Thinking Like a Political Scientist

Definitions of Politics

  • Harold Lasswell's (1938) Definition

    • Politics is about "who gets what, when, and how."

  • Components of Politics:

    • Who: Participants in the polity (individuals, groups, corporations, unions, politicians).

    • What: Resources such as government programs, societal resources, rights, privileges, tax breaks, etc.

    • When: Timing of resource receipt.

    • How: Processes for acquiring resources; can vary as democratic, undemocratic, fair, unfair, open, or closed.

    • Critical Thoughts: Consider whether this definition is outdated or missing elements.

  • David Hubert's Alternative Definition:

    • Politics as "the authoritative and legitimate struggle for limited resources or precious rights and privileges within the context of government, the economy, and society."

  • Key Terms:

    • Government: Institutions and people recognized as the legitimate authority over a territory.

    • Institution: Established organizations or practices (e.g., legislatures, courts, bureaucracies).

Political Imagination

  • Definition: Capacity to conceive new and innovative political structures or societal organizations.

  • Approach: Involves "what if" questions to envision alternatives.

    • Key Aspects:

    1. Envisioning various futures.

    2. Acknowledging our agency—imagination, organization, and action can shape the future.

Theory of Power

  • First Dimension of Power (Dahl, 1957): Formal decision making.

    • Basic definition: Getting someone to do what they otherwise wouldn't want to do.

    • Power Relation: "A has power over B to the extent he can get B to do something that B would not otherwise do."

  • Second Dimension of Power (Bachrach & Baratz, 1962): Mobilization of bias.

    • Example: B never has the opportunity to express preferences due to the conditions set by A.

    • Aspects: Agenda setting, rules of deliberation, deciding importance and voice.

  • Third Dimension of Power (Lukes, 1974): Ideological power.

    • A and B share perceptions of their interests due to A's influence, affecting B's decision-making.

    • Definition: The most insidious power is preventing grievances through the shaping of perceptions and beliefs.

Organized Interests and Power

  • Definition: Organized interests are groups that seek to influence public policy without running candidates.

    • Examples: Various organized interests discussed in later classes.

Theories of Organized Interests Impact on US Politics

  • Plurism: Ordinary Americans can form or join interest groups; no singular interest dominates politics. Collaborative efforts are common despite differences.

  • Hyper-Pluralism: Current governance struggles with demands of multiple interest groups, leading to chaos and inefficacy.

  • Elite Theory: A small, wealthy elite influences political outcomes either directly or indirectly by affecting decision-makers.

Power Dynamics in US Politics

  • Core Conflict: The ideological battle between advocacy for greater government intervention versus free market advocacy.

  • Current Landscape: Analysis awaits further course discussion.

Political Ideologies

  • Generalized Views of Liberals:

    • Favor equality and social programs promoting inclusivity.

    • Support minoritized groups (e.g., racial, gender).

    • Support diverse social behaviors.

    • Call for smaller military and increased taxes on wealthy for social programs.

  • Generalized Views of Conservatives:

    • Distrust in government action with favor towards free-market solutions.

    • Preference for using government to maintain social order and traditional values.

    • Support larger military and lower taxes to boost economic growth.

Ideological Models in the US

  • Common Models: Definitions and categorizations of ideological stances from liberal to conservative.

  • Two-Dimensional Framework: Presenting the spectrum of ideologies based on freedom and order.

    • Axes:

    • Freedom vs. Equality:

      • Categories: Liberals, Communitarians, Libertarians, Conservatives.

  • Pew Political Typology Quiz: Tool for individuals to identify their ideological standings.

Critique and Engagement with Models

  • Discussion Prompts: Evaluating the validity and comprehensiveness of ideological classifications present in the public discourse.

Studying Political Science

  • Common Misconceptions: Political science is not merely writing personal opinions but analyzing trends objectively.

  • Research Areas: Public opinion, voting behavior, institutional analysis, congressional voting patterns.

  • Methodological Approaches:

    • Qualitative Analysis: In-depth, narrative approaches to understanding phenomena.

    • Quantitative Analysis: Use of statistical methods to analyze data.

    • Mixed Methods: Combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches.

    • Publication: Involvement in peer-reviewed academic work and occasional translations to mainstream outlets.

    • Distinct fields: American Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Comparative Politics.

Reading Scholarly Articles

  • Efficient Reading Techniques:

    1. Abstract Overview: Initial impression of the article's aims.

    2. Conclusion Insights: Recap of findings and discussions for comprehensive understanding.

    3. Introduction Engagement: Author's plan and structure for the article.

    4. Topic Sentences: Skim to find relevant content quickly.

    5. Complete Reading: Engage with the full article once main ideas are grasped.

  • Additional Strategies: Annotate and summarize content; identify thesis and critical evidence.

Critical Questions during Reading

  • Author Analysis: Who is the author? What is their purpose and perspective? What qualifies them to write on the topic? What is their intended audience?