Grade 12Unit 1

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY 1201

INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT

CONTENTS

I. GOVERNMENTS......................................................... 2Why Have Governments?.......................................... 3Types of Governments............................................... 6A List of Government Terms.................................... 10

II. GOVERNMENTS IN OUR WORLD......................... 16Presidential Governments ....................................... 16Parliamentary Governments ................................... 19One-Party and Multiparty Governments.............. 23

III. SHAPERS OF POLITICAL THOUGHT.................. 28Aquinas, Aristotle, and Engels ................................ 28Machiavelli, Marx, and Milton ................................ 32

Author: Brad ZockollEditor: Brian RingIllustrations: Alpha Omega Staff

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LIFEPAC is a registered trademark of Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.All trademarks and/or service marks referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. Alpha Omega Publications, Inc.makes no claim of ownership to any trademarks and/or service marks other than their own and their affiliates’, and makes no claim of affilia-

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HISTORY 1201INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT

“Really, it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money. Why even pay taxes? We don’t need a government at all!”claimed Jeff, as he pounded his fist on the table. “I believe the best type of government is where there isno government. We could all get along by ourselves without any problems!”

Cindy looked at Jeff and wondered if that could be true. What would this country be like if we had no gov-ernment? Think of it. No state tax to pay on that sweater I just bought. No speed limits—I could get toGrandpa’s house in record time! No driver’s licenses, no mandatory school attendance... But then she thoughtsome more—do we really NEED to have a government? Does any country need to have a government?

OBJECTIVES

Read these objectives. The objectives tell you what you will be able to do when you have successfully com-pleted this LIFEPAC®.

When you have finished this LIFEPAC, you should be able to:

1. Explain what the Bible has to say about government, and what its purpose is.

2. Explore the different types of governments in history and in our world today.

3. Explain the terms used with regards to government and its leaders.

4. Give an overview of a presidential government and the various parts that it consists of.

5. Give an overview of a parliamentary government and how it operates.

6. Understand one-party and multiparty governments and the Christian’s responsibilityin either.

7. Identify and give a brief summary of the political philosophies of three philosophers: Aquinas, Aristotle, and Engels.

8. Identify and give a brief summary of the political philosophies of three political thinkers:Machiavelli, Marx, and Milton.

Survey the LIFEPAC. Ask yourself some questions about this study. Write your questions here.

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I. GOVERNMENTS

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SECTION OBJECTIVES

Review these objectives.When you have completed this section, you should be able to:

1. Explain what the Bible has to say about government, and what its purpose is.

2. Explore the different types of governments in history and in our world today.

3. Explain the terms used with regard to government and its leaders.

Different Nations, Different Governments

Russia Zimbabwe United Togo Monaco Libya IsraelKingdom

authority The power and/or right to enforce obedience and make decisions over a group.commerce The business and exchange of goods by purchase, trade, or sale.federal Government formed by a union of smaller groups (states) in agreement.government A system of authority over a group of people.imports Goods brought into a country or state for the purpose of trade.intangible That which cannot be felt by touching, immaterial.license Authorization by law.regulate To control, adjust or govern according to a system. tangible That which can be felt by touching, material.tariffs Systems of taxes placed on imports or exports of a country.utilities A service to the public such as gas, telephone, water, or electric power.

VOCABULARYStudy these words to enhance your learning success in this section.

Note: All vocabulary words in this LIFEPAC appear in boldface print the first time they are used. If you are unsure of the meaning when you arereading, study the definitions given.

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WHY HAVE GOVERNMENTS?

Through the ages, there have been governments wherever there has been a significantnumber of people. Governments are formed because groups need an organization to createand enforce rules that control conduct within the population. You see governments withinmany groups. Your town has a government. Your church has a government. Governingoccurs within groups ranging from Garden Clubs to Scout Troops. The ruling members areput in their places of authority to create and enforce rules that govern the conduct with-in the group of people.

