Government- The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies. Government is the way that a society accomplishes the “things it decides to do”.
3 Basic Kinds of Power that every government has and uses…
LEGISLATIVE- Creating laws and policiesEXECUTIVE- The power to execute, enforce and
administer the lawJUDICIAL- Interpretation and meaning of laws,
settling of disputes
Question: Which part of the government represents each Power?
Terms to Know…
Constitution- The fundamental laws that set principles, structures and processes of government
Dictatorship- Power is held by a single person
Democracy- Supreme authority rests with the people
State- A body of people living in a defined territory, politically organized and has the power to make and enforce laws
Population- The number of people living in a particular territory or country
Territory- The amount of land controlled by a state or region
Sovereignty- The government has power to enforce its policies
Question: Give an example of a modern leader showing they have sovereignty.
Major Political Ideas that Shape the Creation of Government
Force Theory- One person or small group claimed control over an area and forced all within to submit to their rule
Evolutionary Theory- Government occurred naturally over time based on need
Divine Right Theory- Claiming to have God’s consent to rule
Social Contract Theory- People agreeing to come together and form a state.
Question: Which theory listed above most closely matchesthe intended nature of our federal government? Why?
The Purpose of Government as described in the Constitution
Establish Justice- The law must be reasonable, fair and impartial
Form a More Perfect Union- The desire to create a governmentthat improves on past forms
Insure Domestic Tranquility- Order in society that avoids anarchy or dictatorship
Provide for the Common Defense- Defense against foreign enemiesPromote the General
Welfare- Provide services for citizen’s happiness Secure the
Blessings of Liberty- Guarantees and Rights designed to ensure liberty
Question: In your own words describe what“JUSTICE” is.
Forms of Government- Based on who is able to participate in a Particular government structure…
Democracy- The people are represented through their consent,both direct and representative
Dictatorship- Those who rule not accountable to people, bothAutocracy and Oligarchy
How Power is Distributed- Unitary, Federal, ConfederationOnly one level OR Divided between national and local OR Independent countries that join together (EU)
Question: Which form of governmentDoes the United States operate under?
Relationships Between Legislative and Executive Branches
Presidential Government- A separation of powers betweenthe executive and legislative branches. A president is the elected head of the executive branch.
Parliamentary Government- Majority Rule of the legislature to select an executive, usually a prime minister. Can changewhen the executive loses support of the majority.
Question: How does the president maintain their power, and how does the Prime Minister maintain their power?
Basic Concepts of Democracy
1. A recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person;
2. A respect for the equality of all persons;
3. A faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights;
4. An acceptance of the necessity of compromise;
5. An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom
Question: Which of the basic concepts do you feel is most important to our governmentand explain why?
Democracy and the Free Enterprise System
The American economic system is often called the free enterprise system, characterized by private ownership of capital goods, investment by privatedecision, success or failure determined by competition.
PRIVATE OWNERSHIP INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE PROFIT COMPETITION
Capitalism- per Adam Smith, market based
Law of Supply and Demand- sets prices
Mixed Economy- Government participates in economy
Question: Describe 1 shortcoming or criticism for each of the three terms above