02_ Module Responsibilities and Objectives

Module Responsibilities and Objectives

Responsibilities

• Learn foundational concepts and terms critical to the course.

• Tasks to achieve:

  • Read Chapter One of "We the People" by Thomas E. Patterson.

  • Follow the module pages in order and watch related videos.

  • Complete the quiz after finishing all Module 02 pages; be mindful of deadlines.

Objectives

• Define key terms: government, politics, power, democracy.

• Distinguish between democratic regime types.

• Categorize democracy in the United States.

• Discuss governance in a democracy.

Critical Thinking About Politics

• Definition: Critical thinking involves forming opinions based on weighing relevant information.

• Importance: Crucial for informed citizenry in democracies; helps prevent detached opinions.

• Challenges: Many Americans lack basic knowledge about democracy; unwillingness to engage affects critical thinking.

• Confirmation Bias: Interpreting information to reinforce existing beliefs, making informed decisions harder.

• Language matters in political discussions; dehumanizing language can hinder constructive dialogue.

American Political Culture

Concepts

• American pride is coupled with a deep mistrust in government.

• Core Values: Anchored in the nation’s immigrant history and political tradition, fostering inclusivity.

• Pledge of Allegiance: Reflects the enduring nature of American ideals.

Liberty & Individualism

• Alexander Hamilton's life reflects core American values.

• Pursuit of the American dream, exemplified in Hamilton's story.

Diversity

• Diversity greatly enriches the U.S. cultural landscape, with California exemplifying this.

• Nearly half of Orange County residents speak a language other than English at home.

What is a Democracy?

Definitions

• Regime: The rules and norms governing politics; democracy as a government type emphasizes power distribution and accountability through voting.

• Democracy: Derived from Greek words; literal meaning is 'rule of the many.' Majority rule is key in the U.S. model.

Major Democratic Types

• Liberal Democracy: Balances majority power with protection of minority rights.

• Direct vs. Representative Democracy:

  • Direct Democracy: Citizens make laws directly.

  • Representative Democracy: Citizens elect representatives to govern.

Who Governs?

• Elite Theory: Governance by a small, wealthy group prioritizing self-interest.

• Pluralism: Stresses multiple groups' influence on decision-making.

• Compromise: Policy outcomes often result from compromises between groups, representing a blend of interests.

Politics

• Defined as a process for resolving conflicts and making collective decisions, which also includes elections, public debate, etc.

Conflict Causes

• Scarcity: Limits on public goods often lead to political battles over allocation.

• Values: Personal beliefs and experiences also cause conflict.

The Social Contract

• Hobbes: Advocated for a social contract where citizens relinquish some freedoms for societal security.

• Locke: Proposed that governance requires consent and protecting individual rights; citizens can overthrow unjust governments.

• Rousseau: Stressed government legitimacy derives from serving the common good (general will).

Modern Challenges

• Political Polarization: Has been exacerbated by crises and requires reforms like redistricting and electoral changes.

• Media Influence: Confirmation bias affects how citizens consume news, necessitating a shift toward unbiased reporting and diversified sources.

Summary

• The U.S. is characterized as a liberal, representative democracy with checks on majority rule to protect individual freedoms.

• Ongoing examination of governance and the balance of power remains vital to maintaining democracy.

• America has faced crises historically and maintains processes to navigate political disagreements.