1. ____________ is the institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies. Answer: Government 2. What are public policies? Answer: all of the things that a govt. decides to do 3. __________is a process, _________is an institution. Answer: Politics/Government 4. What are the four characteristics of the state? Answer: pop., territory, sovereign, government 5. What are the four theories as to the origin of the state? Answer: Force, Evolutionary, Divine Right, Social Contract

Government and the State The Purpose of Government

Thomas Hobbes stated that government is necessary to avoid, “the war of every man against every man.” from Leviathan

“The legitimate object of government , is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves—in their separate, and individual capacities.” Abraham Lincoln, July 1, 1854

Preamble to the U.S. Constitution We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Purpose of Government Form a More Perfect Union The Articles of Confederation created “a firm league of friendship” among the thirteen states. The government created by the articles could not overcome the rivalries among the states. The Constitution of today was written in 1787. It was built upon the belief that in union there is strength. Establish Justice The law, in both its content and administration, must be reasonable, fair, and impartial. Have we achieved our professed goal of justice for all?

The Purpose of Government Insure Domestic Tranquility Order is essential to the well-being of any society, and keeping the peace at home has always been a prime function of government. Several 3rd World countries do not have a functional governing body Provide for the Common Defense Defending the nation against foreign enemies has always been one of government’s responsibilities. The U.S. has become the world’s most powerful nation. So now, can we sit back and relax? Why?

The Purpose of Government Promote the General Welfare Public Schools Environmental Protections Improving air and water Services that our government provides should be of benefit to all its citizens. In what other areas does the government promote the general welfare of the people? Secure the Blessings of Liberty Liberty was of the utmost importance to our founding fathers. Our text states that liberty is relative, not absolute. What does that mean? Both state and federal constitutions set out many guarantees of rights and liberties for the individual in this country. Each generation must stand up for these rights.

The purpose of government is too….. Form a union of states Est. a justice system that is fair for all of it’s people Insure domestic peace Protect it’s citizens from foreign invasion Provide services that make our life better Protect our civil liberties