POL 102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: The Roots, Positive Liberty, Centrality
9 Aug 2018
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The four questions to make sense of & to understand american politics. The united states organized itself around a ringing declaration of popular rule: Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed . Republic: a government in which citizens rule indirectly and make government decisions through their elected representatives. In a republic, the people are in charge. Popular rule in the us did not empower everyone. Constitution protected slavery, women could not vote. Americans worry ordinary people will lose control. Today critics claim that the very wealthy have stripped the people of money and influence. Over the years, political scientists have developed different theories to answer the question of where power really lies in american politics. Pluralist theory: people can influence government through the many interest groups that spring up to champion their voices. Pluralists suggest interest groups give most people a voice. Sources of influence is a group"s organization, resources and connections.
