Scapegoating Affirmative Action Electoral College Votes = Senators + House of Representatives + 3 DC = 538 US Senators: 100 270 Electoral Votes Needed for Majority Prof. Chounlamountry’s PS1 Lecture Outlines Background to US Government (AGPT Chapter 1-3) Learning Objectives Define Elements of American Political Culture Discuss Reich’s 3 Great Threat to American Democracy Evaluate the Various Theories of the Social Contract Discuss the Declaration of Independence Learning Objectives Discuss the Goals of the Framers of the US Constitution Define the Components of the US Constitution Identify the Bill of Rights and Amendments Explain the US Federalism System Define the Political Ideology and Beliefs American Political Culture: Core Principles of American Gov’t Political Culture = The characteristic and deep-seated beliefs of a particular people about government and politics. American ideals: basis of our national identity European (Enlightenment) thought and practice shaped beliefs Three Great Threats to American Democracy Accord to Robert Reich, Professor and Former Sec. of Labor under Clinton 1) Apathy: People not caring 2) Resignation: Believing that one cannot make a difference 3) Escapism: Not confronting the issue European Influence: The Social Contract Thomas Hobbes Leviathan (1651) – argued that gov’t rests on a social contract in which ordinary people surrender the freedom they would have in a state of nature in return for the protection that a sovereign ruler can provide. Life, in the natural state is “nasty, brutish, and short” 1648 Peace of Westphalia
European Influence: The Social Contract John Locke Second Treatise on Civil Government (1690) – argued against absolutism. All individuals have certain natural (unalienable) rights, including Life, Liberty and Property People enter into the social contract—they agree to be governed—in order to safeguard their rights and property. If the gov’t fails to do so, the people can rebel and create a new gov’t European Influence: The Social Contract Jean Jacques Rousseau Social Contract (1762) – like Locke, opposed absolute rule. “Man was born free, but everywhere he is in chains” Legitimate gov’t is one that serves the people’s common interest (“general will”) Politics: Deciding Society’s Goals Politics: competing for powergoverning decisions Political Conflict Scarcity Not of to Differences in values often with each other Harold Lasswell: Who gets what, when and how Politics: Deciding Society’s Goals Politics = The process through which a society makes its governing decisions. Government = institutions, processes, and rules facilitating control of an area and its population Two Items Governments have in common 1) Raise Revenues to 2) Coercion to by the rules Max Weber: Control = Force + Legitimacy Politics: Deciding Society’s Goals Power = ability of persons or institutions to control policy Authority = recognized right of person(s) or institution to exercise power Public Policy = A course of action designed to produce an intended outcome. Medicaid Social Security Medicare Food Stamps Supplemental Security Income Veterans’ Programs TemporaryANF Some Eligible Individuals ARE NOT Receiving Food Stamps ever
American Core Values: Liberty, Equality, Popular Consent Liberty: freedom to act and think as one chooses but no infringement on freedom of others Equality: all individuals equal in worth, legal treatment, and political voice Popular Consent: people are ultimate source of governing authority Before the Constitution The Rights of Englishmen Rights including life, liberty and property to which all people are entitled Declaration of Independence A call to revolution liberty, equality, individual rights, self-government, lawful powers Articles of Confederation Created weak national government The Declaration of Independence Rehashed Lockean Values John Locke: “Two Treatises of Government” (1690) Inalienable (natural) rights Life, liberty, and property Government has responsibility to preserve rights Articles of Confederation Created a Weak Central Government Adopted during the Revolutionary War Created weak national government States retained “sovereignty, freedom and independence” Prohibited Congress from interfering in states’ commerce policies Prohibited Congress from taxation Shays’ Rebellion Revealed the Weakness Weakened Congress Nation Dissolving Farmers, led by Daniel Shays, marched to prevent foreclosures on their land and cattle in Massachusetts Motivated Congress to meet in Philadelphia, PA to revise Articles of Confederation The Great Compromise resolved the Composition of Congress Connecticut Plan (aka The Great Compromise) merged two competing plans and created a Two-Chamber Congress Virginia Plan upon to state New Jersey (small-state) Plan Each state have one vote to large and r
