GovernmentDo we need it?

Does Government affect you?

• Yes!!– What are 3 ways that government affected

your life today?

Government

• Definition:– the institution through which a society makes

and enforces its public policies

What does this mean?– a group of people who meet to make and

enforce rules and laws for the people of a country

Government and Politics

• Government– A group that makes and enforces public

policies

• Politics– Process of Government– Who and what is involved

Public Policy

• Public Policy– ALL things Government decides to do

• EX. Taxation, defense, education, foreign policy

Why do we need Government?

• Settle disagreements between individuals, groups, and nations

• Laws/Rules• Protection/Security• Money (taxes, spending,

making)• Foreign relations (trade,

war, peace)• Public services (roads,

schools, fire/police

Emergence of the State• Government is amongst the oldest human

inventions• Over the years the “State” (country, nation)

emerged as the dominate political unit

The State– Body of people living in a territory, with an

organized government with power– Synonyms = “Nation,” “Country”– 4 major characteristics

Four Characteristics

1. Population– People– Size does not matter– Homogenous or Heterogeneous

2. Territory– Land with recognized boundaries

Four Characteristics

3. Sovereignty– Supreme and absolute power in own territory– United States

• Form own Government• Frame economic policies

4. Government– Agency the State uses to accomplish goals

Government and Power

Power: the ability to control or direct someone or something, usually given to a group (small or large) or one person

Authority: the right to use that power

Power and Authority in U.S.

• Who holds the Power in the USA??– The People

• Three basic kinds of Authority in the USA1. Legislative = make laws2. Executive = enforce and administer laws3. Judicial = interpret laws and their meaning

Origins of State Theories

• Four theories attempting to explain the ideas of Government

• No conclusive evidence to support any of them

• Ideas, thoughts, predictions

Force Theory

• One person or small group claimed control over area, FORCED all to submit

• Population, Territory and Sovereignty already exist

Evolutionary Theory

• Originated with the Family

• Families evolved into Clans

• Clans evolved into Tribes– Gave up nomadic ways

• State emerged from the Tribes

Divine Right Theory

• A God created State

• God gave those of Royal birth a “divine right” to rule

• People would submit like obeying God

– Ex. European History, Ancient History

Social Contract Theory

• Hobbes, Harrington, Locke, Rousseau

• Born into a “State of Nature”– No authority

• Created State = gave up freedoms/power of self in return for safety and well-being

• Voluntary act by the people

• “Contract” = Constitution