Lecture Notes: William L. Marcy and American Politics

Introduction to William L. Marcy

• 19th-century politician, less known compared to figures like Alexander Hamilton.
• Held positions such as Senator, Governor of New York, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State.
• Featured on the $1,000 bill.

Key Quote

• Famous for the phrase: "To the victor belong the spoils of the enemy."
• Stated during the debate on President Andrew Jackson's appointment of Martin Van Buren as Minister to Great Britain.
• The phrase signifies the spoils system in politics, where winning parties reward supporters with public office roles.

Impact on American Politics

• The phrase influences how political power and office responsibilities are perceived.
• Politics is trivialized as a game or war, leading to partisanship over citizenship.

The Problem with Partisanship

• Citizens treated as fans or soldiers, leading to division and lack of trust.
• Encouraging viewing political opponents as enemies, which hinders negotiation and problem-solving.
• Partisanship benefits political parties but not citizens.

The Role of Citizens

• Need to reframe perception from partisanship to citizenship.
• Importance of being watchdogs over government actions.

Media's Role and Influence

• Media and social platforms contribute to partisan polarization.
• Algorithms skew news to maintain engagement, leading to biased perceptions.
• Example: Wall Street Journal app shows different news perspectives based on political leanings.

Steps to Become Better Citizens

1. Fact-check: Investigate government actions based on liberty and happiness standards.
2. Read multiple news sources: Engage with reliable fact-check sources like FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, and Snopes.
3. Engage in dialogues: Talk and listen to people with differing views to understand diverse perspectives.
4. Participate in community activities: Increase bridging social capital by attending meetings and classes.
5. Vote wisely: Choose candidates based on representation of views, not just party alignment.

Conclusion

• Aim for politics focused on common good rather than partisanship.
• Historical context: Although Marcy's aphorism didn't sway immediate political decisions, it has lasting effects on the American political system.
• The need for citizens and politicians alike to prioritize responsibility and the common good.
• Marcy’s and Hamilton's historical legacies as partisans.