Amendments to figure out the what this means to memorize the Bill of Rights. BILL OF RIGHTS MNEMONICS 1. F(reedom RAPPS) ReligionAssemblePetitionPress Speech 2. A(rms, Right to) 3. Q(uartering of Soldiers) 4. I(mproper Search and Seizure 4PPPP) 5. D(J. S.I.C (Due Process)) 6. S(peedy) Trial, Defense, Lawyer, Jury of Peers 7. F(ederal trial by jury in CIVIL cases with > $20) 8. U(nusual & cruel punishment and no excessive 8ail) 9. N(ot Listed Rights exist and should be protected) 10. S(tate and People have RESERVED rights) Easy way to remember Amendments 11-27 Part 1 Easy way to remember Amendments 11-27 Think of the Ping Pong 1.1 Judicial limits (put a dot in the middle) Number 1 and 2 in Politics #1#2 President + Vice President in Electoral College process Think of bad luck 13 Abolition of slavery 3 musketeers 14 one four all: Equal Protection (refers to Citizens rights) Race 15 K Race will not be issue to vote Easy way to remember Amendments 11-27 Part 2 Sweet 16 (Working) 16 Income Taxes Authorized Lucky 7 17 One lucky Senator Direct Election Age of 18 = can’t drink yet 18 No alcohol: Prohibition Think of the 9 as ♀ 19 ♀ Women Suffrage (the right to vote) January 20th 20 Start date/term of Presidency Can legally drink 21 Alcohol ok: Repealed the 18th Amendment Easy way to remember Amendments 11-27 Part 3 2+2 = 22 4 year terms x 2 terms for the Presidency (Draw diamond around 3) 23 3 Electoral College Votes to DC Buy one and get 2 4 free 24 two four free: No Polling Taxes Rhyme: If President dies.... 25 Line of Succession What’s 2 + 6 2+6 8 teen = Voting age is 18 Two and lucky seven 27 two lucky senators: Pay for Congress US CHECKS & BALANCES PREVENTS TYRANNY US FEDERALISM DIVIDES POWERS BETWEEN NATIONAL AND REGIONAL GOV’TS Powers of the National Governments Enumerated Powers (Constitution) Coining Money Setting Standards for Weights and Measures Making Uniform Naturalization Laws Admitting New States Establishing Post Offices Declaring War Implied Powers (Constitution)
The Necessary and Proper Clause (aka Elastic Clause) Inherent Powers Powers of Sovereignty: Making Treaties, Waging War, Seeking Trade, and Acquiring Territories Source: Bardes, et al. (2009) Powers of the State Governments Tenth Amendment of the US Constitution Reserved Powers (not delegated to the federal government or denied to the states) Police Power Protection of Health, Morals, Safety, and Welfare of the People Governing Laws Crimes, Marriage, Contracts, Education, Intrastate Transport, and Land Use Source: Bardes, et al. (2009) Concurrent Powers Between Federal and States Concurrent powers are mostly implied Taxation Note: States are not permitted to levy tariffs Borrow and Loan Money Establish Courts Charter Banks and Corporation Police Power Source: Bardes, et al. (2009) California City and Local Governments Public Safety (Primarily police and fire protection) Public Utilities (mostly water and electric) Transportation (especially streets, highways and storm drains) Health (mostly waste management) Community Development (including planning and regulation enforcement) Culture and Leisure (primarily parks and recreation) Source: Korey California Government (2009) Political Ideology Tensions Over Big Government How much power should the American government have and what role should it play in the lives of citizens? Natural Disasters Taxes National Security Policies Ideologies: Liberalism versus Conservatism Conservatives Liberals Conservatives Conservatives tend to favor limited governmental involvement in the economic sector. Economic freedom is seen as a necessity for the good of the society. On social issues, conservatives advocate governmental involvement to preserve traditional values and lifestyles. Liberals Liberals tend to favor governmental regulation of the economy to benefit individuals within the society. On social issues, liberals advocate a limited governmental role. Social freedom is seen as a necessity for the good of the society. A Four-Cornered Ideological Grid In this grid, the colored squares represent four different political ideologies. The vertical choices range from cultural order to cultural liberty. The horizontal choices range from economic equality to economic liberty.
