Foundations of Contemporary
Political Theory
Political Science I
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2
What are the major political
theories in modern American
Society?
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3
Social Contract Theory
• Individuals possess free will, and every individual
is equally endowed with the God-given right of
self-determination and the ability to consent to be
governed (Harrison & Harris, 2011)
• Built on the conventional notion about the role of
government and the relationship of the
government to the people
• All individuals are free and equal by natural right,
and in turn all people are required to give their
consent to be governed
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Social Contract Theory (continued)
• This theory came out during the early beginnings
of the “Age of Enlightenment,” which was a
philosophical movement that stressed the
importance of individuality, reason, and scientific
endeavor
• This drastically changed how people thought
about government and the rights of citizens
• Although many political theorists were a part of
the “Age of Enlightenment,” three philosophers
made a significant impact on American society
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Social Contract Theory (continued)
• Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679)
• An English philosopher whose most notable work
is detailed in the book, The Leviathan (1651)
• Theorized that government was a “state of nature”
and without enforceable rules, people would live
like animals
• Argued strongly for a single ruler because it would
guarantee the rights for both the weak and the
strong
• Favored absolute monarchies
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Social Contract Theory (continued)
• John Locke (1632–1704)
• An English philosopher who expanded on the Social Contract Theory
in the Second Treatise on Civil Government
• Emphatically rejected Hobbes’ notion of the divine right of Kings
• Believed in unalienable rights (Life, Liberty and Property)
• These ideals were crucial in shaping Thomas Jefferson’s articulation of
the role government and the rights of people in the Declaration of
Independence
• When citizens enter into the “social contract,” they do so with an
understanding that the government will protect their natural rights
• Citizens agree to accept the government authority, but if the
government fails to protect the individuals, the citizens then have the
right to rebel
• This is the foundation of political theory in American society today
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Social Contract Theory (continued)
• Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)
• A French philosopher who expanded on the Social Contract Theory by
stating that the theory relies on Popular Sovereignty
• Outlined his theory in his book The Social Contract
• Argued that feeling, as opposed to reason, draws people into life in a
community
• Believed that society was based on a true social contract and it would
provide absolute equality and freedom for individuals
• Government is the instrument for carrying out the people’s will
• To combat the selfish acts of the people, government should also have
proper limits to avoid absolute power of one individual
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Capitalism
• The economic theory of capitalism holds that the
government should interfere with the economy as little
as possible
• Businesses are allowed to operate freely in a
marketplace
• Individuals are expected to rely on initiative
• Establishes economic security
• Businesses control the means of production and price
• Individuals decide what they will buy and at what price
• The capitalist theory follows the Lockean principle of
the “right to property” and protection from government
intervention on the consumer
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9
Who are the classical political
theorists who had an effect on
contemporary politics?
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Plato (427 B.C.E.–347 B.C.E.)
• In his book on ancient political theory, The
Republic, Plato explores two central questions
• What is justice?
• What is happiness?
• Although Plato’s dialogue is mainly political, he
approaches a wide range of subjects in The
Republic, including art, women, the afterlife, and
ethics
• Humans live in the specific political communities
which make them the happy
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Plato (427 B.C.E.–347 B.C.E.)
(continued)
• Plato’s political philosophy in ancient Greek
democracy has influenced several political
philosophers including Aristotle and Cicero
• Justice must be a part of the political society
and each group must perform its appropriate
function
• Rulers must rule
• Warriors must protect
• Producers must produce
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Aristotle (384 B.C.E.–322 B.C.E.)
• A student of Plato
• His most famous political work is entitled Politics
• He described politics as a practical science because it
seeks to create, preserve, and reform
• He addresses the idea of a “politician”
• The politician is the “lawgiver,” or the person that provides
the framework for the city-state
• The word “politician” is still used today to identify
government officials who work to preserve and protect the
framework of our U.S Constitution
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Aristotle (384 B.C.E.–322 B.C.E.)
(continued)
• Classifies government into 5 different forms which
have since transformed to become modern day
governments and the model of contemporary political
thought
• Democracy = rule by the many (i.e. modern day America)
• Oligarchy = rule by the few (i.e. 20th century South Africa)
• Aristocracy = rule by the few (i.e. modern day Saudi
Arabia)
• Kingship = absolute rule (i.e. modern day Great Britain)
• Tyranny = overthrowing rule (seen in many Middle Eastern
countries that are experiencing the “Arab Uprising,”
including Tunisia, Bahrain, and Egypt)
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Aristotle (384 B.C.E.–322 B.C.E.)
