POLS 155 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Abortion Debate, Constitutionalism, Majoritarianism

• School: Chico State University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POLS 155
• Professor: Dwyre

Document Summary

Sources of political content: scarcity of resources, ca water storage, difference in values, the abortion debate. Authority: the recognized right of officials to exercise power, checks on government power in us, division of authority- checks and balances, fragmentation of governing authority- separation of powers, popular sovereignty- elections. Rules of the game in u. s politics: democracy- in us implies majority rule, also empowers groups(pluralism) and officials(authority, constitutionalism- lawful restrictions on government"s power, insures rights and freedoms of minority, capitalism/free market- separation of political and economic spheres. What is socialism: government has significant role overall. The economy: owns some major industries, provides minimum standard of living for all, us is a mixed economy capitalism + socialism. Theories of power: who governs: majoritarianism- majority rule, pluralism- society"s interest served through activities of groups, elitism- rule by wealthy and influential; corporate power extensive in us, bureaucratic rule- rule by appointed(not elected) officials.