1. The term “faction” reminds me of groups that have different opinions or interests within a larger society. It relates to how different people can have their own goals that might conflict with others.
2. According to Federalist #10, wealth comes from owning private property. Some people can get wealthy by owning property because they have different skills and talents. “Faculties” refers to the abilities or skills that people have, which means that not everyone has the same chances to earn money or succeed.
3. I can see why this explanation makes sense because it shows how individual skills and opportunities affect wealth. However, I think it also misses how larger social problems can keep some people poor.
4. The main job of the US government is to protect the rights and property of its citizens. This might surprise some people because it seems different from the idea that the government should focus on helping everyone equally.
5. I’m not surprised that Federalist #10 prefers a representative government over pure democracy. The author believes that if everyone votes directly, the majority might ignore the rights of the minority, especially the wealthy. This shows a concern about how different social classes can affect power and decision-making.

1. The Constitution was written by the upper class, which included wealthy landowners and property holders. They had the power and resources to influence the government. The excluded class included the disenfranchised, like slaves, indentured servants, men without property, and women. For example, these disenfranchised groups did not have the right to vote or a say in the meetings where the Constitution was created.

2. The social class structure of early United States society was different from ours today. Back then, there were clear divisions between the wealthy and the poor, and many people were excluded from having rights, like voting. Today, while social classes still exist, there are more opportunities for people to participate in politics and society, regardless of their wealth.

3. The writers of the Constitution were afraid of democracy because they worried that the lower classes might gain too much power. They thought that if everyone could vote, the needs of wealthy landowners could be ignored, leading to chaos. They wanted to protect their interests and ensure that those with property had more influence in government decisions.

1. One surprising statistic about wealth inequality in the U.S. is that the top 1% of households own about 40% or more of the country’s wealth. This is shocking because it shows how a small number of people have so much money, while many others struggle to get by. This big gap can lead to unfairness in things like political power, education, and job opportunities, making it harder for most people to succeed.
2. Living in a society with big differences in wealth can lead to many problems. For example, people with less money may struggle to afford basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. This can create tension and division between rich and poor people. In everyday life, we see this when wealthy neighborhoods have nice parks and schools, while poorer areas may lack basic services. For instance, a child in a wealthy area might have access to better education and resources, while a child in a low-income area may not have the same opportunities.

M-C-M’ is a way to explain how capitalists make and grow their money. It starts with M, where capitalists use their money to buy C, like products or services. They then sell these commodities for more money, represented by M’, which is greater than the original amount. This means they make a profit, helping them keep and increase their wealth over time.

1. Means of Production refers to the tools, machines, factories, land, or anything else needed to make goods. For example, in a shoe factory, the sewing machines, materials like leather, and the building itself are all part of the means of production. Labor is the work people do to create goods or services. In the same shoe factory, the workers who sew the shoes and operate the machines are providing labor. So, the means of production are the things used to make products, and labor is the work done by people to create those products.
2. Based on the video value is the worth or importance of something. Something is valuable because it is useful or because someone put effort and time into making it. For example, a house is valuable because people need a place to live, and it took a lot of work and materials to build it. What gives “value” to something is often how much work went into creating it and how much people need or want it.
3. Labor is the work that people do to create goods or services and value is how much something is worth, often based on how useful it is and how much work went into making it. The relationship between labor and value is that the more work that goes into making something, the more valuable it usually becomes. For example, if someone spends a lot of time and effort making a handmade piece of furniture, it will likely be worth more than a mass-produced one that was made quickly by a machine.
4. Labor is the actual work that people do. For example, when someone builds a chair or serves food, that’s their labor. It’s the specific tasks they complete. Labor Power is the ability or potential of a person to do work. It refers to the skills, time, and energy someone has to offer. Labor is the work itself, while labor power is the capacity to work.
5. Surplus value is the extra money that workers create beyond what they are paid, and it’s important to understand because it shows how business owners make profits from workers. For example, if a worker makes products worth $100 but only gets paid $60, the $40 difference is surplus value, showing how workers contribute to the owner’s wealth.

1. What is the distinction that Reading 4.3 makes between owners and employees? Give an example of each.

Owners: People who have money, and property, and make money from investments. They don’t necessarily do the work themselves. Example: A person who owns a chain of hotels and earns money from the rent paid by guests.