(continued)
• His classical theories continue to have a deep
impact today and have transformed to influence
contemporary political thought because of his
statements about the relationship between the
people and the government
• His Politics discusses some of the following issues
which are still apparent in contemporary society:
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The role of human nature in politics
The rule of law
The analysis and evaluation of a constitution
The causes and cures for political change and political
revolutions
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15
Cicero (106 B.C.E.–43 B.C.E.)
• Heavily influenced by Plato’s Republic
• His three famous texts
• De Republica (On the Republic)
• De Legibus (On Laws)
• De Officiis (On Duties)
• A member of the Senate in the Roman Empire
• He, like Plato, comments on the concepts of justice in society
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Politics cannot exist without ethics
Corruption of political power is self-advantageous
The people have a right to expose unethical behavior
The rule of law (i.e. one of the principles in the US Constitution)
• His theory of exposing corruption has evolved into a contemporary
political theory not only in the US but also countries like Egypt and
Libya (i.e. tyranny of the majority)
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16
What are the contemporary
political theories?
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Contemporary Political Theories
• The characteristics of contemporary political
theory have evolved over time dating back to the
foundations of the ancient political philosophers
• Contemporary political theory began shortly after
World War II, which began a new era of social
and political change
• Contemporary political theory aims to solve
political problems that are being faced by modern
nations; these theories explain the roles of
government and the people, religion, economy,
welfare, and the importance of democracy
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Contemporary Political Theories
(continued)
• Over the years, political scientists have created eight
contemporary theories which explain the development of
countries in both modern and developing worlds:
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Rational Choice Theory
Modernization Theory
Developmentalism Theory
Behavioralism Theory
Post-Behavioralism Theory
Structural-Functionalism Theory
Systems Theory
New Institutionalism Theory
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Contemporary Political Theories:
Rational Choice Theory
• A popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters as well
as politicians
• It assumes that individuals act in their own best interest carefully weighing
the costs and benefits of possible alternatives
• Created by Anthony Downs
• Aggregate distribution of political opinion forms a bell-shaped curve
• Causes politicians to form a centrist position in order for them to be
successful
• Creates a working model of the relationship between citizens, parties, and
policy
• Includes the following ideas
• Voters want to maximize the chance that the policies they favor will be adopted
by the government
• Parties want to win office
• In order to win office, they must do what it takes to win the votes
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Contemporary Political Theories:
Modernization Theory
• The connection of economic development in a country
to the creation of a democratic government
• The three factors that involve Modernization Theory
• Identifying the difference between a modern and a nonmodern society
• Identifying how a society becomes modern
• Identifying how some parts of a modern society will fit
together
• The economic growth in a developing society also
creates social and culture changes in which these
developed countries typically take on the characteristics
of the advanced Western societies
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Contemporary Political Theories:
Developmentalism Theory
• An economic theory which identifies how countries develop their economy
by creating a strong internal market
• There are four basic principles of the Developmentalism Theory:
• Citizens support a government or regime when their economic welfare is
developing
• The role of the government is to combine their interests with the interests of the
entrepreneurs so that they can advance their national interests
• Bureaucrats separate themselves from politicians in order to maintain a
leadership structure
• A capitalist economic system is only necessary when the country is ready to
engage in the international economic market for its own national gain
• Can be found as the economic model for several countries in Latin America
and Asia
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22
Contemporary Political Theories:
Behavioralism Theory
• Examines the behaviors and actions of individuals
rather than government institutions
• Attempts to explain the behavior of the people and
how it relates to the political system
• Assumes that political institutions largely reflect underlying
social forces
• The study of politics should begin with society, culture, and
public opinion
• Studies how individuals behave in a group setting,
rather than what the expected norms of behavior are
in the society
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Contemporary Political Theories:
Post-Behavioralism Theory
• States that too much emphasis is put on the trivial
masses
• Academic research must be valued in society
• The chief proponent of Post-Behavioralism is David
Easton
• Intellectuals play a positive role in society and can
affect decision-making
• The Post-Behavioralism Theory is a way to handle new
advances in technology and the effect of technology on
society
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Contemporary Political Theories:
Structural-Functionalism Theory
• Claims that society is a system of parts, all of which serve a function
together for the overall effectiveness and efficiency of society
• Society is built upon order, interrelation, and balance among each part as a
means for maintaining a functioning society
• Based on seven assumptions
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Systems have a property of order and an interdependence of parts
Systems tend toward self-maintaining order
Systems must orderly process change
Change in one part of the system effect all parts of the system
Systems maintain boundaries in their environment
Allocation and integration are fundamental in creating equilibrium
Systems try to control change so it does not create imbalance
• Saw a rapid decline in societies with the rise of Communism in the 1960s
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Contemporary Political Theories:
Systems Theory
• A highly abstract and holistic view of politics; the political system is
always changing when it comes to the decision-making process
• Was created by David Easton who simplified the theory into five steps
• Changes in the social and physical environment produce demand and support
through political behavior
• These demands and groups stimulate competition in the political system
• After a decision is made it interacts with the environment and produces change
in the environment
• The new decisions create either new demands for society or support against the
new decisions
• The feedback leads back to step one and it is a never ending cycle of decisionmaking
• Systems Theory was highly influential in the creation of modern day
Pluralist Theory in the US
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Contemporary Political Theories:
New Institutionalism Theory
• Emerged over the last twenty-five years, but is
not widely accepted as a legitimate political
theory; however, it cannot be ignored
• Does not constitute a unified body of thought;
consists of three different analytical
approaches:
• Rational-Choice Institutionalism
• Historical Institutionalism
• Sociological Institutionalism
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27
How has contemporary political
theory affected social and
political change in the US?
