Week 10 - Chapter 13

Government, Political Power, and Social Movements

Key Rights and Global Distribution

• Approximately 45% of the world's population lives in nations classified as "free" based on political rights and civil liberties (Freedom House, 2017).

• Freedom House defines countries as either:

  • Free: Open elections, civil liberties, and absence of governmental corruption.

  • Partly Free: Moderate levels of civil liberties.

  • Not Free: Severe restrictions on political and civil rights.

• As of 2016:

  • 30% in Partly Free countries.

  • 25% in Not Free nations (over 1.9 billion people).

• Historical perspective shows gradual improvement in classifications, particularly after India's reclassification adding nearly a billion to the free category.

Importance of Freedom

• Freedom isn't simply reflective of rights on paper; socio-economic conditions impact the realization of these rights.

• Example: Despite classification as free, India's poverty and restricted press affect true political freedoms leading to protests and growing authoritarianism.

US Political Campaign Financing

• In 2016, nearly $6.5 billion was spent on the presidential race and congressional campaigns, highlighting the significant influence of wealthy donors and corporations on electoral outcomes.

Basic Concepts

Democratic Governance

• Democracy: Derived from Greek terms "demos" (people) and "kratos" (rule), with various interpretations of who constitutes "the people."

• Core questions include:

  • Who participates in democracy (citizenship issues)?

  • What types of participation are legitimate? (Voting age, rights of the incarcerated or non-citizens)

• Emphasizes the complexity of representation and the issues of minority rights.

Types of Democracy

1. Participatory Democracy:

   • Decisions made communally by affected individuals; practiced uniquely in small communities (e.g., New England town meetings).

   • Direct Democracy: Citizens vote directly on laws.

2. Liberal Democracy:

   • Representative democracy with systems such as multi-party elections; seen in the US and Western Europe.

3. Populist Authoritarianism:

   • A rising trend emphasizing security over liberties, often seen in the west.

The State and Nationalism

• State: Political apparatus that maintains authority over a defined territory with legal backing and military capabilities.

• Nationalism: Sense of identity and unity based on shared culture/language, influencing political loyalty.

• Issues arise in multi-ethnic states, like those saw post-colonially in Africa, where promoted nationalism often leads to conflict due to lack of cultural coherence.

Political Rights and Citizenship

Types of Rights

1. Civil Rights: Protections against discrimination and legal guarantees (e.g., freedom of speech, right to property).

2. Political Rights: Rights enabling participation in the political process (e.g., voting).

3. Social Rights: Rights to a minimum standard of economic welfare and security (e.g., education and healthcare).

• Welfare states typically aim to ensure these rights, yet economic challenges and globalization affect their sustainability.

Gender in Politics

• Women's movements pushed for voting rights historically, nevertheless, underrepresentation persists in politics.

• Gender intersections with race and class influence voting patterns significantly (e.g., in the 2016 elections).

Social Movements and Political Change

The Role of Social Movements

• Social movements often act outside traditional political channels to promote change, emerging from:

  • Economic deprivation (as per Marx).

  • Mobilization of resources and unified goals.

  • Structural strains within society prompting organized actions.

Modes of Protest

• Collective action can take various forms, from peaceful protests to violent revolutions—each influenced by a combination of social and political dynamics.

• New social movements, distinct from traditional labor movements, focus on identity and social justice, utilizing technology for broad mobilization (e.g., Black Lives Matter).

Technology's Impact

• Internet and digital networks enhance connectivity and activism, allowing for rapid sharing of information but also posing risks such as for manipulation in elections (e.g., 2016 US election).

Voter Turnout and Democratic Engagement

Trends in Voter Turnout in the US

• Voter turnout has dramatically declined from 64% in 1960 to around 60% in recent elections, with significant variation by race, age, and education.

• Factors affecting turnout include:

  • Registration Difficulties: Registration is not automatic, making participation burdensome.

  • Voter ID Laws: These can disproportionately disenfranchise marginalized communities.

  • Systemic Issues: Winner-take-all electoral schemes limit third-party viability, reducing voter choice.

Conclusion

• Overall dissatisfaction with government and perceived decline in democracy prompt calls for reform.

• Futures of democracy depend on engaging voters through reforms in voting processes and potential restructuring of social movements to address inequalities.