AP Gov Notes

Learning to think political

 Political thinking
Involves gathering of information to form a knowledgeable position
K2 responsible citizenship
 Barriers
Main barrier: Laziness of citizens
Changes in media consumption: more people consume bad TV
Spin by politicians
Faulty perceptions more prevalent
 Political Science
Political Science: methodical study of government and politics
Descriptive and analytical discipline
Can provide deeper analysis
Shows individualism was obstacle to health care reform
Individualistic culture roots in agrarian society
Continued individualism
 Corporate Elites v Elites
Difference: Corporate Policy
Lobbyists
Individuals cant lobby enough to get power
Pg 19 free market system
Representative government: Bend, mold law vs limited government :
do everything, but dont be illegal, adhere to law.
One doesnt ensure the other
Townshend act p 27 (tea tax)
People more divided based on states
Daniel Shays was a farmer who fought thinking his debts would be
forgiven. But they didnt get forgiven (Shays rebellion) 30
- Shows we need a strong federal government
John locke Life, liberty, property