May 16, 2015
The Nature of Power, Politics, and Government
Learning Outcomes1. Understand why it is important to
care about power, politics, and government.
2. Evaluate and rate multiple ‘power quotes’ using the rating scale provided in class.
3. Create a chart that portrays the five “political games” that are commonly played in politics.
Kickoff Question: Nature of Power, Politics, and Government
Focus Question: Nature of Power, Politics, and Government
History: Most Americans Distrust Gov…
John Locke = Social Contract = Give to Get
Still…We Look to Gov. to Provide For Us
Formal Authority = Legal and Official
Legitimacy = We ‘Accept’ That They Lead
Politics = Competition = A Game
Politics= People Work to Influence Groups
A Gov. Must Use Coercion and Collect $$$
How Can Gov. Give Us What We Want?
Why Should You Care About Power, Politics, and Government?
The Nature of Power, Politics, and Government
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Processing
Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power.We have guided missiles and misguided men.
Martin Luther King Jr.Strength to Love, 1963
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The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True 8
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Processing
Power tends to corrupt, andabsolute power corrupts absolutely.
Lord ActonLetter to Bishop Mandell Creighton, 1887
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The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True 9
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Processing
It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losingpower corrupts those who wield it and fear of the
scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it.
Aung San Suu Kyi“Freedom from fear” speech, 1990
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The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True 10
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Processing
Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.
Mao Zedong
1 2 3 4 5
The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True 11
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Processing
Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or noweapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable
as the will and moral courage of free men and women.
Ronald ReaganFirst Inaugural Address, 1981
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The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True 12
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Processing
When I despair, I remember that all through historythe ways of truth and love have always won. There
have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time theycan seem invincible, but in the end they always fail.
Mohandas Gandhi
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The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True 13
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Processing
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
Jimi Hendrix
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The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True 14
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Processing
This country has been strip-mined byrich and powerful interests. If you don’t
like what they’re doing, don’t just sit there.
Ralph Nader1992
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The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True 15
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Processing
1 2 3 4 5
The quote above is…
Never True Seldom True Sometimes True Often True Always True
The men who create power make anindispensable contribution to the Nation’s
greatness, but the men who question powermake a contribution just as indispensable.
John F. KennedySpeech at Amherst College, 1963
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Game Description Example
Game Description ExampleHorse Trading Give up something in
exchange for something of equal or greater value. Win-
win situation.
Missouri Compromise
Walkout Walk out and refuse to return until the opposition
agrees to give them something they want.
Cesar Chavez and the Grape Strike
Power Struggle Trying to win by outfoxing or overpowering their
opponents. A Machiavelli idea.
Cuban Missile Crisis
Demolition Derby The goal is complete destruction of your
opponent. Eliminate real and perceived enemies.
Roman Army Third Punic War
Civil Disobedience Publicly shame the opposition by deliberately disobeying what they think
is an unjust law.
Mohandas Gandhi
Exit Slip: Nature of Power, Politics, and Government
Five Sources of Power
Learning Outcomes1. Construct a diagram that shows the
five sources of power commonly used by people in a position of authority.
2. Read the primary source document by Machiavelli titled “The Prince”, and answer questions based on your analysis of the document.
Kickoff Question: Five Sources of Power
Focus Question: Five Sources of Power
Formal Authority
Expertise
Coercion
Persuasion Rewards
Formal AuthorityPower comes from
the holder’s position and dutieswithin organization.
ExpertisePower derives from the power holder’s
specific skills orexpertise.
CoercionPower springs fromthe power holder’s ability to punish orpenalize others.
PersuasionPower flows from the power holder’sability to persuadeor influence others.
RewardsPower comes fromthe power holder’s
ability to give something of value.
(such as money)
Comparing Forms of Government
Learning Outcomes1. Evaluate various ways that political
power is distributed in a society.
2. Design a visual that explains and analyzes the pros and cons of various forms of government around the world.
3. Use your pro and con visual to sketch symbols that represent the seven different forms of government.
Kickoff Question: Comparing Forms of Government
Focus Question: Comparing Forms of Government
All Societies Develop Gov.- Simple or Not?
Single-Party: Political Elite (Communism)
Many Forms and Varieties of Gov.
Monarchy: Rule by 1 Hereditary Ruler
Theocracy: Rule by Few Religious Leaders
Federalism: National, State, Local
President Dem: Rep. of People (US)
Parliamentary Dem: Legislative Majority
Direct Democracy: Rule by ALL Citizens
How Should Political Power Be Distributed in a Society?
Comparing Forms of Government
Term Definition Pro Con
Monarchy
Dictatorship
Theocracy
Single-Party State
Direct Democracy
Parliamentary Democracy
Presidential Democracy
Term Definition Pro Con
Monarchy 1 rule exercises power based on divine right.
Clear line of succession.
Quality of leadership can vary.
Dictatorship 1 ruler based on control of military and police.
1 person can get things done quickly.
Power can be used to abuse citizens.
Theocracy Government by religious leaders.
1 Religion promotes political unity.
Religious minorities often persecuted.
Single-Party State 1 political party allowed to govern.
Easier to pass laws. People with different views shut out.
Direct Democracy Citizens vote directly by ballot.
Each citizen has an equal say.
Very time-consuming for citizens.
Parliamentary Democracy
Voters elect lawmakers, lawmakers choose leader
Majority votes with Prime Minister.
No real ‘check’ on Prime Minister.
Presidential Democracy
Voters elect lawmakers and elect President.
Separation of Power allows ‘check’.
Gridlock when Pres. not from maj. party.
Exit Slip: Comparing Forms of Government