Ch1+-+Government

Additional Readings:

PowerPoint Notes:



1. Explain what is meant by political power. Relate it to authority, legitimacy, and democracy.

2. Distinguish among the three concepts of democracy mentioned in the chapter, explaining in which of three senses the textbook refers to American government as democratic.

3. How does the United States AND authoritarian regimes both claim to be democratic?

4. Why didn’t the framers believe that the “will of the people” was not synonymous with the “common interest” or “public good?”

5. When majoritarian politics are in play, how are the actions of leaders determined?

6. What is meant by “elitism?” How do elitist and pluralists differ?

7. Why are power elite theorists disturbed by the publics’ lack of political interest?

8. According to pluralists, how is public policy created?

9. Explain why most framers could have been elitists.