1. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 1 Government in Society Government is Necessary

2. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 2 Objectives Identify the four basic characteristics of a state Describe two theories of government, including the social contract

3. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 3 What are States An independent political unit Four characteristics –Population –Territory –Government –Sovereignty The right to rule itself

4. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 4 Population May be large or small –USA--240 Million –China--1 Billion May be diverse or similar in characteristics Has citizenship Has allegiance

5. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 5 Territory Occupies a specific geographic area Has boundaries Includes the following –Land –Water –Natural resources –Inland waterways Can be large or small Often causes conflict

6. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 6 Government It is the people and institutions to establish and enforce public policies People –Kings, Queens, Presidents Institutions –Constitution, Courts, Parliaments, Army Public policy is action directed towards a national goal Legitimacy –The right to rule accepted by the people

7. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 7 Sovereignty The ability to act independently Three requirements: –Able to decide and carry out its own foreign policy –Send and receive diplomats or ambassadors –Able to protect its own territory

8. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 8 Theories of Govt. First studied by Aristotle Theories –Evolutionary Rulers were seen as “parents” –Force Use of power or force to impose one’s will –Divine right Power to rule came from God –Social Contract

9. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 9 Social Contract The power of the people to rule themselves Developed by Thomas Hobbes Carried on by John Locke –Believed people had natural rights Life, Liberty, and Property –Agreed to obey the government or ruler –But ruler was required to protect their rights

10. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 10 Discussion Can a government stay in power if most people oppose it?

11. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 11 Assignment Read pgs. 9—11 Questions pg. 11

12. American Govt. Coach Kirkwood 12 What You Have Learned Today Identify the four basic characteristics of a state Describe two theories of government, including the social contract