POL SCI 40 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Transaction Cost, Private Good, Supermajority
Document Summary
Politics: the process through which individuals and groups reach agreement on a course of common, or collective, action - even as they disagree on the intended goals of that action. Preferences are givens - individuals and groups know what they want- that must be reconciled if they are to agree to some common course of action. The constitution of a nation establishes its governing institutions and the set of rules and procedures these institutions must (and must not) follow to reach and enforce collective agreements. A government consists of these institutions and the legally prescribed process for making and enforcing collective agreements. Government institutions consist of offices that confer on their occupants" specific authority and responsibilities. Authority is the acknowledged right to make a particular decision. Power refers to an officeholder actual influence with other officeholders and, as a consequence, over the government"s actions. Two fundamental barriers- coordination problems and prisoners dilemmas - may block effective collective action.
