Government and State

What is Government? Government is the institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies. Public Policies are all those things a government decides to do.

Public Policies Taxation Defense Education Health care Transportation

What kind of Power does Government have? Legislative power-the power to make law and frame public policy Executive power-the power to execute, enforce, and administer law Judicial power- the power to interpret laws

Politics vs. Government “Man is by nature a political animal” Aristotle Government is an institution. Politics is the process.

State-is a body of people, living in a defined territory, organized politically. The state has emerged as the dominant political unit in the world.

4 Characteristics of the State 1) Population is the make up of the people San Marino, Italy 27,000 People’s Republic of China 1.3 billion

4 Characteristics cont… 2) Territory- land with recognized boundaries

4 Characteristics cont… Sovereignty- every state has supreme and absolute power within its own territory Foreign polices Domestic policies

4 Characteristics cont… Government is the agency through which the state exerts its will and works to accomplish its goals

“the war of every man against every man” “continual fear and danger of violent death and life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

Major Political Ideas The Force Theory-one person or group claimed control over an area and forces the inhabitants to submit to his or her rule. The Evolutionary Theory-state developed naturally… one family, two families, related families, a clan then a tribe

Major Political Ideas cont…- The Divine Right Theory- God created the state and those of royal birth a “divine right” to rule. The Social Contract Theory- The people and the state have a written and unwritten contract (i.e. constitution)

The Purpose of Government Many of the answers on government can ultimately be found in the US Constitution and other government documents Form a More Perfect Union Articles of Confederation too weak The belief that in union there is strength

Establish Justice What is Justice? The law, in both its content and it’s administration must resonable, fair and impartial.

Insure Domestic Tranquility Prime function of government Without government, law, and order “If men were angels, no government would be necessary” James Madison

Provide for the Common Defense Defend the nation against foreign enemies Maintain the security of our country Promote the General Welfare Public education Bailout’s Secure the Blessing of Liberty