U1C1: Foundations of Government Civics

Main Ideas Understanding major political ideas and classic forms of government will help you understand the purposes of government. Different forms of governments are categorized based on who exercises authority and how power is organized. American democracy is characterized by core democratic ideals and principles, as well as by the free enterprise system.

Essential Question What are the ideals and key principles that characterize American democracy?

Purposes of Government Definition: The formal institutions and processes through which decisions are made for a group of people; consisting of people, powers, & policies. A state: (country) characterized as having a population, a territory, a government, and sovereignty Functions of a government: ensure national security, maintain order, resolve conflict, provide services, provide for the public good. Theories of rule: divine right- a ruler is chosen by God; natural law- being human: natural rights; social contract- people submit to authority for protection.

Forms of Government Monarchy: King or Queen (Jordan) Constitutional Monarchy: limited power (United Kingdom) Dictatorship: absolute authority, violence (Cuba) Totalitarian Regimes: tight gov’t control (North Korea) Oligarchy/Aristocracy: small group (ancient Greece; Sparta) Theocracy: religious ruler (Iran) Direct Democracy: all citizens vote (ancient Greece; Athens) Republic/Representative Democracy: indirect democracy (ancient Rome, U.S.)

Systems of Government G G G Unitary: central government has power and makes decisions, regional governments carry out decisions. (U.K., Japan) Federal: National, state and federal governments share power. (U.S., India) Confederal: Central government only has powers given to it by the states. (U.S. under Articles of Confederation, European Union) S S S G S S S G S S S

Democracy in the U.S. Ideals: liberty, equality, self-government Principles: worth of the individual, rule of law, majority rule, minority rights, compromise, citizen participation Free enterprise: earn money, purchase property, spend income on goods and services, choose an occupation or change jobs, determine where to save money and how much, open new businesses ideal-conception of something in its most perfect form Principles-internal commitment Free enterprise=economic freedom

Fundamental Principles of American Democracy Origins in ancient Greek, Roman, English European political thinkers: Locke, Montesquieu, Machiavelli, Blackstone led to American government Tocqueville: promises and perils Federalist Papers: “human nature” led to constitutional system that limits power of governors and governed Bill of Rights: limits powers of federal/state governments