Chapter 1: American Government

Outline of Government and Politics

Section 1: Key Concepts

1. Politics

• The process of influencing government actions and policies.

2. Government

• The rules and institutions forming the policy-making system.

3. Liberty

• The freedom to make choices and perform actions (individual rights).

4. Order

• Maintaining social stability and public safety.

  • Every law reduces personal freedoms to some extent.

  • Society must determine the balance between stability/security and liberty.

  • Example: Students' rights to practice religious freedom in public.

Section 2: Foundational Documents and Theories

1. Declaration of Independence

• Enlightenment idea: rights derived from a creator, not government.

• Governments derive power from the consent of the governed.

• Social Contract: surrendering power for rights protection.

• Right to overthrow government if it fails to maintain rights.

• Serves as political philosophy, not a governing document.

Section 3: Political Theories

A. Popular Sovereignty

• Government’s right to rule comes from the people.

B. Republicanism

• Authority of government comes from its people via representatives.

C. Liberty

• Includes social, political, and economic freedoms without government interference.

D. Participatory Theory

• Advocates widespread political involvement for democracy.

• Citizens can form groups outside of government control to promote common good.

E. Pluralist Theory

• Emphasizes role of interest groups in the policy-making process.

• People join groups with shared interests to influence policy outcomes.

F. Elitist Theory

• Wealthy elites hold disproportionate influence over policy decisions.

• The top 1% can sway elected officials, represented by rich interest groups and donors.