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1: Politics and Government

  • Page ID
    23436
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    Learning Objectives
    1. Students will be able to articulate an understanding of the individual in society.
    2. Students will be able to think critically about institutions, cultures, and behaviors in their local and/or national environment.
    3. Students will be able to think critically about institutions, cultures, and behaviors of the peoples of the world.
    4. Students will develop a historical context for understanding current issues and events.
    5. Students will develop a greater understanding of world events.

    • 1.1: Module Introduction
      This page covers key concepts in political science, distinguishing "politics" from "government" and highlighting the role of government in resource distribution. Influential thinkers like Hobbes and Locke are discussed, particularly Locke's view on citizen democracy, which is vital to American political thought.
    • 1.2: Lecture Content
      This page explores the inherent tensions in American democracy between majority rule and minority rights. It argues that while the term "democracy" is not explicitly used in founding documents, the Framers designed a republican system to protect individual liberties. The text highlights historical challenges, particularly regarding racial segregation and religious freedom, showcasing how majority rule can oppress minorities.
    • 1.3: Reading- What is Government?
      This page outlines the role of government in allocating authority for collective societal benefits like education and security, comparing democratic capitalism in the U.S. with socialism. It emphasizes the need for balance in regulating common goods for sustainability and highlights civic engagement as crucial for policy influence.
    • 1.4: Reading- Who Governs? Elitism, Pluralism, and Tradeoffs
      This page explores the pluralism-elitism debate in U.S. political theory, contrasting elite theory, which views a small, wealthy group as controlling government, with pluralist theory, which emphasizes the role of diverse interest groups in shaping public policy. The text highlights the challenges governments face in balancing citizen rights with varying stakeholder interests on issues like marijuana legalization and gun control.
    • 1.5: Reading- Engagement in a Democracy
      This page highlights the importance of citizen engagement in democracy, showcasing its historical significance and various forms, such as voting and petitioning. Despite declining participation in small groups and challenges among young Americans, who often favor community service over traditional politics, organizations like Coffee Party USA promote civic involvement. Engagement varies by age, wealth, and education, with wealthier individuals more likely to participate.
    • 1.6: Module 1 Assessments
      This page details a course on government and politics that includes self-introductions, reflections on government interactions, and discussions on political theories like elitism and pluralism. Students are required to make initial posts, respond to peers, and engage in quizzes and group projects. A case study assignment mandates the analysis of the U.S. government structure in comparison to other countries, focusing on citizen engagement and the influence of different governmental systems.


    This page titled 1: Politics and Government is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lumen Learning via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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