Chapter 1. Politics: Who Gets What, and How?
Explore
Government keeping tabs-stats about America
The Latest Government Statistics portion on the White House web site provides numerous sources of data about American government and society. This is an excellent source for the latest government reports on these matters.
News sources
Of the many sources for information, some of the key American media outlets provide stories on American politics. One of the largest news agency or wire services is the Associated Press, which provides stories for newspapers to carry and also has links to interesting daily photographs, video, and audio. Of the numerous well-respected newspapers that cover politics, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Wall Street Journal, are among those most commonly read. Students interested in reading news from these papers on-line often have to register with the web sites, but the on-line subscriptions are typically free.
Get involved in civil service
If you're interested in becoming directly involved in civic affairs, National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC) supports service-learning in higher education and community and tribal initiatives. Search the NSLC's Program Directory for opportunities near you. Campus Compact is another program aiming to expand the social benefits that come from civic education classes at numerous states and universities. See if your college or university is involved.
Citizen knowledge and check on government
From its establishment, Congressional Quarterly (CQ) , has sought to help citizens understand their government. CQ's mission, as established by Nelson and Henrietta Poynter, is to help inform citizens about their government in order to promote democracy.
Influences on American democracy
Along with Athenian democracy, a key influence on American democracy was the social contract theory of the Enlightenment era. Social contract theorists discredited the divine right of kings and explained the sources of government legitimacy. The two key writers discussed in your text, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, differed on the reasons people would decide to be governed, and how much protection of people's rights government must assure. Read the description of both Hobbes's and Locke's views on the social contract from The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy's discussion of the social contract.