OQ:

Describe legitimate authority. Give one example of legitimate and illegitimate authority and explain how they are different. Try to think of examples from the federal level of government.

The American SystemChapter 1

What is political power?

Two great questions about politicsWho governs -those who govern will affect usTo what ends -how it will affect our lives

Power [how does one know power is being exerted?]

Definition- the ability of one person (group, etc.) to cause another person (group, etc.) to act a certain way

Authority-the right to use powerLegitimacy-that which makes a law or

constitution a source of rightstruggles over what makes authority legitimatemust be in some sense "democratic" in the US today

What is democracy? Three different types

Democratic Centralism defined: where the "true interests" of the people are served,

whether or not those people are making decisions examples: China, Cuba, Soviet Union (past) and some

dictatorships Participatory/Direct Democracy (Aristotle)

defined: rule of the many examples: fourth century B.C. Greek city-states (well, the free,

adult, male, landowners anyway), New England townships Representative Democracy: Elitist theory of democracy [why

elitist?] power acquired by means of competitive elections Justification

Direct democracy is impractical for many reasons The people make unwise decisions based on fleeting emotions

(Demagogues) [Examples of fleeting emotions?] two types

Presidential Parliamentary

How is power distributed in a democracy?

Majoritarian Politics Leaders try to follow the wishes of the majority very closely Applies best when issues are simple and/or clear

Reduce energy costs Reduce the deficit Stop the threat of terrorism

Democratic values, structure and processes

Fundamental Democratic Values Popular sovereignty Respect for the individual. State serves individual, not vice

versa. Liberty Equality of opportunity instead of equality of result

[Explain.] Fundamental Democratic Structure

Federalism Separation of powers Checks and balances Constitutional law

Fundamental Democratic Processes Free and fair elections among competing persons and groups Majority rule with strong minority rights. Fear of “tyranny of

the majority” led to protection of property rights. Freedom of expression Right to assemble and protest