Why Government? - Key Concepts (Lecture Notes)

A GOVERNMENT IS…

• Def: An institution that makes policy decisions for society.
• Institutions exist at all levels (federal, state, and local).
• Federal: Congress
• State: DMV
• Local: Fullerton College
• Policies
  • Federal: Obamacare, federal budget
  • State: Application process
  • Local: tuition, book prices, parking tickets

A GOVERNMENT SHOULD…

• Maintain order
• Maintain a national defense
• Socialize the public
• Provide public services
• Finance services
• Others?

DIFFERENT TYPES OF GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES

• A government ruled by…
  • Monarchy: king/queen
  • Aristocracy: elites
  • Theocracy: religion
  • Dictatorship: force/power
  • Democracy: people

DEMOCRACY IS…

• Def: A government ruled by the “people”.
• The Gettysburg Address: “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
• Ex: Athenian Democracy
• Direct Democracy?
• Excludes: women, minorities, the poor, those that do not own property

A DEMOCRACY EXISTS WHEN…

• Popular Sovereignty: People are the source of power
• Political Equality: Equality in voting/each vote is weighted equally
• Political Liberty: § Opportunities to participate are numerous § Examples: voting, donating, campaigning, running for office, protesting, joining a political party or interest group

THEORIES OF DEMOCRACY

• Elitism: Elites in society dictate policymaking
  • NRA, corporations, wealthy, celebrities, politicians
• Pluralism: Many groups in society (large/small, wealthy/poor) can impact policymaking
• Hyperpluralism: Elites in society have become so strong that the government is unnecessary/obsolete