Perhaps one of the most simple “how to” lessons on constructing a government is foundin the Bible. In reviewing Exodus chapters 15-18, you will read about Moses setting up agovernmental system from its infancy. In chapters 15 and 17 he deals with the problem ofsupplying sufficient drink for the populace. In chapters 16 and 17 Moses confronts the prob-lem of feeding this new nation. In chapter 17 he must make military decisions and go intoaction with the new army. In reading chapter 18 you will even see Moses enacting a judi-cial system—from the lower courts all the way up to a “Supreme Court” of the new Jewishnation! Of course, in all these decisions, you can see how God gave Moses the wisdom andinstruction to know how to organize correctly. Sometimes Moses did not follow the instruc-tions, and we can learn of the failures he faced. A basic government primer - all found inthe book of Exodus! Governments also exist in order to assist society to improve in tangi-ble and intangible ways. Governments serve to help in both these areas.

Local governments help in tangible ways with creation of mass transportation,libraries, local parks, and town streets. The local government of Delmar, Delaware set up apublic library for the citizens of the town. The municipal government in Glendale, Arizonapurchased a “trolley-bus” to take visitors around to the various shopping areas free ofcharge, in order to enhance the shopping experience and bring in more tourist dollars.Governments enact intangible laws and ordinances for the welfare of the citizens. The cityof Knoxville, Tennessee strictly enforces a “quiet zone” and speed limit around the hospi-tals in the city. Look at the picture below and you’ll see the actual proclamation by themayor concerning the need for order during the days after the San Francisco earthquakeof 1906. If he had not enacted strict law enforcement immediately, many innocent citizenswould have been the victims of robbery and violence. The local government came to the res-cue of the individual.

State governments help tangi-bly by creating state parks andrecreation areas and maintainingpublic utilities. You see your statetax dollars at work whenever you seethe construction crews working on anew lane or constructing a rest stopon the state highway. Intangibly,they license and oversee businessesand occupations. Very few peoplewould trust a dentist who did nothave his state license, giving himpermission to practice in the state.Likewise, few people would trust alawyer whose state license wasrevoked.

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“That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.” -commonly attributed to Thomas Jefferson

THINK ABOUT IT...

Do you agree with the THINK ABOUT IT statement? Discuss your view with your teacher orparents.

Choose one answer.

1.1 Governments are important because:they control every aspect of the population

they eliminate the need for participation in national decisions

they enforce rules that control conduct within a population

_____

_____

_____

1.2 The three levels of government are_______________________ , _______________________ , and_______________________ .

Adult Check _______________________Initial Date

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARKCalifornia

Under Federal Government Care

Federal governments work for the good of the country as a whole. We see tangibleevidence of the government at work whenever we see a coin or dollar bill. We see our armedforces and know that the government is obligated to our safety. We receive mail and readof tariffs on imports and we know that the government works to regulate and maintainthe mail system and commerce for the benefit of the country’s citizens.

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Fill in the blanks.

1.5 The_______________________ government is the only level of American government that has theright to coin money.

1.6 Commerce is the exchange of goods by _______________________ , _______________________ , or _______________________ .

Select all that apply.

1.7 Utilities serve the public in such ways as: gasmass transportationtelephoneelectric powerwatertown hall meetings

Match.

1.8 ___ federal a. a service to the public such as gas, telephone, water,or electric power.

1.9 ___ commerce b. the business and exchange of goods by purchase,trade, or sale.

1.10 ___ utility c. government formed by a union of smaller groups(states) in agreement.

1.11 ___ import d. to control, adjust, or govern according to a system.

1.12 ___ regulate e. that which is brought into a country or state for thepurpose of trade.

1.13 In reviewing the Bible book of ________________________ chapters 15-18, you will read about

Moses setting up a governmental system from its infancy.

1.14 Three tangible ways that local governments help the citizen is in the creation of

________________________ , ________________________ , and ________________________ .

________________________

Select all the statements that are TRUE.

1.3 Local governments help the citizen by creating libraries, such as in the town of Delmar, Delaware.Only the federal government has the right to regulate mass transportation.Public utilities include telephone and electricity supplied to the citizen.The local government has sole responsibility for licensing businesses.Towns can create and maintain local parks.The state government has the right to make and enforce laws within their home state.

