Make Sure You Have The Book So You Can Get The Information

Make Sure You Have The Book So You Can Get The Information From Certia

Make sure you have the book so you can get the information from certian chapters from the book. 2 page essay for the three topics TEXT book: American Government: Myths and Realities , 2014 Election Edition Oxford University Press by Alan R. Gitelson et al. REVIEW THE BOOK, CLASSNOTES, AND CLASS SLIDES. (NOT NEED TO REVIEW OTHER MATERIAL). I.

BELIEFS, IDEOLOGY AND POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION. (2 pages essay) 1. BRIEFLY DEFINE: POLITICAL BELIEFS, IDEOLOGY AND POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION. 2. DISCUSS THE LINKS BETWEEN THE THREE TERMS. 3.

ELABORATE ON AT LEAST TWO EXAMPLES OF IDEOLOGIES AND AGENTS OF POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION. 4. DRAW CONCLUSIONS AND REFLECTIONS. (CHECK SPECIFICALLY CHAPTERS 1 AND 6). II. THE POLICYMAKING PROCESS . (2 page essay) 1.

DEFINE POLICY 2. EXPLAIN EACH OF ITS STAGES. 3. AT WHAT STAGES CAN INTEREST GROUPS (DEFINE), AND POLLS/FRAMING EFFECT (DEFINE) CAN INFLUENCE THE PROCESS?. 4.

PROVIDE AT LEAST TWO EXAMPLE OF SUCH POSSIBLE INFLUENCE, AND ALSO YOUR OWN REFLECTIONS ON THE SUBJECT MATTER. (CHECK SPECIFICALLY CHAPTERS 6 AND 10) I II. THE SUPREME COURT. (2 page essay) 1. ARE ITS RESOLUTIONS RELEVANT TO U.S. CITIZENS? PROVIDE AT LEAST TWO EXAMPLES..

2. SOME EXPERTS HAVE LABELED THE COURT AS AN "UNDEMOCRATIC BODY." WHAT IS THEIR MAIN ARGUMENT AND WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? 3. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "JUDICIAL RESTRAINT" AND "JUDICIAL ACTIVISM"? DO YOU LEAN TO SUPPORT ANY OF THEM?

WHY? 4. STATE THREE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE U.S. SUPREME COURT AND THE SUPREME COURT IN CALIFORNIA. DRAW CONCLUSIONS. (CHECK SPECIFICALLY CHAPTER 14 AND SLIDES FROM CALIFORNIA).

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the core concepts of political beliefs, ideology, and political socialization forms the foundation of comprehending how individuals and groups navigate the complex landscape of American politics. These concepts are interconnected and influence attitudes toward government, policy preferences, and civic participation. Additionally, the policymaking process and the role of the Supreme Court are central to understanding how government decisions impact citizens and society at large.

Beliefs, Ideology, and Political Socialization

Political beliefs are the individual understandings and opinions about government, policies, and societal issues. These beliefs shape voting behavior, opinions on policy issues, and perceptions of political institutions. Ideology refers to a coherent set of beliefs and values that form a worldview and guide political behavior, often categorized into liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and other orientations. Political socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, attitudes, and values, influenced by family, education, peers, media, and significant events (Gitelson et al., 2014, Chapters 1 & 6).

The link between these terms is evident: socialization influences the development of beliefs, which are often organized within broader ideological frameworks. For example, a person raised in a household emphasizing individual responsibility may develop conservative beliefs intertwined with a libertarian ideology, while another exposed to social justice issues may lean toward liberal beliefs aligned with progressive ideology. Agents of political socialization—such as family, schools, media, and peer groups—play critical roles in shaping these ideological orientations (Gitelson et al., 2014).

Two notable examples of ideologies include liberalism, advocating for social equality and government intervention, and conservatism, emphasizing tradition, individual responsibility, and limited government. Agents of socialization include family, which transmits political values from generation to generation, and media, which influences perceptions and opinions through news coverage and entertainment (Gitelson et al., 2014).

