Ch. 16: Political Processes & Citizenship

Essential Question: How are government decisions and international issues shaped by different viewpoints?

Decision-making process and Government Policies

• Governments frequently have to make important decisions affecting thousands or even millions of people.

• In order to make decisions, government officials usually follow a decision-making process (similar to the one you learned at the beginning of the year.)

Identify The Problem• First, government

officials identify a need or a problem.

• Example:– the government may

need to protect citizens against acts of terrorism.

Gather Information• Next, government officials

must gather and analyze information.

• Example:– They could look at terrorist

acts committed.– They could make a list of

known terrorists. – A government might use

satellite surveillance or undercover agents, to obtain information about these terrorist groups –

– including their leaders, their goals and activities, and their strengths and weaknesses.

CONSIDER OPTIONS• Next, government officials will consider different ways

of meeting the need or solving the problem. • They will think of all their options for dealing with

terrorists.

Select, Implement, and Evaluate The Best Option

• Finally, officials select one policy option or combination of options. Then they apply this approach to the problem and evaluate its effectiveness. They assess whether this proposed solution works and whether it creates new problems of its own.

Consider Advantages & Disadvantages

• Government officials, now consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Every option usually has both benefits and costs.

• Example– eavesdropping on suspected

terrorists may yield valuable information potentially saving lives.

– On the other hand, this practice may infringe on liberties of American citizens, specifically protected in the U.S. Constitution.

The Importance of Different Points of View

• When government leaders make decisions affecting millions of people, it is important for them to consider different points of view.

• Government officials will usually consult with different advisors and experts on the subject. For example U.S. leaders might ask the for the views of – Specialists who have studied

terrorism.– Generals and other officers who have

been active in military operations against terrorists.

– Undercover agents who secretly penetrated terrorist organizations

• U.S. leaders might further ask for the advice and suggestions of close allies and other countries.

• Officials might even decide to approach some international organizations, such as the United Nations.

THE INFLUENCE OF A VARIETY OF VIEWPOINTS

• Democratic governments like the United States are generally very open to different points of view. Because democratic government leaders are elected, they need to be able to explain their policy choices to the public. There is usually a lively public discussion on key issues.

• Leaders also come to office with special viewpoints based on their own backgrounds and interests. If a lawyer who has defended clients against evidence from wiretapping is elected to public office, they may view the problem of wiretapping differently from someone who was a former prosecutor.

• These leaders are often subject to a range of influences. Such influences include direct lobbying efforts, corporate political action groups, issue advertising, and pressure from constituents in their home district.

• Other Congressional Members may have been supported by oil companies, labor unions, or other groups. This variety of viewpoints occurs not just at the federal level, but at the state and local level as well.

Citizenship Practices• Citizenship practices also differ

between governments. In a republic or democracy, citizens play an active role in government. They hold their leaders accountable for their actions, and expect that government will be sensitive to the will of the majority. They hold elected office, vote for officials, join political parties, and exchange ideas in free assemblies and through a free press.

• In a totalitarian dictatorship, citizens can participate in government, but only by joining the ruling party, They cannot lawfully speak out against the dictator.

• Dictatorial governments often stage mass rallies, parades and other demonstrations to show that the dictator enjoys widespread support.

• Government propaganda on television, in news articles, and in schools continuously tells citizens how good their government is, and paints any opposition as being disloyal or unpatriotic. The government may hold elections, but the candidates always follow the ruling party line.

Impact of Cultural Beliefs on Practices & Viewpoints

• Cultural beliefs can have a tremendous impact on government decision-making. If all the members of a culture share certain beliefs, then those shared beliefs will shape government decisions.

• For example, all government leaders in China are members of the Chinese Communist Party. China does not allow rival political parties.

• Because all Chinese government leaders share the belief that Communist Party rule provides the best government for China, it is unlikely that they will permit opposition parties or dissension in the near future. Their shared political culture thus affects their decision-making.

PATRIOTISM AND NATIONALISM

• Patriotism is loyalty and support for one's country. It is the belief that citizens should obey their country's laws and rally to its defense.

• People's attitudes often differ about the value of patriotism.

• Nationalism is the belief that each people or ethnic group, known as a "nation," should have its own government and nation-state. In established nation-states, nationalism is often the belief that one's country is among the very best countries in the world. Some nationalists feel their nation is so superior that they have the right to take territory from or to even rule over others.

• Like other cultural beliefs, patriotism and nationalism can have profound effects on government policies and decision-making.

• For example, if a country is attacked, patriotic feelings will encourage its people to defend themselves against the aggressor. Nationalist feelings may lead a country to commit acts of aggression, such as attacking weaker neighbors or seizing overseas colonies.

• Nationalist feelings may also discourage a country's leaders from cooperating in international associations.

• Nationalism can be a constructive or destructive force. It can help harness national energies, but in multi-ethnic states, the nationalist feelings of minority groups can tear the country apart.

DIFFERENT VIEWPOINTS ON INTERNATIONAL ISSUESIn dealing with international issues, it is especially important for government leaders to consider other viewpoints. Each side is often influenced by its own cultural beliefs, individual interests, and history. It's difficult to reach a compromise or a solution if the different sides do not understand each other's points of view.

International Issues (“Hot Spots”) • Russia & Chechnya• Israel & Palestine• Iran & Nuclear Weapons