True/False.

1.4 Federal governments will take charge of the street construction in small towns.

_____

_________________________

_____

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“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesomeservant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to

irresponsible action.” - George Washington

TYPES OF GOVERNMENTS

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is known as the “father of political science”because of his writings concerning the formation and directions of governments. Aristotledivided the types of governments into numerical and moral groupings. Numerically, heclaimed that all governments fall into one of three categories:

1. One person rules2. A few people rule3. Many people rule

Morally, Aristotle suggested that each of the above groups would be named according tohow the government was run. He based his morality upon whether the ruling party ruledfor the benefit of the people (good) or for the benefit of only the ruling party (bad). If oneruling person served the people, the good governing was called a monarchy. If the gov-erning was bad then it was a tyranny. In the case of a few people governing, working forthe people was known as an aristocracy. Selfish group leadership was known as an oli-garchy. When a government was ruled by many people, Aristotle called it a polity.Interestingly enough, if it was a dangerous, selfish mob-type rule, he labeled it a democ-racy. However, through the ages, the term democracy has lost its dangerous connotation.

Anarchism is a form of government where those in leadership have little or no powerover the populace. It is correct to say that an anarchist form of government is actually nogovernment at all. To anarchists, the government is an institution that has no merit, andis merely the avenue by which people can grab and exploit power. Anarchism rose fromthought to an actual revolutionary movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Its goal was to destroy any government which held rule over the people and start a collec-tion of “common-man” organizations which would produce and distribute economic andsocial needs. Regional and nationwide federations would govern themselves, replacing theneed for a state-run power. While following the radical freedom fighting of the FrenchRevolution, the anarchists at first embraced the ideals of Marxism. However, the Marxist“dictatorship of the proletariat,” the idea of the capitalist state being used to achieve aclassless society, was repulsive to the anarchists. Political groups were seen as corrupt, sothe anarchist believed that anyone who was faced with the thought of overseeing a party

aristocracy Government by privileged citizens or the upper class.democracy Rule by the people. Originally an Aristotelian term that meant bad

“people-run” government. jurisdiction The right to exercise authority.monarchy Hereditary rule by one person alone; usually a king, queen, or emperor. morality The character of being in agreement with the standards of right conduct.oligarchy Selfish group leadership, as defined by Aristotle.philosopher A person who is learned in the study of thought and conduct.pluralism A form of government where the public has input in the various areas of

interest of the country.polity Aristotle’s definition of a good government run by the people.totalitarianism A government where the authorities require complete obedience and total

submission.tyranny Unjust governmental authority; oppressive power.

VOCABULARYStudy these words to enhance your learning success in this section.

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would fall prey to the desire for powerand glory. This disagreement led to aclash of ideas between Karl Marx andthe Russian anarchist MikhailBakunin in the early 1870s. WhileMarx favored state-run Socialism,Bakunin argued for the total destruc-tion of the state as the primary goal forthose who want to guarantee freedom.Soon anarchism and Marxism went indifferent directions. Anarchism had agreat impact in Russia, where manyanarchist groups participated in therevolutionary movement both beforeand during 1917. Those in favor ofanarchism believe that governmentshould have no jurisdiction overthem at all. Personal liberty is of theutmost importance to anarchists, andthey believe that any public govern-ment is unnecessary and dangerous.Anarchism is an extreme form of gov-ernment, obviously, and is difficult tofind in effect anywhere.

Pluralism is a form of government where the public can have input in various areasof interest of the country. The United States, Great Britain, and Canada are all pluralisticcountries. A pluralistic society guards the rights of its citizens carefully while giving thegovernment certain powers as borne out in constitutions and other articles of conduct.Special interest groups have an opportunity to propose legislation, whether it be forracial, ethnic, or business reasons. Thediversity of the many peoples and theirinterests constantly mix into the poli-tics of a pluralistic society so that noparticular group takes over.