administrative decisions by public agencies. Court-Ordered Busing The Resurgence of Minority Schools Rosa Parks The Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King’s Philosophy of Nonviolence Another Approach: Black Nationalism (Malcolm X) & “Black Power” Stokley Carmichael leader Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) The Climax of the Civil Rights Movement: Civil Rights Legislation The Civil Rights Act of 1964 Public accommodations Public schools Employment The Voting Rights Act of 1965 Voter registration Attempted to end Voter Discrimination Urban Riots (Civil Unrest) The Civil Rights Act of 1968 and Other Housing Reform Legislation Increase of Black Voter Registration in Seven Southern States Covered by the 1965 Voting Rights Act Consequences of Civil Rights Legislation Political Participation by African Americans Political Participation by Other Minorities Lingering Social and Economic Disparities American Indians Separation Assimilation and citizenship Tribal restoration Women’s Struggle for Equal Rights Early Women’s Political Movements Activism for women’s rights began with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1948. Women’s Suffrage Associations 19th Amendment Years, by Country, in which Women Gained the Right to Vote The Modern Women’s Movement The Equal Rights Amendment Additional Women’s Issues Domestic violence Abortion rights Pornography (divided the movement rather than united it). Discrimination in the Courts Expanding Women’s Political Activities Women in Politics Today Women in Congress Women in the Executive and Judicial Branches Continuing Disproportionate Leadership Gender-Based Discrimination in the Workplace Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 This title prohibits gender discrimination in employment. Sexual Harassment The Supreme Court also has held that Title VII includes prohibitions on sexual harassment. How Many Women Work, 2006 Gender-Based Discrimination in the Workplace Wage Discrimination Recent figures show a woman earns 76 cents for every dollar made by a man. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 The Glass Ceiling President Kennedy in 1963 President Kennedy signed a bill to provide equal pay for women. Has this federal law been effective in equalizing the pay of men and women in the United States? Why or why not? Latino/a in America Latino/Hispanics in the United States Hispanic Americans, 2004 Immigration, Hispanics, and Civil Rights Immigration rates today are the highest they have been since their peak in the early twentieth century. By 2050, minority groups collectively will constitute the majority of Americans. Illegal Immigration Mostly Latin Americans entering states bordering Mexico looking for work. Issues include: Citizenship Border Crime
Questions How important is border security to you? How would you rate the federal government’s performance on this issue? What are the potential merits and drawbacks of President Obama’s “path to citizenship” policy? Bilingual Education Accommodating Diversity Controversy over Bilingual Education Affirmative Action Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978) Quota systems that only considered the race of an applicant were unconstitutional State Ballot Initiatives Special Protection for Older Americans The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 Prohibits discrimination by age in all but a limited number of occupations where age is considered relevant to the job. Mandatory retirement has progressively been made illegal by laws passed in 1978 and 1986. Securing Rights for Persons with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Prohibits job discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Requires physical access to public buildings and public services. Securing Rights for Persons with Disabilities (cont.) Limiting the ADA No longer covered are: persons who wear eyeglasses carpal tunnel syndrome, a repetitive stress injury The Rights and Status of Gay Males and Lesbians Growth in the Gay Male and Lesbian Rights Movement State and Local Laws Targeting Gay Males and Lesbians The Rights and Status of Gay Males and Lesbians (cont.) The Gay Community and Politics Gay activists now play a role in both major parties. Eleven openly gay men or lesbians sit in the House. Gay Men and Lesbians in the Military Same-Sex Marriages Child Custody and Adoption The Rights and Status of Juveniles The presumption is that children are protected by parents Voting Rights and the Young The Rights of Children in Civil and Criminal Proceedings The Rights and Status of Juveniles (cont.) Civil Rights of Juveniles Child custody issues Criminal Rights of Juveniles Dealing with Juvenile Crime Minors tried as adults Parents held responsible Questions for Critical Thinking Why was the Voting Rights Act necessary? Are there any obstacles today to the civil rights of various groups in society? Should affirmative action exist? If you do not favor affirmative action, how should society address the economic gap between men and women and whites and African Americans? Web Links Prof. Chounlamountry’s PS1 Lecture Outlines and Crossword AGPT Chapters covering Opinion, Lobbying, Parties, Congress, President, Courts, Domestic Policy, Foreign Policy Chapter 6: Public Opinion and Political Socialization Goals of the Lecture Define Public Opinion Define Political Socialization Define the Gender Gap Identify conservative and liberal issues Identify components of political socialization
Understand the components of good polling Public Opinion An aggregate of individual attitudes or beliefs shared by some portion of adults Private opinion becomes public opinion when an individual takes some type of action to express an opinion to others publicly Consensus--Agreement Divisive opinion--Polarizing Consensus Opinion Political Socialization Sources The Family and the Social Environment Education as a Source of Political Socialization Peers and Peer Group Influence Opinion Leaders’ Influence Media Presentation of Political Issues Political Socialization Political events can produce a long-lasting impact on opinion formation. Example: the impact of the Great Depression on people who came of age in that period. We call such an impact a generational effect, or a cohort effect. Political Preferences and Voting Behavior Demographic Influences Education Economic Status Religious Influence: Denomination Religious Influence: Commitment Race and Ethnicity Gender Geography Age A Four-Cornered Ideological Grid In this grid, the colored squares represent four different political ideologies. The vertical choices range from cultural order to cultural liberty. The horizontal choices range from economic equality to economic liberty. Liberals and Conservatives Differ on Spending for Safety Net and Environmental Issues Red States and Blue States Red States and Blue States Have Similar Opinions on Many Controversial Issues The Gender Gap Election-Specific Voting Behavior Factors Party Identification Perception of the Candidates Issue Preferences Measuring Public Opinion The History of Opinion Polls 1800s: Straw Polls By the 1930s modern, relatively accurate polling techniques were developed by George Gallup, Elmo Roper, and others. Measuring Public Opinion (cont.) Sampling Techniques Representative Sampling The Principle of Randomness A purely random sample will be representative within the stated margin of error. The larger the sample of the population, the smaller the margin of error. Problems with Polls Sampling Errors The difference between a sample’s results and the true result if the entire population had been interviewed. When can sampling errors be dangerous? Problems with Polls (cont.) Poll Questions Yes/no answers are a problem if the issue admits to shades of gray. Often, people will attempt to please the interviewer. Push Polls Attempts to spread negative statements about a candidate by posing as a polltaker. Gallup Poll Accuracy Record Technology and Opinion Polls The Advent of Telephone Polling Far easier and less expensive than door-to-door polling, and has become standard.
