ROLE AND ORIGIN OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Chapter 1 Notes

Chapter 1.1 Objectives

Define government and explain its importance.

Identify how some philosophers have described the nature and purpose of the state.

List the functions that government performs.Describe how government promotes the

public good.

I. Origin of States

State – a body of people living in a defined territory, organized politically, and having the power to make and enforce law without the consent of any higher authority

How did states form?

1. Force – one person or a small group forced control over an area and it’s people

2. Evolutionary – family/clan/tribe

3. Divine Right – God gave those of royal birth the right to rule

4. Social Contract – voluntary act of free will, state exists to serve will of the people

Characteristics of a State

1. Population

2. Territory

3. Sovereignty

4. Government

Thomas Hobbes

English philosopher, wrote Leviathan

Founder of social contract theory

Life would be brutal and short without government

Human nature creates need for laws

John Locke

English philosopherGovernment exists to

protect life, liberty and property

If government fails to serve the people they should be overthrown

Basis of our Declaration of Independence

Purpose of Government: Serve the Public Good

Maintain Order

Provide Services

Resolve Conflict

Promote Values

Assignment Due Tomorrow:

Read text pages 3-7Complete DQ 1.1Answer the following question on the back of

1.1: Compare the ideas of Locke and Hobbes and explain

their similarities and differences. How did they influence the nature or purpose of governments that exist today?

DEFINED BY:SOURCE OF POWERHOW POWER IS DIVIDEDDIVISION OF POWER WITHIN GOVERNMENT

Ch. 1 Sec 2 Types of Governments

Power

“the ability to get other people to do things that contribute to what you want to do”

FIVE SOURCES OF POWER

Formal Authority – person’s positionPersuasion – personal abilityExpertise – person’s skillsCoercion – ability to punishRewards – ability to give $, praise, etc.

Does how you come to power make any difference?

Defined by Who has the Source of Power

People or the government?

1. Monarchy

king, queen, emperor or empress

ruling position passed on to the ruler’s heirs

Ruler has complete control =

Ruler limited by laws =

Today:

2. Republic/Democracy

• Government power comes from the people through elections

• United States

• Great Britain

• Representative vs. Direct

3. Dictatorship

Uses force to keep power

autocracy=1Oligarchy=small

groupAuthoritarianMost are totalitarian23 today

4. Theocracy

religious leaders rule over society rulers are chosen by priests or clericsrulers claim to act in the name of Godmandatory church attendance and daily

prayerIran, Vatican City

How Power is Divided

Who makes the rules – a national government or the local units of government

1. Unitary System

All power held by a national government Majority of countries today Great Britain, Japan, most African and Latin

American countries Exact opposite of a confederate form of gov’t

2. Federal System

Power divided and shared among national, state, and local governments

3. Confederate System

No national government, individual states work together but make their own laws

U.S. under Articles of ConfederationSouthern states during Civil WarEuropean Union today

Division of Power within Government

How executive is chosen and power is shared with the legislature

Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems

PresidentialExecutive elected by

the peopleTerm different than

legislatureHead of the

legislative branchHead of state

Parliamentary• Executive chosen by

legislature• Was a member of the

legislature• Remains in power

until legislature removes

• Not always head of state in England it’s the Queen

Assignment

“Democracy is the worst form of government on earth except for all the rest.”

-Winston Churchill

•Explain the meaning of the quote.•Do you agree or disagree with the author of the quote? Explain why.•Give details and examples to support your answer.•Must be typed or written very neatly

Economic Systems

Capitalism

Mixed Economy

Socialism

Communism

Ch. 1 Sec. 3 Benefits of Democracy

1. Allows ChoiceElectionsJobsReligionSpeechEducationWhere you live

Benefits of Democracy

2. Recognizes Individual WorthPromotes equalityEqual opportunity does not guarantee equal

success!

Benefits of Democracy

3. Promotes Respect for LawThrough participation (like council meetings)Ability to petition laws we don’t like

Benefits of Democracy

4. Protects Minority RightsMajority rule….but cannot take away

minority rights like religion or expression even if unpopular

Benefits of Democracy

5. Promotes Public GoodLibraries, schools, parks, roadJob growthTradeUsually participation in government teaches

people to consider other’s views and learn tolerance

Direct DemocracyRepresentative Democracy

Pros /Cons Pros/Cons

Direct vs. Representative Democracy