Theory of Modern Government

Government

• "That government is best which governs least“ • "That government is best which governs not at

all“

• “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.”

• (“In this present crisis,) government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”

Do you trust government?

Do you trust your government?

http://www.gallup.com/poll/5392/trust-government.aspx poll on trust of government

http://www.pewresearch.org/key-data-points/views-of-government-key-data-points/ views on government info

What Does Government Do?

Government & Politics

• Government– Institutions that create public policy

• Politics – Conflict, resolution, compromise, relationships

between people/groups developed from traditions, precedents, writings, philosophies, etc.

– Harold Laswell “Who gets what, when, and how.” • [Why?]

Government + Politics = Public Policy

• What government does through politics results in public policy

Basic Function of Government• Preamble:

– More perfect union– Justice– Domestic tranquility– General welfare– Individual liberty

Inherent conflict?

We disagree on the meaning, interpretation, implementation, and function of government. (textbook)

“We” ?