WarmUp In your journals, list as many adjectives

as you can describing the US political system.

Be prepared to share your examples with the class.› Consider the perceptions that Americans

have of their own government.

Chapter 13.2The Economy & Politics

Objectives Explain how the exercise of

power varies by type of government.

Describe the major characteristics of the US political system.

Power the ability to control the behavior of

others with or without their consent primary political authority in society =the state

Political Institution the system of

roles & norms that governs the distribution & exercise of power in society

The Legitimacy of Power

Authority & Coercion

Legitimacy whether those in power are viewed as

having the right to control/govern others

•Yes? = Authority•No? = Coercion

Authority Traditional: power based on long-

standing custom Rational-Legal: based on formal

rules & regulations that outline the rights & obligations of those in power

Charismatic: based on personal characteristics of the individual exercising the power

Coercion power that is

considered illegitimate by people being governed

exercised through force based on fear

Types of Government

Democratic vs. Authoritarian Systems

Democratic Systems

Democracy: Power exercised through people

Monarchy: One person, who inherits power, rules› Constitutional Monarchy: true

power rests with elected officials

Authoritarian Systems

Authoritarianism: power rests firmly with the state

Absolute Monarchy: hereditary ruler holds absolute power

Dictatorship: power in the hands of a single individual

(Military) Junta: authoritarian system in which a small group has seized power from the previous government by force