PSC 113 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Elite, Public Good, Autocracy
Document Summary
American democracy achieved many successes through citizen involvement: nations and institutions are stable. Success doesn"t mean lack of problems: racial tensions, gap between rich and poor. Increasing poverty: low trust in government, low turnout in elections, immigration reform policy continues to fail, political polarization continues to increase, us national debt is still growing. Democracy: rule by the people; self-government: associated with mob rule. Rule of law: could prevent mob rule: keep political or popular majority under control, not trample majority rights, all are subject to the law (no one is above it) Constitution allows and limits access to power simultaneously. Framers: people who were involved in writing the constitution. Founders drew on hobbes and locke in perceiving the relationship between the government and governed: social contract: government has only the authority accorded it by the consent of the governed. Natural or unalienable rights: rights so fundamental the government can"t take them away: right to life, liberty, and property.
