ROLE AND ORIGIN OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Chapter 1 Notes

Chapter 1.1 Objectives Define government and explain its importance. Identify how some philosophers have described the nature and purpose of the state. List the functions that government performs. Describe how government promotes the public good.

I. Origin of States State – a body of people living in a defined territory, organized politically, and having the power to make and enforce law without the consent of any higher authority

How did states form? 1. Force – one person or a small group forced control over an area and it’s people 2. Evolutionary – family/clan/tribe 3. Divine Right – God gave those of royal birth the right to rule 4. Social Contract – voluntary act of free will, state exists to serve will of the people

Characteristics of a State 1. PopulationPopulation 2. Territory 3. Sovereignty 4. Government

Thomas Hobbes English philosopher, wrote Leviathan Founder of social contract theory Life would be brutal and short without government Human nature creates need for laws

John Locke English philosopher Government exists to protect life, liberty and property If government fails to serve the people they should be overthrown Basis of our Declaration of Independence

Purpose of Government: Serve the Public Good Maintain Order Provide Services Resolve Conflict Promote Values

Assignment Due Tomorrow: Read text pages 3-7 Complete DQ 1.1 Answer the following question on the back of 1.1:  Compare the ideas of Locke and Hobbes and explain their similarities and differences. How did they influence the nature or purpose of governments that exist today?

DEFINED BY:  SOURCE OF POWER  HOW POWER IS DIVIDED  DIVISION OF POWER WITHIN GOVERNMENT Ch. 1 Sec 2 Types of Governments

Power “the ability to get other people to do things that contribute to what you want to do”

FIVE SOURCES OF POWER Formal Authority – person’s position Persuasion – personal ability Expertise – person’s skills Coercion – ability to punish Rewards – ability to give $, praise, etc. Does how you come to power make any difference?

Defined by Who has the Source of Power People or the government?

1. Monarchy king, queen, emperor or empress ruling position passed on to the ruler’s heirs Ruler has complete control = Ruler limited by laws = Today:

2. Republic/Democracy Government power comes from the people through elections United States Great Britain Representative vs. Direct

3. Dictatorship Uses force to keep power autocracy=1 Oligarchy=small group Authoritarian Most are totalitarian 23 today

4. Theocracy religious leaders rule over society rulers are chosen by priests or clerics rulers claim to act in the name of God mandatory church attendance and daily prayer Iran, Vatican City

How Power is Divided Who makes the rules – a national government or the local units of government

1. Unitary System All power held by a national government  Majority of countries today  Great Britain, Japan, most African and Latin American countries  Exact opposite of a confederate form of gov’t

2. Federal System Power divided and shared among national, state, and local governments

3. Confederate System No national government, individual states work together but make their own laws U.S. under Articles of Confederation Southern states during Civil War European Union today

Division of Power within Government How executive is chosen and power is shared with the legislature

Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems

Presidential Executive elected by the people Term different than legislature Head of the legislative branch Head of state Parliamentary Executive chosen by legislature Was a member of the legislature Remains in power until legislature removes Not always head of state in England it’s the Queen

Assignment “Democracy is the worst form of government on earth except for all the rest.” -Winston Churchill Explain the meaning of the quote. Do you agree or disagree with the author of the quote? Explain why. Give details and examples to support your answer. Must be typed or written very neatly

Economic Systems Capitalism Mixed Economy Socialism Communism

Ch. 1 Sec. 3 Benefits of Democracy 1. Allows Choice Elections Jobs Religion Speech Education Where you live

Benefits of Democracy 2. Recognizes Individual Worth Promotes equality Equal opportunity does not guarantee equal success!

Benefits of Democracy 3. Promotes Respect for Law Through participation (like council meetings) Ability to petition laws we don’t like

Benefits of Democracy 4. Protects Minority Rights Majority rule….but cannot take away minority rights like religion or expression even if unpopular

Benefits of Democracy 5. Promotes Public Good Libraries, schools, parks, road Job growth Trade Usually participation in government teaches people to consider other’s views and learn tolerance

Direct Democracy Representative Democracy Pros /Cons Direct vs. Representative Democracy