Foundations of Government Essential Question: Why are governments established?

Learning Objectives I will… We will… LOR 1.B Explain how models of representative democracy are visible in major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S. Explain why governments are created and identify their functions Define principles of democracy and provide an example of each

What is Government? Anarchy Government A state without government and laws Most humans cannot function/survive Government Institution through which leaders exercise power in order to enforce laws

What is Government? Functions Provide leadership Maintain order Provide public services Provide national security Provide economic security

Origins of government Evolutionary Theory Force Theory Belief that government evolved from families Force Theory Strong leaders used violence to control people

Origins of Government Divine Right Theory Social Contract Theory Belief that certain people are chosen by God to rule Social Contract Theory Introduced by Thomas Hobbes Belief that government exists to protect the people People surrender their freedom in exchange for order and protection

Origins of Government Natural Rights Introduced by John Locke Belief that government must safeguard God-given rights

Checkpoint What do governments provide their citizens? What are the three major theories of the origins of government? Which do you find most convincing and why?

Systems of Government Unitary System All key powers belong to the central government Less power given to local governments Ex. Japan, France, Bolivia

Systems of Government Confederate System Loose union of independent and sovereign states Weak central government; all power given to states Ex. First American government

Systems of Government Federal System Power divided between national and state governments Ex. United States, Brazil

Constitutional Governments A document that provides rules for a government Purpose Defines shared ideals of people bound by the Constitution Establishes basic structure of government and defines powers/duties Provides supreme law for the country

Constitutional Governments System of government in which power of leaders is limited by a constitution

Types of Government Authoritarian Governments Governments that control all aspects of citizens’ economic, social, and political lives Referred to as totalitarian states (total control) Ex. Stalin in USSR

Types of Government Oligarchy Power monopolized by a few people or a political party Ex. Vietnam, Russia

Types of Government Monarchy Power is passed down to a king, queen, or emperor Absolute monarchy: France under Louis XVI Limited monarchy: Great Britain

Types of Government Democracy Power of the government is derived from the people Can be direct (Athens) or representative (Rome)

Types of Government Republic Democratic government in which people elect representatives Ex. United States

Principles of Democracy Citizen Participation Becoming informed, debating issues, voting, attending community meetings, paying taxes, serving on juries, running for office Regular Free and Fair Elections Voting not denied of the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, or wealth All votes are equal

Principles of Democracy Accepting Election Results Democracy depends on peaceful transfer of power The Rule of Law No one is above the law Laws are equally, fairly, and consistently enforced

Principles of Democracy Majority Rule with Minority Rights Decisions made by what majority wants Racial, ethnic, religious, and other minority groups’ rights protected Everyone has right to speak out and be heard

Principles of Democracy Accountability Elected officials held responsible for their actions Government is accountable to the people Transparency People must be aware of the actions of government Public meetings and free press

Principles of Democracy Limited Government and Bill of Rights List of citizens’ rights and freedoms Easier for courts to enforce and protect rights Control of Abuse of Power Protects citizens from too- powerful government Guards against corruption

Principles of Democracy Economic Freedom Government allows private ownership of property and businesses People allowed to choose their jobs and join labor unions

Principles of Democracy Equality All individuals valued equally and free from discrimination All citizens entitled to equal protection under the law Individual or Human Rights Respect for the humanity and dignity of all people

Principles of Democracy Independent Judiciary Courts and justice system is fair and impartial Not influenced/controlled by political leaders Not corrupted by individuals, businesses, or political groups

Principles of Democracy Competing Political Parties Give voters a choice and make elections more meaningful

Checkpoint What are the major purposes of a constitution? Why is the United States a republic and a democracy? Which principle do you think is most essential to a democracy and why?