Detailed reports must disclose the nature of the lobbying business twice a year. Subsidiaries of foreign companies based in the United States must register as lobbyists. Tax-exempt organizations and religious organizations are exempt from these requirements. Recent Lobbying Scandals: Jack Abramoff Interest Groups and Representative Democracy Interest Groups: Elitist or Pluralist? The existence of interest groups would appear to be an argument in favor of pluralism. However, interest groups are often led by upper-class individuals, which argues for elite theory. Interest Group Influence Even the most powerful groups do not always succeed in their demands. Interest Groups and the Policy Process Questions for Critical Thinking How have labor interest groups traditionally sought to influence policy? Should foreign interest groups be banned, given that the interests of U.S. citizens frequently are intertwined with foreign interests (as employees, for example)? What kind of incentive would motivate you to participate in an interest group? What are the incentives for the people that you know who are active in interest groups? Web Links Web Links Chapter 8: Political Parties Lecture Outline and Crossword Goals for the Lecture Illustrate the differences between the Democratic and the Republican parties. Appraise the impact and value of citizen participation , specifically voting. Interpret general election data, including the most recent one. Be Able Relate the Following Concepts B. Political Parties 1. Basic Considerations 2. National Organization 3. Party Finance 4. Voting and Citizen participation A Four-Cornered Ideological Grid In this grid, the colored squares represent four different political ideologies. The vertical choices range from cultural order to cultural liberty. The horizontal choices range from economic equality to economic liberty. What Is a Political Party? A group of political activists who organize to win elections, to operate the government, and to determine public policy. How are parties different from interest groups? The Three Components of Political Parties Functions of Political Parties Recruit candidates to run for elective offices at all levels of government Mobilize citizens to vote and participate in elections Bear the responsibility of operating government at all levels Provide organized opposition to the party in power Where the Voters Are History of Political Parties The Formative Years: Federalists and Anti-Federalists The Era of Good Feelings National Two-Party Rule: Whigs and Democrats The Golden Age of Parties The Civil War Crisis The Post-Civil War Period • “Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion”
Chapter 11: The Presidency The Paradox of the Presidency Great Power and Great Limits Who Can Become President? Article II, Section 1, of the Constitution sets forth the qualifications to be president. Must be 35 and a natural-born citizen. The Process of Becoming President Nomination by one of the two major parties Majority of the votes cast in the Electoral College If no candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes, the House will elect the president by voting state by state for a candidate. The Many Roles of the President Head of State Chief Executive The Powers of Appointment and Removal The Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons The Many Roles of the President (cont.) Commander-in-Chief Wartime Powers War Powers Resolution Chief Diplomat Diplomatic Recognition Proposal and Ratification of Treaties Executive Agreements The Many Roles of the President (cont.) Chief Legislator Getting Legislation Passed Saying No to Legislation The Line-Item Veto Congress’ Power to Override Presidential Vetoes The Many Roles of the President (cont.) Other Presidential Powers Powers that Congress has bestowed on the president by statute (statutory powers) and those that are considered inherent powers. The President as Party Chief and Superpolitician The President as Chief of Party Constituencies and Public Approval Presidential constituencies Public approval “Going Public” for support Presidential Popularity Presidential Greatness The Executive Organization The Cabinet The Members of the Cabinet The Kitchen Cabinet Presidential Use of Cabinets The President’s Cabinet The Executive Organization Abuses of Executive Power and Impeachment No President Is Above the Law The Vice President The Vice President’s Job Strengthening the Ticket Supporting the President Presidential Succession The Twenty-fifth Amendment When the Vice Presidency Becomes Vacant Line of Succession to the Presidency of the United States Web Links Web Links
