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Ch. 1 American Government

Distribution of Political Power

When you hear “democracy,’ what comes to mind?

Democracy: rule by many, people/citizens have a say or

influence in political decisions or action

DIRECT REPRESENTATIVE

citizens participate in ALL decisions citizens elected to represent the

Directly (voting on every issue) citizenry as a whole (legislatures,

senators, governors, etc.)

Democracy

What are the advantages of a direct democracy?

What are the disadvantages of a direct democracy

What are the advantages of a representative democracy?

What are the disadvantages of a representative democracy?

Democracy

Direct DemocracyPOSITIVES?? NEGATIVES??

- Every voice = heard - not everyone is informed/educated

- Equality - possible in large communities?- Majority rules - time consuming

Representative DemocracyPOSITIVES?? NEGATIVES??

- Informed/Educated making decisions - Possible corruption- Faster process - voter/nonvoter

disinterest- Politician specialization to area - not all voices or

interests are heard

Direct v. Representative

When majoritarian politics is NOT always a reality or an option… BUT decisions and policies need to be made……..

Political Power Views!!

Majoritarian politics:rule by majority

“Societal class”:

- corporate/capitalist rich leaders dominate government

Class View

“Power group”:- few wealthy and powerful top

leaders who do NOT hold elective office that dominates government

* Top military officials* Labor union leaders* Interest group heads* Media executives

Power Elite View

Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army

“Bureaucracy”:(large organization/administration/executive branch)

- appointed officials of a bureaucracy dominate government OVER elected officials (congressmen)

Bureaucratic View

“Plural”/many- competition among many different affected interests shapes policy* states, cities* school boards* environment

- No single “group "dominates (elite, social class, or bureaucracy) or can control all of the political factors that go into policy making

* money* media coverage* education/prestige

Pluralist View

TASK: in pairs, attempt to fill in the 4-way venn diagram that compares and contrasts ALL views!

Power View Venn Diagram