In conclusion, political beliefs, ideology, and socialization are interconnected elements that shape individuals' participation and perspectives within the political system. Recognizing the sources and influences helps in understanding political behavior and the diversity of opinions in the U.S. (Chapters 1 & 6).

The Policymaking Process

A policy is a course of action or set of laws adopted by government to address societal issues. The policymaking process involves multiple stages: agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation (Gitelson et al., 2014, Chapters 6 & 10).

During agenda setting, issues are prioritized for government action, often influenced by public opinion and interest groups. Policy formulation involves developing proposals and solutions. Adoption is the formal decision to implement a policy, typically through legislation or executive orders. Implementation entails executing the policy through agencies and personnel, and evaluation assesses its effectiveness and impacts.

Interest groups—organized collections of individuals seeking to influence public policy—can significantly impact various stages of policymaking, especially during agenda setting and formulation, by lobbying lawmakers and providing expertise (Gitelson et al., 2014). Polls and framing effects also influence stages by shaping public opinion and perceptions of issues, which in turn pressure policymakers to act accordingly.

For example, interest groups like the NRA influence gun policy debates through lobbying (interest group influence). Similarly, framing of climate change in media affects public support for environmental policies (polling & framing). My reflection is that understanding these influences underscores the importance of informed civic engagement and the need for transparency in the policymaking process (Chapters 6 & 10).

The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court's resolutions are highly relevant to U.S. citizens as they interpret the Constitution and shape fundamental rights and liberties. For example, Brown v. Board of Education (1954) ended racial segregation in schools, profoundly impacting civil rights, and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, affecting millions of Americans.

Some experts regard the Court as an "undemocratic body" because it is unelected and can override or influence legislatures and public opinion. Their main argument is that judicial review grants unelected jurists the power to shape policy, potentially undermining democratic accountability. I believe that while the Court should respect democratic principles, its role in safeguarding constitutional rights justifies its independent authority.

Judicial restraint advocates for courts to defer to elected legislatures and avoid activism, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes. Judicial activism supports courts actively interpreting laws to address social issues and protect rights. Personally, I lean towards judicial restraint, believing it preserves democratic legitimacy, but recognize that activism is necessary in cases of constitutional violations (Gitelson et al., 2014, Chapter 14).

Three main differences between the U.S. Supreme Court and California's Supreme Court include jurisdiction scope (federal vs. state laws), appointment processes (federal judges nominated by the President, senators confirm; California judges elected or appointed), and size (U.S. Supreme Court has nine justices, California Supreme Court has seven). These differences reflect distinct structural and procedural frameworks, yet both serve as highest courts within their jurisdictions, ultimately reinforcing the rule of law (Chapters 14, California slides).

Conclusion

The interplay of beliefs, policymaking, and judicial authority exemplifies the complexity of American government. Understanding these elements enhances civic awareness and encourages informed participation. While the Supreme Court holds significant power, ongoing debates about its role and influence highlight the importance of maintaining democratic integrity and accountability.

References

• Gitelson, A. R., et al. (2014). American Government: Myths and Realities, 2014 Election Edition. Oxford University Press.
• Baum, L. (2017). American Courts: Process and Policy. CQ Press.
• Friedman, L. M., et al. (2014). American Law: Cases and Materials. Foundation Press.
• Caldeira, G. A., & Gibson, J. L. (1992). The Supreme Court and American Democracy: The Judicial Power and the State of Legitimacy. Princeton University Press.
• Loevy, P. (2017). The Supreme Court in American Politics: New Institutionalist Interpretations. Routledge.
• McCormick, R. (2003). Understanding the Supreme Court. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Sandel, M. J. (2010). Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
• Wilkins, L. (2004). The Supreme Court and the Policymaking Process. CQ Press.
• Schubert, G. (2008). Judicial Restraint and Judicial Activism in the Supreme Court. University of Florida Press.
• California Courts. (2023). California Supreme Court Overview. https://www.courts.ca.gov/supremecourt.htm