined, contrasting with higher trust in state and local governments. This decline affects the government's ability to function effectively(Notes on week 1). Artificial Intelligence and Employment: T echnological advancements, particularly AI, are expected to significantly impact employment and societal structures( Notes on week1).
