Chapter 1Principles of Government

Section 1

Government and the State

Four Essential Features of a State

1. Population.2. An area with fixed boundaries.3. Sovereignty, or absolute authority,

within its territorial boundaries.4. A government which maintains

order, provides public services, and enforces decisions that its people must obey.

Theories of the Origin of the State

Evolution theory – developed from the family group.

Force theory – one person uses force to establish a government over the people.

Divine Right theory – the gods chose the rulers of the people

Social Contract theory – the people gave the power to the government for protection of rights

The Purposes of Government

Maintain social order

Provide public services

Provide national security

Make economic decisions

Journal Discussion Question

During World War II, the government imposed hardships, such as the rationing of gasoline and food, on the U.S. Population. Are such measures justifiable? Why or why not?

Chapter 1Principles of Government

Section 2

Forms of Government

Classifying Governments

Governments are classified by who governs the state.

Autocracy – power resides in a single person.– Dictatorship such as

Nazi Germany– Absolute Monarchy

such as Saudi Arabia

Classifying Governments

Oligarchy – a small group holds power in the government.– Communist China.

Classifying Governments

Democracy – the people hold the sovereign power of government. There are two types of democratic government:– Direct democracy – the people govern themselves.

Used in VERY small communities.– Representative democracy – the people from a

specific area elect one person to speak for them in the government. Used in large populations.

Journal Discussion Question

Of the three governments previously stated, which of the three do you think is the best one to live in? EXPLAIN!

Characteristics of Democracy

To secure an equal opportunity for people to develop their own abilities. This is known as Individual Liberty.

Government is based on majority rule through the elected representatives, but respects the rights of minorities.

Characteristics of Democracy

Government is based on free and open elections in which every citizen of legal voting age has the right to vote. Every vote has equal weight.

Political parties choose candidates for office, respect voters’ decisions, and act as loyal opposition.

The Soil of Democracy

Certain conditions are needed for the development of democratic governments.

Countries where citizens participate fully in civic life are more likely to maintain a strong democracy.

Stable economies with a large middle class help to strengthen democracy.

The Soil of Democracy

A public school system open to all people helps promote democracy.

A strong civil society in which a network of volunteer programs and organizations independent of government help democracy flourish.

The people accept democratic values of liberty and equality.

Journal Discussion Question

As a community, what steps do you think we might take to encourage more people to participate in our democratic government? What do you feel prevents or makes people not want to partake in their government?

Distribution of Power

Unitary system – gives all key powers to the central government.

Ex: United Kingdom

Distribution of Power

Federal system – powers are divided between a national government and state/ provincial governments.

Ex: Canada

Distribution of Power

Confederation – multiple nations coming together to address issues affecting all member nations.

Ex. European Union

Legislative and Executive Branches

Presidential Government – The two branches are completely separate. The two must work together for success.

Ex. United States

Legislative and Executive Branches

Parliamentary Government – The executive leader comes from the legislative branch. The Prime Minister holds power until the legislature says.

Ex. United Kingdom

Journal Discussion Question

What are the major advantages of a federal system of government?

Chapter 1People and Government

Section 3

Basic Concepts of Democracy

Foundations

The American concept of democracy rests on these basic notions:1. A recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity

of every person.

2. Respect for the equality of all persons.

3. Faith in majority rule and minority rights.

4. Acceptance and compromise.

5. Individual freedom.

Free Enterprise System

The Free Enterprise System is based on four fundamental factors:

1. Private ownership

2. Individual initiative

3. Profit

4. Competition

Free Enterprise System

Economic decisions are made by the market through the law of supply and demand. When supplies of goods and services become plentiful, prices drop. When supplies become scarce, prices tend to rise.

Governments role

The United States has a mixed economy. This means that the government only becomes involved in the economy to protect consumers and to make sure that private enterprise is preserved.

The government’s involvement is seen at all levels

Journal Discussion Question

Open your textbook to page 26.

What do you feel is the most important concept of American democracy?