NOTES FOR UNIT ONE

• Question: What is a reason why people follow the rules?

Three Lenses

• Overview: Three critical lenses through which we can analyze government: Institutions, Types of Democracy, and Balance.

Lesson Frame

• We will: Apply the three lenses to the study of American government.

• I will: Identify a situation that symbolizes the tradeoff between safety and liberty.

Three Lenses: How We Study Government

• Balance: Liberty vs. Order.

• Types of Democracy:

  • Participatory: Power through direct voting.

  • Pluralist: Power in the formation of groups.

  • Hyperpluralist: Power through the largest groups.

  • Elitist: Power held by elites.

• Institutionalism: The formal and informal frameworks that shape governance.

Sovereignty

• Definition: Sovereignty refers to political power and authority to dictate governance.

• Origins: Initially derived from divine right or religious belief, transitioning into popular sovereignty which underscores the 'power to the people.'

Consent of the Governed

• Concept: Power is granted to government by the governed people; individuals consent to relinquish some liberty in exchange for protection and rights.

• Trade-off: Individual liberty versus collective safety (government power).

Institutions

• Definition: Institutions are established laws, practices, or customs that regulate behavior.

  • Formal Institutions: Defined and documented rules.

  • Informal Institutions: Unwritten societal norms shaped by culture and tradition.

• Resilience: Institutions are often difficult to change and adapt.

Social Contract Theory

• Influential Thinkers: Theories from Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau merged to form a basis for governmental contracts.

• Nature of Social Contracts: Agreements made either informally or formally, creating rules for societal interactions.

Public Good and Governance

• Definition of Public Good: Governance should serve the collective benefit rather than individual interests, overseen by a government that upholds individual rights and public safety.

• Types of Government: Can manifest in various forms, including democracies, republics, and monarchies.

Rule of Law

• Social Contract Importance: Citizens agree to abide by laws set by government as long as they are governed fairly. Violations of the contract lead to civil implications.

Power and Responsibility**

• Objective of Government: Should cater to the needs of the majority while avoiding tyranny, which can manifest in any governmental form that prioritizes self-interest over communal interests.

Types of Democracy

• Participatory: Emphasizes laws voted directly by citizens.

• Pluralist: Advocates for group participation to influence government.

• Hyperpluralist: Suggests that power is concentrated in large interest groups.

• Elitist: Power is among voted elites.

Liberty vs. Order

• Balance Dynamics: Emphasis on how increasing order can diminish liberties and vice-versa. Governments may restrict freedoms in the interest of public safety.

Social Contract for Security

• Trade-off: Citizens surrender freedom to ensure safety; however, it is essential to maintain checks to avoid excessive governmental power encroaching on liberties.

The Texas Experiment - Chapter 1: Texas Society and Politics

• Learning Objectives: Assess Texas's geography and historical influence, focus on the Cotton Economy, Slavery, the U.S.-Mexican War, Secession, and Reconstruction implications.

• Texas's Historical Context: Emphasis on its multi-cultural background and socio-political dynamics shaped by diverse influences.

Geography's Influence

• Impact on Diversity: Texas's vast geography shapes its cultural and economic diversity.

• Physical Diversity: Regions in Texas range structurally, influencing social structures.

Native Peoples

• Diverse Backgrounds: Native peoples adapted to Texas's varying landscapes; exploration histories influence current understanding and relationships.

Early Settlements and Economy

• Colonial Diversity: Historical overview of Spanish, French, and Native organizations reflects the complex cultural tapestry.

• Economic Drivers: Importance of cotton and its relationship with systemic slavery in developing economic structures.

Civil War and Reconstruction

• Civil War Dynamics: Texas's involvement entailed significant battles, raising questions about loyalty and governance.

• Post-war Challenges: Reconstruction efforts faced resistance, resulting in systemic and societal challenges.

Jim Crow Laws and Their Impacts

• Civic Discrimination: A historical reflection on how these laws institutionalized segregation and inequality, impacting societal norms and structures.

Texas Constitution - Chapter 2 Overview

• Constitutional Legislation: Exploration of the evolution of Texas constitutions, with emphasis on the 1876 Constitution’s complexities and implications on governance practices.

Amendments and Changes in Texas Constitution

• Amendments: Discuss the challenges and processes related to adopting constitutional amendments and how amendments reflect state legislation evolution.

Current Events and Local Governance

• Interaction with Federal Laws: Studying how Texas law interacts with federalism, particularly regarding federal influence on local governance dynamics.