POLS 206 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Harold Lasswell, Bourgeoisie, Oligarchy
3 Jan 2017
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Document Summary
Gov has complexity in systems (fbi, cia) so that one system cannot monopolize power. Con: possible for small groups to prevent enactment of policies favored by majority. Pro: possible for small groups to protect their rights against majorities. Gov"t - institutions and procedures through which a land and its people are ruled: maintains order, protects private property. John locke: first to define right to private property and need for protection of it: provide public goods. David hume: observed presence of free riding - enjoying benefits of a good or action while letting others bear the costs. Who governs: autocracy - single individual rules, oligarchy - small group of landowners, military officers, or wealthy merchants controls decisions, democracy - people deemed to have some influence over elected leaders" actions. Means of coercion - powers to get people to obey its laws and punish them. Means of collecting revenue - tax and tax distribution.