The latter part of the 19th centurysaw a number of factors which set upthe pluralistic flavor of the UnitedStates. The nation was no longer con-sidered an agricultural country as muchas an industrial one. Cities sprang up asimmigrants poured in from EasternEurope, Southern Europe, and Asia.Within the next three decades followingthe Civil War, the number of cities over10,000 in population grew by tenfold.America soon grew to become a nationof diverse cultures and backgrounds.Writer William James called it plural-ism. In his book, The Varieties ofReligious Experience, James encour-aged support for this new era inAmerican diversity. Pluralism, heargued, opened thinking to new hori-zons of acceptance and challenge.

WILLIAM JAMES

MIKHAIL BAKUNIN

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Totalitarianism is the opposite extreme from anarchism. In a totalitarian govern-ment, the authorities want complete obedience and total submission. Totalitarian gov-ernments try to regulate everything in a person’s life. If you were under a government likethis, your workplace, church, and even family would be under severe restrictions and reg-ulations. Totalitarian governments have no limits in their power within the country. Theircontrol is not only over personal freedoms, but also personal thoughts, for many of theserulers want the citizens to adhere and agree to a strict set of ideas.

Communism is a system whichproclaims itself to be for the “commonman” but in practice has been shownto be an oppressive government. Thecommunistic government, which wewill study later, calls for everyone togive up selfish rights for the commongood of the populace. However, indoing so, the freedoms that are offeredin a capitalistic society are almostunheard of under communism.

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Choose one.

1.23 The elimination of personal freedom.anarchismpluralismtotalitarianism

1.24 The government passes laws in order to protect the rights of its citizens:anarchismpluralismtotalitarianism

Choose the type of government style that best fits the example given below.

1.25 A form of government where the leadership have little or no control over the populace.anarchismpluralismtotalitarianism

_________

_________

_________

Fill in the blanks.

1.26 Special interest groups have an opportunity to propose legislation, whether it be for_____________________ , _____________________ , or _____________________ reasons.

1.27 The government has the right to restrict the number of visitors who visit Cape Canaveral fora space launch. This exercising of the government’s authority is called their_____________________ over any visitor at the base.

1.28 _____________________ is the character of being in agreement with the standards of right conduct.

1.15 __________________________ is known as the father of political science.

True/False.

1.16 _____ Aristotle based his morality on whether the government worked for the people or forthemselves.

Match the following types of government with Aristotle’s definition of them.

1.17 one leader working for the good of the people1.18 one leader working for his own benefit1.19 a few working for the good of the people1.20 a few working for their own benefit1.21 the rule of many for the benefit of all1.22 dangerous mob self-rule

Complete the activities.

democracyoligarchyaristocracypolitymonarchytyranny

a.b.c.d.e.f.

______________________________

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“When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property” - Thomas Jefferson

A LIST OF GOVERNMENT TERMS

Jeff was invited to a party and was informed that someforeign exchange students would be present. He hesi-tated, knowing that his knowledge of world affairs andterms was quite limited. Upon arriving at the party hewas introduced to Anna, a German high school graduate,and Carlos,who was finishing up his last term at school inSpain. As the party progressed, they chatted about worldpolitics and used terms that Jeff found unfamiliar.Habeas corpus? Welfare state? Bureaucracy? Soon aserious conversation took place among a number of adultsabout the atrocities performed by the dictator ofUganda, Idi Amin. Some of the people became very agi-tated as they related some of the crimes against humani-ty that Amin had allowed. Jeff realized that he knew verylittle about Amin, Uganda, or world political terms. Annaand Carlos soon realized that Jeff was uncomfortable andthey moved on to another part of the room. Jeff went homethat night embarrassed, promising himself that he wouldlearn the terms to help him be aware of the world politi-cal scene.

Review the terms on the following pages and their explanations. Be familiar with howthey are used in relation to world politics.

autocracy One person has complete control over all branches of government

bureaucracy A system of leaders who carry out the work of the government through theuse of departments

dictator A leader who has total control over a country, and is unrestrained by law

foreign exchange Pupils who go to another country to study its culture for a set amount ofstudent time, usually a year

habeas corpus An order to bring an arrested person to court and decide whether theimprisonment is legal.

insubordination The act of disobedience

legislation A proposed law

loathe To hate or abhor

unrelenting Inflexible; refusing to yield

welfare state A country in which the government assumes a large share of the social care-taking of the people

workfare A system where a person will receive welfare benefits after showing proof ofworking in a regular job

VOCABULARY

Study these words to enhance your learning success in this section.

