Chapter 1
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Define Polotics (book definition)
an activity related to influencing, making, or implementing collective decisions for a political community.
What are 3 examples of environments that politics take place
Government, Social circles and everywhere!
Why is politics important?
The laws and policies of government can affect all aspects of our lives and our society
Define Power
the ability to achieve an objective by influencing the behaviour of others, particularly to get them to do what they would not have otherwise done.
Define: Political Agenda
The issues that are considered important and given priority in political deliberations
How is power distributed?
Weath, control of important aspects of the economy, social status and prestige, official position, control of information and expertise…..
Free Rider Problem
A Problem with voluntary collective action that results because an individual can enjoy the benefits of group action without contributing
What is an example of the free rider problem
People collectively want a road build although, individuals may not put the work in because they know the rest of the community will assist with the road.
Define: Authority
The right to exercise power that is accepted by those being governed as ligitimate
Those with political authority clam that they have been_______(weather by god, tradition legal rules, election or some other source) to govern.
Authorized
Define: Legitimacy
Acceptance by the members of a political community that those in positions of authority have the right to govern.
Max Weber described three basic types of authority, what are the the three types?
Charismatic authority Traditional Authority Legal- rational authority
Define: Charismatic Authority
Authority based on the perception that a leader has extraordinary or supernatural qualities
What are some examples of qualities Charismatic Authority people have or are believe to have? What are some examples or leaders?
Performing miricals, issuing prophecies, or leading a military victory. These people also inspire intense devotion in their followers Obama, Kennedy, Trdeau, Mao Zedong
Define: traditional authority
Authority based on customs that establish the right of certain persons to rule Ex. Queen Elizabeth II or Japanese emperors claimed to be descended from the Sun Gods
Define: Legal Rational Authority
The right to rule based on legal rules and procedures rather than on the personal qualities or characteristics of the ruler
Define: Common Good
What is good for the entire political community
Define: Individualist Perspective
A perspective that views human beings as acting primarily in accordance with their own interests
What does individualists perspectives assumes?
That human beings act primarily in accordance with their own interests- in other words, selfishly
What is the pluralist system `
A political system in which a large number of groups representing a wide variety of interests are able to influence the decisions of government. Government tries to satisfy as many groups as possible and no group has a dominant influence on the government
What is a potential problem with the pluralist system?
Even if government is responsive to groups representing a wide variety of interests this does not necessarily result in the common good
Political Science
The systematic study of politics
Define Empirical Analysis and give an example
Analysis that involves explaining various aspects of politics, particularly by using careful observation and comparison to develop generalizations and testable theories Ex. Why are women less likely than men to run for Parliament
Define Normative Analysis and give an example
Analysis that includes examining ideas about how the community should be governed and what values should be pursued through politics Ex. Should legislatures be a microcosm of society?