CHAPTER ONE
Politics: Who Gets What, and How?

Take a Position

The "Citizenship in America" section in Chapter 1 discusses different views of citizenship that have existed throughout the political history of the United States. In particular, Madison had far less trust in human nature and in citizens' ability to act in the public interest rather than in their own interest compared with those who have held that Americans possess a particular republican virtue. As the "American Citizenship Today" section suggests, these competing views of citizenship remain in American politics.

Take a position: Which view of American citizenship do you think is most accurate?

As you develop your argument, answer the following questions:

• What was Madison's view of human nature? With such low expectations, Madison proposed reigning in citizens with institutions that limit participation. Was he correct?
• What is the view of human nature of those arguing citizens have "republican virtue?"
• Which view of human nature is correct? Which view regarding how much power citizens should hold is correct, the republican virtue adherents' argument or Madison's position? Are Americans able to handle both the rights and responsibilities of citizenship? Should they be given more power and responsibilities, or was Madison correct in designing a system that limits public influence?