Employees: People who work for a living and are paid wages or salaries. They perform the work needed to produce goods or services. Example: A hotel worker who cleans rooms and manages bookings.

2. How do you understand the quote by Adam Smith on pg. 28? What is it saying about labor?

Adam Smith said that the true value of things is based on the labor that goes into making them, not just the price you pay for them. It means that labor is what truly determines the worth of a product, and money is just a way to measure that value.

3. What are your thoughts on the main argument of Reading 4.4 that class is NOT an identity?

The main argument is that your social class (like being working class or middle class) isn’t just about who you are or how you see yourself. It’s more about your role in the economy and how you fit into the system of work and wealth.

4. How do you understand the argument Reading 4.4. makes when stating that “class structures are built around a close form of dependency”? What is this close form of dependency, and can you think of an example?

This means that people in different social classes rely on each other in specific ways. For example, workers depend on their employers for jobs and wages, while employers depend on workers to run their businesses and make profits. This mutual dependence shapes class structures.

1. What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Give an example. A Repressive State Apparatus is a way the government controls people through force or threats. Althusser calls it “repressive” because it uses power to make people obey rules, often through punishment or violence. An example is the police, which enforces laws and can arrest or use force to control people.
2. What are the Ideological State Apparatuses? How do they seem to work? Ideological State Apparatuses are ways that ideas and beliefs are spread to shape how people think and act. They work by influencing people’s values and beliefs rather than using force. Examples include schools, churches, and media. They teach us what is right or wrong and how we should behave in society.
3. How are the Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses different from each other? What is the difference between the two? The Repressive State Apparatuses use force and punishment to control people, while the Ideological State Apparatuses use ideas and beliefs to shape how people think and behave. The main difference is that Repressive State Apparatuses control through power and threats, whereas Ideological State Apparatuses influence through teaching and persuading.
4. Post an example of ideology. Specify if this is an example of repressive or ideological apparatuses at work. A public service announcement that promotes healthy eating. This is an example of an Ideological State Apparatus at work because it aims to shape people’s beliefs and behaviors about health through education and persuasion, not through force.

1. a) Ideology is a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape how people understand and view the world. It helps people make sense of society, politics, and economics and often guides their decisions and behavior. Ideologies can influence how individuals and groups think about things like power, justice, and freedom.

b) Capitalism is a way of thinking about the economy that values open markets, private businesses, and competition. It believes people should have the freedom to start businesses and earn money with little control from the government. Supporters of capitalism think this system gives everyone more chances to succeed.

c) Ideology can influence what people believe is right or wrong, or good or bad. Different ideologies offer different ways to see problems and solutions. For example, someone with a socialist ideology might believe that wealth should be shared more equally among people, while a person with a conservative ideology might believe that people should be free to earn as much as they want without government control. Ideologies can shape how we see leadership and how we think about fairness and equality.

2. In U.S. politics, conservative beliefs focus on keeping traditions, having a smaller government, and encouraging personal responsibility. Conservatives often think the government should stay out of business and the economy, letting companies run with fewer rules. They value personal freedom, the right to own property, and strong national security. Important ideas for conservatives include “free markets,” “relying on yourself,” and “keeping traditional values.”

Liberal ideology supports more government involvement to fix social problems and make sure everyone has access to things like healthcare, education, and housing. Liberals think the government should take action to protect people’s rights, help reduce poverty, and control businesses to stop unfair practices. Important ideas for liberals are “fairness,” “equality,” and “government helping people.”

Example of difference: A clear example of the difference is in healthcare. Conservatives usually want a private system where people can choose to buy health insurance from private companies. Liberals, on the other hand, support universal healthcare, where the government makes sure everyone can get healthcare, no matter how much money they have.

Dividing line: The main difference between conservatives and liberals is how they view the role of the government. Conservatives want the government to stay out of things, especially when it comes to business and the economy. Liberals, on the other hand, think the government should be more involved to make sure things are fair and equal for everyone.

3. Louis Althusser saw ideology as a bunch of ideas and beliefs in every society that influence how people see their world without them noticing. He thought ideology works quietly, making people think their roles in society are normal and unavoidable, usually benefiting those who are in charge.

Althusser’s idea is that ideology isn’t just about what people believe consciously. It’s also about how society is set up to make certain ideas seem like common sense and keep them in control.