Principles of GovernmentUnit: 1

Vocabulary: Government: the institution through which a society

makes and enforces its public policies. Public Policies: the things the government decides to

do Ex: Create laws

Legislative Power: the power to make laws Executive Power: the power to execute, enforce and

administer laws Judicial Power: the power to interpret laws and

determine their meaning

Vocabulary: Constitution: a grouping of laws, structures and

principles of a government Dictatorship: a single person or small group

controlling all power Democracy: the majority of the people are in

charge of the government State: a body of people living in a defined

territory with a government

Form Your Own Country!

4 Characteristics of the State: 1. Population---PEOPLE!

If there are no people, there is no state 2. Territory

There has to be land or there is no area to be in control of 3. Sovereignty

Sovereign: to have supreme and absolute power Within it’s boundaries a government has power

4. Government A political organization

First Governing Documents 1. Mayflower

Compact: Signed by all of the

men on the Mayflower

“ (We) covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick,”—Mayflower Compact

First Governing Documents: 2. Declaration of

Independence: A true break-up

between America and Great Britain

Steps toward America becoming its own nation

First Governing Documents 3. Articles of

Confederation: FAIL! President had NO

power Every representative

had to agree in order to pass a law.

No uniform currency Government NOT

able to tax.

First Governing Documents 4. Constitution:

Founding Fathers create a new system of government based on a balance of three separate powers

What is the purpose of Government?

Purpose of Government: Make Economic

Decisions Making sure the

country is going in the same direction

The Constitution was written because people believed that when they united they were stronger.

Establish Justice To create something

that’s reasonable, fair and impartial

Purpose of Government: Maintain Order: Order and peace

within the country Police are in charge to

ensure laws are followed.

Provide Protection: Defending the nation

against foreign attacks

Purpose of Government: Promote the

General Welfare: Public Schools FDA Post Office

Secure the Blessings of Liberty: Protect the things

and people in the country.

Patriotism: the characteristics of being a good citizen

John Locke:English philosopher who’s writings influenced the

founding fathers on forming the American Government.

Forms of Government:

Anarchy:Ruled by nobody

Monarchy:Ruled by a king

Dictatorship:•Ruled by one person

•Autocracy: government in which a single person holds unlimited political power

Oligarchy:Ruled by a small (usually self-appointed) elite group

Theocracy:

Click icon to add picture

Ruled by religion/God

Democracy:•Ruled by the majority of what people want

•Government is conducted only by and with the consent of the people

•“Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

RepublicRuled by laws and votes

Gummy Bear Lab!WAIT FOR MRS. ROISLAND TO CALL OUT YOUR GROUPS!

Click icon to add picture

How Countries Govern

Distribution of Power: Unitary

Government: power is held by one central government

Examples: Great Britain—Parliament holds all the power in the country but gives local power for minor decisions

Distribution of Power: Federal Government:

Powers of government are shared between a central government and several local governments.

Division of Powers: how the government powers are divided geographically

Central Governme

nt

• Highest level of power

State Governme

nt

• Middle level of power

• Ex: education, roads

Local Governme

nt

• Lowest level of power

• Ex: parks, development

Distribution of Power: Germany Example:

Distribution of Power: Confederation:

an alliance of independent states

Example: European Union

How Executive Branches and Legislative Branches Interact:

Presidential Government: The executive and legislative branches of the

government are separate and equal They can block each others actions with their

different powers. Ex: United States

Parliamentary Government: Voters elect a Legislature A Prime Minister or Premier is

then chosen from the Legislature.

The Prime Minister/Premier selects a cabinet and stays in office as long as the Legislature approves of what he is doing. If they don’t the Prime Minister/Premier is forced to resign.

Examples: Canada, Japan, United Kingdom

Propaganda Activity!Propaganda: information intended to persuade people to think or act in a certain way.

Reasons for Democracy:

Reasons for Democracy: Worth of the

Individual: people are important in a democracy

Equality of All Persons: Equality of opportunity Equality before the law

Majority Rule, Minority Rights: The will of the people

determines public policy

Reasons for Democracy:

Necessity of Compromise: To agree on what position is most acceptable to the majority

Individual Freedom: In a democracy and individual cannot have complete freedom

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System

American Economics: Free Enterprise

System: private ownership of capital goods and businesses

Law of Supply and Demand: when supplies of goods and services are plentiful prices are low, when they are scarce, prices are high

American Economics: Mixed Economy:

private enterprise in combination with government regulation

Examples: food and drug laws, anti-pollution standards, zoning