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Social Movements: The Second
Wave of Feminism
• Has emerged over the last twenty-five years,
• Began in the 1960s
• An example of Behavioralism Theory
• Ignited by the Betty Friedan book, The Feminine
Mystique
• Ushered in proposed political legislation which
would expand rights to women in America
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Political change: The Tea Party
• A grassroots movement with a foundation of Christian
values that are embedded in the founding governmental
documents
• Gained momentum in 2010 after several of their members
won congressional seats
• A modern day example of the contemporary political theory
known as Systems Theory because they have created
competition with not only Democrats, but also Republicans
• The decisions of the Tea Party are received with both
support and criticism by the American public
• The decision-making process is still a continuous cycle in
which politicians will argue about what is the best course
for the US government
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30
What careers are available in
the contemporary political
world?
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Political Analyst
• Studies the origin, development, and operation of political
systems
• Researches topics such as
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Public policy
Public opinion
Decision-making
Political ideology
• Has a variety of responsibilities such as
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Consulting with government officials, the media, and political parties
Evaluating public policies
Identifying issues that should be researched
Interpreting and analyzing policies
• Requires at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited
university with an academic major in an area of study which
includes politics, government, or foreign relations
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Political Researcher
• Participates in all aspects of the government including
• Political campaigns
• Political polls (pollsters)
• Lobbying
• Requires an in-depth knowledge of the political process which
can be obtained through a formal education in college or
experience in the field of politics
• A bachelor’s degree in a political field is usually important
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Must possess strong written and verbal skills so they can provide a clear and
understandable analysis of their research
May require an advanced degree in political science or economics
• Although most of the research is done alone, political
researchers must have strong interpersonal skills so they can
interview resources to support their theories
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Resources
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Beardsley, Phillip. "A Critique of Post-Behavioralism." Political Theory. 5.1 (1977): 97-11.
Print.
Bertram, Christopher, "Jean Jacques Rousseau", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(Winter 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2012/entries/rousseau/
Clayton, Edward. "Cicero." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: a peer-reviewed academic
resource. Central Michigan University: 2001.
Easton, David. "The New Revolution in Political Science." American Political Science
Review. 63.4 (1969): 1051-1061. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1955071?uid=3739960&uid=2134&uid=2&uid=70&ui
d=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101825248103
Fisher, John. "Systems Theory and Structural Functionalism." 21st Century Political Science:
a Reference Handbook. (1): n. page. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
Hackett, Lewis. "The European Dream of Progress and Enlightenment." The Age of
Enlightenment. History World International , n.d. Web. April 1, 2013. http://historyworld.org/age_of_enlightenment.htm
Harris, Harrison. American Democracy Now. 2nd. New York City: McGraw Hill, 2011. Ch. 2,
16, 17 & 18. Print.
Immergut, Ellen. "The Theoretical Core of the New Institutionalism." Politics & Society. 26.1
(1998): 5-34. Print. http://bama.ua.edu/~sborrell/psc521/immergut.pdf
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Resources (continued)
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Kraut, Richard, "Plato", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2012 Edition),
Edward N. Zalta (ed.), http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/plato/
Shields, Christopher, "Aristotle", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2012
Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/aristotle/
Political Science: Behavioralism. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2013.
Przeworski, Adam, and Fernando Limongi. "Modernization: Theory and Facts." World
Politics. 49.2 (1997): 155-183. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/25053996?uid=3739960&uid=2&uid=4&uid=3739256
&sid=2
Smith, Tony "Requiem or New Agenda for Third World Studies?" World Politics, Vol. 37, No.
4 (Jul., 1985) pp. 538–547. Web. 22 Mar. 2013.
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2010343?uid=3739960&uid=2134&uid=2&uid=70&ui
d=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101825248103
The US Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
Locke, John. “Second Treatise Of Government” http://www.gutenberg.org/files/7370/7370h/7370-h.htm
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