The Democratic Republic Politics Government Politics The process
The Democratic Republic
Politics & Government Politics: The process of resolving conflicts and deciding who gets what, when, and how (Lasswell 1936). It is the struggle over power and/or influence. Government: Where decisions are made to resolve conflicts and allocate benefits and privileges.
Purpose & Necessity Order: Keeping peace, serving justice, providing benefits & protection. Liberty: Limiting government power & promoting personal rights &freedoms. Legitimacy: Recognition from other nations and constituents. Authority: Enforce policy, establish rules & laws.
Forms of Government Totalitarian- All controlling government in all aspects of life. Authoritarian- Only government is controlled by ruler. Aristocracy- Ruled by upper class Oligarchy- rule of the few Theocracy- Religious leadership Anarchy- No government Democracy- Rule by the people
Direct vs Representative Direct Democracy: People vote directly Representative Democracy: Representatives elected by the people make and enforce laws
Types of Democracy Majoritarianism: Belief that the government should do what majority wants. (Majority rule) Elite Theory: Belief that society is ruled by a small number of people to further their selfinterests. Pluralism: Theory that views politics as a struggle among groups to gain benefits for their members.
What is “political socialization? ” Definition Influences
Liberty: Personal freedoms protected for all people. Order: A state of peace and security. Equality: All people are of equal worth.
Big Government Benefits: More programs, increased regulation and stronger protection for the country. Drawbacks: less freedom, higher taxes/spending. Small Government Benefits: Less taxes/spending, increased liberties, simpler overall. Drawbacks: Fewer programs, weakened power.
Civil liberties/ Individual freedoms/ Due process issues Civil Rights/ Equal protection before the law
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