POLS 206 1st EditionExam 1 Study Guide: Lectures 1-8Lecture 1What is Government and its purpose? Who are the three political philosophers that helped shaped what the Government’s purpose is? What is Politics? Name the main different types of governments (hint: there are six).What is Government?- Formally, it is the institutions and processes through which public policies are made for society. (Essentially, government is there to keep society in order)Why does Government exist?-political philosopher style: Society Contract Theory- Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Believed in idea to give a voice to the general will and that a general will life does not have to be moral but a individuals are moral. - Thomas Hobbes: Believed in a more pessimistic view in that the life of man and nature is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. Because of this, people need something to shockand awe them. People are afraid of dying and so need protection and leadership. Government provides this, though it more than about protection. - John Locke: Believed in state of nature, a farm-type system, however there are flaws in his system. He made Libels idea: society comes together to help. Government protects life, liberty, and property.What is the purpose of Government? - Maintain a national defense- Collect taxes-citizens contribute to the system- Socialize the young-education system, learn basic things about life (example: basic hygiene)- Preserve order-military and police departments- Provide public services-benefits everyone gets, though no one wants to pay for, so the Government doesWhat is Politics? Policy-making and the people participating- people expect the government to solve the problems facing the people-penalize the Government through the polls - People shape policy through “linkage institutions”- “the political channels through which people's concerns become political issues on the policy agenda (elections, political parties, interest groups, etc.)” Main types of Governments:- Autocracy-one leader (Monarchy and Dictatorship)- Theocracy-Rule by religion (seen a lot in Middle East)- Meritocracy-Person/people best suited to rule- Plutocracy-Rule by the wealthy- Aristocracy-Elite; group of people chosen to lead, though do not have to be wealthy - Democracy-Citizens have equal say in government decisions (Direct- citizens decide on practically everything (seen in Athens, Greece); Representative- Citizens choose people torepresent them (seen in big societies such as the U.S. (though U.S. is more of a Republic)) Lecture 2 What is the Traditional Democratic Theory? Name the principles of American Democracy. Name the American Political Values. What is the American Political Ideology?Traditional Democratic Theory- Equality in voting- equal suffrage, equal weight in vote- Effective Participation- adequate and equal opportunities to influence the process - Enlightened understanding- a marketplace of ideas (participation is more than just voting; protest influences decisions; any form of government that is open to people gives people a chance to speak, different viewpoints)Principles of American Democracy- Equality in voting- 18 years old and up, except for felony charges in some states- Individual freedom- as long as not threatening the rights of others- Equal protection of the law- everyone is treated fairly under the law - Majority rule and minority rights- minority have limited rights because of majority rule - Voluntary consent to be governedAmerican Political Values- What is political culture?-Essentially, it is a set of shared political beliefs, values, and ways of thinking about government and politics (everyone, for the most part, agrees on)- What are some examples of American political values?: Liberty- freedom; Equality- treatedthe same in the court; Property- own and do what you want (Government can not normally take) - Are political values defined by ethnicity?- not really, there are so many in America (Multiculturalism)- Does America only have one culture?- NO! Is America a melting pot (cultures very blendedtogether into almost culture) or mixed salad (cultures more defined)?- Overall, it is mixed salad- distinct cultures add to politics America Political Ideology - Political ideology-essentially, a general belief about the political values and purpose of the government - Liberalism (very active government/also called progressivism or idealism)- having to do with ideas about liberty and political equality and often favors change society, politics, andeconomics to make more equality; essentially believes there is something wrong in society and the government needs to fix that- Conservatism (status quo/the idea: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it)-believes in keeping tradition- emphasizing community and family as a big role in continuing society; role of the government is to protect and support a capitalist system- Political Very Right and Very Left:o Socialism-everything is evenly owned and rewarded (very left)o Libertarianism- less government; government only supplies the very minimum (such as police) (very right) o Fascism-government plays a very small role (extreme right)o Neoconservatives-individuals have a lot of power (very right)Lecture 3What are the main historical points that happened from 1580-1732? There were several laws and regulations Britain put on the Colonies (from 1764-1776), how did they react? What is Common Sense?Historical Points (1580-1732)- 1580’s- Sir Walter Raleigh receives a land grant - 1587- First Settlement (Lost Colony) Roanoke Island-The colony (mostly big, burly men) were led by John White. Arrived in 1587 but soon ran out of supplies due to lack of knowledge about crop growing. White leaves but was could not come back until 1590 dueto the Spanish Armada in 1588. When White came back, everyone was gone in Roanoke- 1607-First Permanent Settlement- Jamestown- 1620-Plymouth Colony (Massachusetts)- established rules and regulations (Mayflower Compact) outside the Virginia Charter (the original destination)- 1732-the Colonies were established with very strong connections to Britain (very dependent on Britain)o The Colonies are trying very hard to establish themselves, making their own laws and legislature for each Colony. The King of Britain, on the other hand, does not approve of this and appoints governors for each Colony and vetoes the laws the Colonists make.o 1756-1763: the French and Indian War (Seven Years War)-very expensive, as a result,
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