GENERAL IDI AMIN DADA

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Dictator. Idi Amin was a dictator who ruled theAfrican country of Uganda with an unrelenting and iron-like fist. Many who were in disagreement with him werequickly killed. Amin would tolerate no insubordinationwhatsoever, and the multitudes feared and loathed him. Adictator is a leader who has total control over acountry, and is unrestrained by law. Dictator SaddamHussein kept control over Iraq even though his country wasrepeatedly humiliated by the United States in ongoing con-flicts after the initial attacks of the Persian Gulf in theearly 1990s. His dictatorship tolerated no opposition withinthe country, and his decisions went unquestioned by othercitizens, lest they face fearful consequences. However, onMarch 19, 2003, President George W. Bush, leading a coali-tion of international forces, ordered a military invasion ofIraq with the goal of toppling Hussein from power.

On April 5, coalition forces entered the Iraq capital of Baghadad, and by May 1,President Bush announced that “major combat operations in Iraq have ended,” just 43 daysafter the conflict began. Hussein went into hiding. The goal of removing Hussein from powerwas accomplished on December 13, 2003, when soldiers, including U.S. special operationsforces, found him hiding in a 6-by-8 foot hole. Hussein was captured with weapons and about$750,000 in $100 bills.

Bureaucracy. The Canadian province of Quebec had a bureaucracy which desired togain independence. Because of the Quebec citizens’ desire to break from the rest of thecountry of Canada, leaders formed committees to search for reasonable ways to make seces-sion work. Although the vote was not approved, each election has seen the bureaucracy ofQuebec continue to work toward the achievement of independence.

The Central Intelligence Agency is an example of a bureaucracy at work. The C.I.A. isan independent agency whose head is appointed by the President. The C.I.A.’s mission is:

“We support the President, the National Security Council, and all whomake and execute US national security policy by:Providing accurate, evidence-based, comprehensive and timely foreignintelligence related to national security; andConducting counterintelligence activities, special activities and otherfunctions related to foreign intelligence and national security as directedby the President.”

SADDAM HUSSEIN

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A bureaucracy is a system of leaders who carry out the work of the govern-ment through the use of departments or bureaus, each under the control of adirector.

Welfare state. Arguments continue back and forth as to the limits of the American gov-ernment in making our country a welfare state. Many people feel that we have done toomuch for people who could otherwise work; still others feel that we have a long way to goin order to help those in need. A welfare state is a country in which the governmentassumes a large share of the social caretaking of the people. Some states in our countryhave instituted a workfare legislation, which states that if a person is physically able towork, they must find employment in order to receive welfare benefits.

Habeas corpus. Habeas corpus is a much-admired right of American citizens. It canbe considered a “defensive” mechanism that keeps a person from being held in jail indefi-nitely without a trial. The reference is to the full term writ of habeas corpus, which is adirective by a judge which requires the police to bring an arrested person into court. Thecourt then makes a decision as to whether there is just cause to keep the person held asprisoner. In many countries where freedoms are limited, habeas corpus is seen as one of thepillars which make our country’s freedoms so outstanding.

Autocracy. Whenever George Washington wasfirst considered for leadership of our country, therewas talk of making him King of America. After all, anautocracy under Washington would work out quitewell, wouldn’t it? However, when you realize that anautocracy is giving one person complete con-trol over all branches of government, you beginto understand why the actual thought was never car-ried out. The citizens of the United States wanted anactive role in the workings of the government. LouisXVI was an autocrat that ruled France. Louis XVInot only held sway over the clergy and the nobility,he ruled with complete authority over the commonpeople as well. In many autocracies in history, theruling powers went so far as to approve and rejectsermons by the churches–sometimes even writingthe sermons for the ministers to preach. Autocratscould appoint and dismiss members of governmentalbranches whenever they desired.

KING LOUIS XVI

THINK ABOUT IT...

