Overview of Political Science Fundamentals

Aug 27, 2024

Political Science 15 Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Topic: Introduction to Political Science and Government
  • Opening Visual: Painting of Thomas Jefferson and the drafting committee of the Declaration of Independence
  • Primary Reading: Barnes et al. American Government textbook, Chapter 1

Definition of Political Science

  • Modern Discipline: A relatively new field in higher education, developed in the late 19th century in the U.S.
  • General Definition: The study of politics, systems of government, and political behavior
  • Origins: Traces back to Plato and Aristotle in ancient Athens

Subfields of Political Science

  1. American Politics
    • Focuses on institutions like US Congress, Presidency, and state governments
  2. Political Theory
    • Explores theoretical questions like justice, best forms of government
  3. Comparative Politics
    • Compares political systems across different countries
  4. International Relations (IR)
    • Studies interactions between countries, international organizations (UN, EU)
  5. Political Economy
    • Examines global economy in the context of international politics
  6. Behavioral Politics
    • Focuses on political behavior of actors (voters, politicians) through demographics

Key Political Concepts

  • Politics: Struggle over power and influence in organizations
  • Institutions: Organizations performing societal functions (e.g., government bodies)
  • Government: Ultimate authority in making societal decisions

Types of Government

  1. Totalitarian Regime
    • Controls all aspects of life; e.g., Nazi Germany, Stalin's USSR
  2. Authoritarian Regime
    • Ruler controls government; social/economic institutions may not be controlled (e.g., Chile under Pinochet)
  3. Monarchy
    • Rule by one person (often hereditary); e.g., ancient Israel
  4. Theocracy
    • Rule by religious leaders; e.g., Iran
  5. Oligarchy
    • Rule by a few; e.g., modern Russia
  6. Democracy
    • Rule by the people; e.g., U.S., Canada

Purpose of Government

  • To prevent chaos and anarchy, as theorized by Hobbes and Locke
  • Balance between security/order and freedom/liberty

Authority and Legitimacy

  • Authority: Right to enforce decisions
  • Legitimacy: Accepted power of government by people and other nations

Types of Democracies

  1. Direct Democracy
    • Political decisions made directly by people (e.g., ancient Athens)
  2. Republic
    • Sovereign power rests with the people, electing representatives
  3. Representative Democracy
    • Elected leaders make/enforce laws; monarchy may be ceremonial

Conclusion and Course Overview

  • Focus: Introduction to U.S. politics and government structures

  • California Politics: Unique aspects compared to other states

  • Encouragement to consider elements influencing U.S. politics: Constitution, institutions, socialization, and public participation