1.1 - Key Functions of Government

1. Maintain Order

   • Establish and enforce laws

   • Importance: Ensures safety and trust among citizens.

2. Provide Security

   • Protect citizens from external threats and uphold property rights

   • Importance: Fosters national stability and peace.

3. Promote Economic Welfare

   • Support business and regulate markets

   • Importance: Leads to growth and prosperity.

4. Provide Public Services

   • Ensure access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure

   • Importance: Enhances quality of life and productivity.

5. Social Justice and Equality

   • Promote equal rights and opportunities

   • Importance: Contributes to social cohesion and fairness.

6. Facilitate Collective Decision Making

   • Encourage democratic governance and citizen participation

   • Importance: Fosters legitimacy and accountability.

1.2 - Politics in the Context of Democratic Government

1. Definition

   • Process of group decision-making involving power and authority.

2. Characteristics

   • Participation: Engagement through voting and campaigning.

   • Representation: Elected officials act on behalf of constituents.

   • Accountability: Officials answer to the public for their actions.

   • Transparency: Government operations are visible to the public.

3. Importance

   • Encourages civic engagement and informed citizenry.

   • Facilitates conflict resolution and policy reflection of public will.

   • Strengthens democratic institutions.

4. Challenges

   • Voter apathy, influence of special interests, representation issues, and misinformation.

1.3 - Policy Making System

Assessing Citizens' Impact on Public Policy

1. Participation

   • Voting in elections

   • Attending town hall meetings

   • Engaging in public discussions

2. Advocacy

   • Organizing or joining interest groups

   • Lobbying elected officials

   • Utilizing social media for campaigns

3. Feedback Mechanisms

   • Public comment periods on proposed policies

   • Surveys or polls to gauge public opinion

   • Citizen initiatives and referendums

4. Education and Awareness

   • Informing oneself and others about issues

   • Promoting civic education in schools

   • Sharing knowledge through community events

Assessing How Policies Impact People

1. Economic Impacts

   • Job creation or loss

   • Changes in taxation and public budget allocation

2. Social Impacts

   • Access to education and healthcare

   • Implementation of social justice initiatives

3. Environmental Impacts

   • Regulations related to pollution and conservation

   • Urban development and its effects on communities

4. Cultural and Ethical Impacts

   • Policies affecting civil rights and liberties

   • Influence on societal norms and values

1.4 - Democracy in America

Key Principles of Democracy

1. Popular Sovereignty

   • Power resides with the people.

   • Citizens vote to express their will.

2. Political Equality

   • Equal voting rights for all citizens.

   • Each vote has equal weight.

3. Rule of Law

   • Laws apply equally to all individuals.

   • Protects against arbitrary governance.

4. Pluralism

   • Acknowledges diversity in opinions and interests.

   • Encourages multiple viewpoints in decision-making.

5. Accountability

   • Elected officials must answer to the public.

   • Mechanisms for holding officials accountable.

6. Transparency

   • Government actions and decisions are open to public scrutiny.

   • Builds trust and credibility.

Theories of Democracy in Practice

1. Pluralism

   • Multiple interests groups compete for influence.

   • No single group dominates; ensures diversity in representation.

2. Elitism

   • Power is concentrated in the hands of a small, elite group.

   • Decisions are made by those with resources and authority, often sidelining the majority.

3. Hyperpluralism

   • Extreme form of pluralism where too many groups vie for influence.

   • Results in fragmented decision-making and policy gridlock.

Challenges Facing Democracy Today

1. Voter Apathy

   • Declining voter turnout and engagement in democratic processes.

2. Influence of Special Interests

   • Lobbying and campaign financing impacting policy-making.

3. Misinformation

   • Spread of false information undermining informed decision-making.

4. Polarization

   • Increasing division among political factions affecting cooperation.

5. Inequality

   • Economic and social disparities impacting citizens' equal participation.

1.5 - The Scope of Government in America

Central Arguments in the Debate Over the Proper Scope of Government in America

• 1. Limited Government Perspective

• Definition: Advocates for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters.

  • Key Arguments:

• Individual Liberty: Emphasizes personal freedoms and rights.

• Economic Efficiency: Belief that free markets function best without government interference.

• Protection from Tyranny: Concern that too much government power can lead to oppression.

2. Active Government Perspective

• Definition: Supports a significant role for government in addressing social and economic issues.

• Key Arguments:

  • Social Justice: Advocates for policies aimed at reducing inequality and protecting vulnerable populations.

  • Economic Regulation: Argues for regulation to prevent market failures and protect public interests.

  • Public Welfare: Belief in the government's responsibility to provide essential services and infrastructure.

3. Middle Ground Perspective

• Definition: Seeks a balance between government intervention and personal liberties.

• Key Arguments:

  • Pragmatism: Focuses on solutions based on effectiveness rather than ideology.

  • Collaborative Approach: Encourages partnerships between government and private sectors.

  • Adaptive Governance: Supports adjusting the scope of government based on contemporary challenges and needs.