“The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem.” - Milton Friedman

Do you agree with Friedman’s statement? When do you feel that this is true? At what timeshave you found this to be false? Discuss your views with your teacher or parents.

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1.29 A _____________________ may rule a country with an iron fist and being totally unrestrained byany law of the land.

1.30 _____________________was the dictator of Uganda.

1.31 The California leadership considered a proposal that would build a canal to bring water to thesouthern part of the state. The system of California leaders who carried out the work of thestate government is known as the _____________________ .

1.32 If _____________________ did not exist a person could spend a indefinite period of time in jail wait-ing for their case to go to trial.

1.33 An _____________________ is a government in which one person has control over all branches ofgovernment.

1.34 Our government allows pupils from another country to come to our country to study our cul-ture for a set amount of time, usually a year. These students are known as _____________________students.

Fill in the blanks.

1.35 Many people feel that the United States is becoming a(n)welfare state.dictatorship.autocracy.

1.36 If George Washington had become “King of America” our government might have becomea dictatorship.a bureaucracy.an autocracy.

____________

____________

Choose one.

Review the material in this section in preparation for the Self Test. The Self Test will checkyour mastery of this particular section. The items missed on this Self Test will indicate specific areas where restudy is needed for mastery.

Adult Check _______________________Initial Date

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SELF TEST 1

Match the following types of government with Aristotle’s definition of them (2 points each).

1.01 monarchy one leader works for the good of the people

1.02 democracy one leader works for his own benefit

1.03 polity a few working for the good of the people

1.04 oligarchy a few working for their own benefit

1.05 tyranny the rule of many for the benefit of all

1.06 aristocracy dangerous mob self rule

____

____

____

____

____

____

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

True/False (each answer 2 points).

1.07 _____ The church has a form of government.

1.08 _____ Aristotle based his morality on whether those in the government worked for the peopleor for themselves.

1.09 _____ A totalitarian government allows its citizens a limited amount of freedom.

1.010 _____ Habeas Corpus is an important law relating to prisoners’ rights.

Fill in the blanks (each answer 3 points).

1.011 Government helps us in both ________________________ and ________________________ ways.

1.012 ________________________ is known as the father of political science.

1.013 ________________________ is a system of leaders who carry out the work of government.

Choose one (each answer 2 points).

1.014 Governments are important because:they control every aspect of the populationthey eliminate the need for participation in national decisionsthey enforce rules that control conduct within a population

1.015 Which of the following is an intangible way state government helps its citizens?the creation of librariesoversee businessa mass transportation system

Choose the type of government style that best fits the example given below (2 points).

1.016 The government passes laws in order to protect the rights of its citizens.anarchismpluralismtotalitarianism

____________

____________

____________

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Choose the word that best fits this description (2 points).

1.024 The system of leaders who carry out the work of the federal government.republicbureaucracypluralists

Fill in the blanks (each answer 3 points).

1.017 A _______________________ is Aristotle’s name for a good government run by the people.

1.018 The character of being in agreement with the standards of right conduct is called _______________________.

1.019 The government has the right to restrict the number of people who visit the White House. Thisexercising of the government’s authority is called their _______________________ over any visitorto this national monument.

1.020 A special interest group could propose legislation for _______________________,_______________________ or _______________________ reasons.

Choose the answer that is NOT correct (2 points).

1.021 A totalitarian government is characterized by:suppressing the freedoms of the individual.having government control over the media.allowing private business and free speech.

____________

____________

Fill in the blanks (each answer 3 points).

1.022 A(n)_______________________ is an individual who has complete control of the laws, rules, andaffairs of a country.

1.023 An example of a dictator is _______________________.

Fill in the blanks (each answer 3 points).

1.025 The right to a speedy trial is incorporated in the term _______________________ .

1.026 An autocracy gives the ruler the power to ________________________________________________ .

1.027 There was some consideration to make George Washington the _______________________ ofAmerica.

1.028 Our government allows pupils from another country to come to our country to study our cul-ture for a set amount of time, usually a year. These students are knownas_______________________ students.

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Score _______________________Adult Check _______________________

Initial Date