CHAPTER 1

Principles of Government

Political Dictionary

Public policies All things government does

Legislative power Power to make laws

Executive power Power to enforce laws

Judicial power Power to interpret laws

Constitution Fundamental laws setting out principles, structures,

and processes of government

Government and the State

Definition of Government Institution through which society makes

and enforces public policy Legislative, judicial, and executive power Dictatorship

Power held by group or one person Democracy

Power held by the people

Government and the State

Characteristics of a State Population Territory

Land with known and recognized boundaries

Sovereignty Supreme power within its territory

Government Agency through which states exerts its will

and works towards its goals

Government and the State

Origin of the State Force Theory

Individual or group claimed control over a territory and force population to submit

Evolutionary Theory Population formed out of primitive families;

heads of families became the government

Government and the State

Divine Right Theory God created the state, making it sovereign;

Government is made up of those chosen by God Social Contract Theory

Population in a given place gave up as much power to a government as needed to promote well-being of all

Government and the State

Purposes of GovernmentForm a more perfect unionEstablish justiceInsure domestic tranquilityProvide for the common defensePromote the general welfareSecure the blessing of liberty

Forms of Government

Distribution of power Federal

Power shared by local and national government

Confederate Power centered in local governments

Unitary Power centered in national government

Forms of Government

Characterized by who can participate?

Democracy Political authority rests with the people Direct or indirect Presidential

Powers separated equally into legislative and executive branch

Parliamentary Executive branch part of legislature

Forms of Government

Dictatorship Rulers not responsible to the people Government not responsible for policies or how they

are carried out Autocracy

One person rules Oligarchy

Small group rules All are authoritarian Most are totalitarian Militaristic

Political Dictionary

Free enterprise system (Capitalism)Private

ownership of capital goods

Investments made by private decision

Basic Concepts of Democracy

Foundations of DemocracyIndividual worthEqualityMajority rule & minority rightsCompromiseIndividual freedom

Basic Concepts of Democracy

Duties of citizens Serving on a jury Serving as a witness Attending school Paying taxes Registering for the

draft Obeying laws Respecting rights of

others

Responsibilities of citizens Voting Volunteering Participating civic life Understanding our

government