The Supreme Court Which Cases Reach the Supreme Court? When two lower courts are in disagreement When a lower court’s ruling conflicts with an existing Supreme Court ruling When a case has broad significance (as in desegregation or abortion decisions) When a state court has decided a substantial federal question Which Cases Reach the Supreme Court? (cont.) When the highest state court holds a federal law invalid, or upholds a state law that has been challenged as violating a federal law When a federal court holds an act of Congress unconstitutional When the solicitor general is pressuring the Court to hear a case Federal and State Court Systems Deciding Cases Once the Court has decided to accept a case, both parties in the case will submit legal briefs and (usually) make oral arguments. If the Court is unanimous in the ruling, one justice will be assigned to write the opinion of the Court. If the justices are divided on the reasoning of the outcome, there will be a majority opinion and dissenting opinions. The Selection of Federal Judges Judicial Appointments Federal District Court Judgeship Nominations Federal Courts of Appeals Appointments Supreme Court Appointments Partisanship and Judicial Appointments The Senate’s Role Policymaking and the Courts Judicial Review: the power of the courts to determine whether a law or action by the other branches of government is constitutional Strict Construction: a judicial philosophy that looks to the “letter of the law” when interpreting the Constitution or a particular statute. Broad Construction: a judicial philosophy that looks to the context and purpose of a law when making an interpretation. Policymaking and the Courts Judicial Activism versus Judicial Restraint The Doctrine of Judicial Restraint – respectful to precedent and should defer the judgment of the legislatures Compliance The Doctrine of Judicial Activism – courts should develop new legal principles, even if this action places them in conflict with policy decision of elected officials. * Imagine: Brown v. Board of Education (1954) in both scenarios. Political Influences on Judicial Decisions Outside Influences on Court Decisions Brown 1954 – “With all deliberate speed” Court tailored its ruling to gain popular support or dampen public resistance Strict Constructionism: apply a narrow interpretation of the law Loose Constructionism: apply an expansive interpretation of the law Inside Influences: The Justices’ Own Political Beliefs Judicial Power and Democratic Government The Debate over the Proper Role of the Judiciary The Doctrine of Judicial Restraint – respectful to precedent and should defer the judgment of the legislatures Compliance Brown v. Board of Education (1954) The Doctrine of Judicial Activism – courts should develop new legal principles, even if this action places them in conflict with policy decision of elected officials.
High housing costs Inadequate Health Care (1/5 uninsured) Competitive higher education Conservative: cut taxes and privatize gov’t services moderate Liberal: promote social equality modified in global economy HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT Tong-Va Native American Indians The Spanish Era: 1542-1822 Conquistadores built 22 missions Disease, slavery and brutality Mexican Dominance 1821-1848 Manifest Destiny: settlers began arriving Mexican War in 1846 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo protection for the language, culture and property of the Californios Ranchos of the Californios were soon grabbed by immigrants (mostly Anglos) HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT CONT. Americanization and Statehood: Gold Rush &“Forty-Niners” Compromise of 1850 California admitted as a “free state” 31st State into Union Consolidating Power: 1850-1902 Growth Diversity Scapegoat (Chinese) 1879, current state constitution replaced old one 2 Types of Discrimination De Jure Discrimination Within the Law De Facto Discrimination Based on social, economical and religious prejudice In Practice HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT CONT. The Progressive Legacy: 1902-1919 Early 20th Century movement Fight corruption Targeted the Southern Pacific Railroad, a corporation that owned 1/5 of all non-public land Against the “Big Four”: Crocker, Stanford, Huntington, Hopkins The Twentieth Century, Californian Style Depression and Dust Bowl Repatriation of Mexican deportees Mexican Braceros (temporary workers) Inflation Recession Gubernatorial recall election of 2003 Scapegoating in CA History California’s Constitution Separation of Powers Legislative, Executive and Judiciary People share in law-making process through initiatives The process by which citizens can propose a state or local law or amendment to the state constitution by signing a formal petition asking that it be submitted as a ballot proposition for voter approval. Amending the state constitution 1) Amendments may be proposed either by two-thirds vote in both houses of the legislature or by an initiative petition signed by 8% of the number of voters who voted in the last election for governor 2) The proposed amendment must appear as a proposition on the ballot and must be approved by a majority of voters Over 500 amendments since 1879 The Governor Leads the California Executive Branch California Executive Branch Under the leadership of the Governor, the Executive Branch is responsible for administering laws enforcing the laws In practice, the Executive Branch works closely with the Legislative Branch in shaping proposed legislation. Officials in the Executive Branch are publicly