Principles of Government Chapter 1

Government and the State: What is Government? The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies Public Policies – All of those things a government decides to do.

Three Branches of Government: Legislative Congress – MAKES LAWS Executive President – ENFORCE LAWS Judicial Courts – INTERPRET LAWS

Powers of Government: Constitution Dictatorship Democracy A body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government Dictatorship Those who rule cannot be held responsible by the people Democracy Supreme authority rests with the people

The State: Population – A state must have people Territory – A state must have land Sovereignty – A state has supreme and absolute power within its own territory and can decide its own foreign and domestic policies. It is neither subordinate nor responsible to any other authority. Government – Every state is politically organized

Origins of the State: Force Theory Evolutionary Theory Divine Right Theory Social Contract Theory

Purpose of Government Form a More Perfect Union Establish Justice Insure Domestic Tranquility Provide for the Common Defense Promote the General Welfare Secure the Blessings of Liberty

Forms of Government: Who Can Participate? Democracy – Political authority rests with the people. Direct Democracy – Does not exist today – Ancient Greek culture Representative Democracy – small group of people chosen by the people act as representatives of the popular will Dictatorship – Those who rule cannot be held responsible to the will of the people. Autocracy – single person holds unlimited political power. Oligarchy – power to rule is held by a small, usually self- appointed elite.

Geographic Distribution of Power: Unitary - One Branch holds all The Power at one level; predominately the National level-Ex. Great Britain Federal – Powers are divided between central and local governments-Ex.-United States Confederate – Alliance of Independent States; authority is held on the State Level-Ex.-Articles of Confederation or European Union

Relationship between Legislative and Executive Branches: Presidential Government – Executive and Legislative Branches are SEPARATE! Parliamentary Government – The Executive Branch is made up of members from the Legislative Branch

Basic Concepts of Democracy Worth of the Individual Equality of All Persons Majority Rule, Minority Rights Necessity of Compromise Individual Freedom

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System Commitment to freedom evident in our political system That same commitment carries over to our economic system Free Enterprise System Private Ownership Individual Initiative Profit Competition

Mixed Economy Our economy is not purely Capitalistic Government participates to protect the public and preserve private enterprises Regulate the economy Sherman Anti-Trust Act-preventing Monopolies Promote the economy Gov’t grants for transportation, research etc. Small business loans