Chapter 1: People & Government Section 1: Principles of Government Aristotle is often considered the first student of political science for asking two key questions regarding government: What is the proper function of government? Where or why did government originate? The State: a political community that occupies a definite territory & has an organized govt. with the power to make and enforce laws without any higher authority. Examples? A nation: any sizeable group of people who are united by common bonds of race, language, custom, tradition, & sometimes religion. Examples? Aristotle Ἀριστοτέλης

Essential Features of a State Population Territory Sovereignty Government Theories of the Origin of the State • Evolutionary Theory: “Father Abraham” • Force Theory: “might makes right” • Divine Right Theory: “l’ etat ce moi.” • Social Contract Theory: philosophical approach pioneered by Thomas Hobbes in Leviathan & John Locke in Two Treatises in Government.

Section 2: The Formation of Government Government Systems Unitary system: gives all key powers to the national or central government. Exp: France Federal System: divides powers of government between national & state or provincial governments. Exp: U.S.A. Confederacy: loose union of independent states. Exp: United Arab Emirates

Section 2: The Formation of Government Constitutions & Government Constitution is a plan that provides the rules for government. 1. sets ideals that people are bound by the constitution believe in and share. 2. establishes basic structure of government & defines government’s powers & duties 3. provides supreme law for a country Constitutional government: a government in which a constitution has authority to place clearly recognized limits on the powers of those who govern.

Section 3: Types of Governments WHO GOVERNS? Autocracy: single ruler (power by force or inheritance) Absolute/totalitarian dictatorship: tries to control all aspects of life (Hitler’s Germany) Monarchy: inherited power (kings and queens) Oligarchy: small group (power by wealth, force, social position, religion) Communist countries (China, North Korea) Democracy: the people Direct: people actually vote on issues Representative: people elect reps to decide issues

Section 4: Economic Theories What is the basic role of an economic system? 3 basic questions: What and how much should be produced? How should goods and services be produced? Who gets the goods and services that are produced?

Explain the origin and function of capitalism Developed over time in Europe Trade routes opened to Asia in 1200s People invested money to make profits--became the wealthy middle class Belief in free market (buyers/sellers free to make economic decisions in the marketplace) Adam Smith The Wealth of Nations (1776) Laissez-faire: gov’t should keep its hands off the economy                

Explain the origin and function of capitalism Answer to 3 basic questions? The market/supply and demand Characteristics Private ownership/control of property Free enterprise Competition among businesses Freedom of choice Possibility of profits

How does capitalism work in the U.S.? Free Enterprise in the U.S. No market is truly free Gov’t regulates trade, owns property, runs services, etc. Governmental Influence US gov’t is #1 consumer Gov’t regulates product safety, working conditions, environmental issues, banking, etc. Gov’t provides social services Mixed-Market Economy Economy in which free enterprise is combined w/ and supported by gov’t decisions in the marketplace Capitalism is viewed as central to democracy

Explain the origin and function of socialism 1800s: industrialization in Europe accented differences between rich and poor Answer to 3 basic questions? Government controls basic means of production while allowing some elements of free market Main goals of socialism Equal distribution of wealth and economic opportunity Society’s control of major production decisions Public ownership of land, factories, etc. Democratic Socialism: people have rights and control of gov’t--gov’t controls economy (GB)

Explain the origin and function of communism Karl Marx: German socialist revolutionary The Communist Manifesto & Das Kapital Capitalists/bourgeoisie/owners “enslave” workers/proletariat Owners and workers in constant struggle--fewer and fewer people own wealth--violent uprising of workers leads to revolution and socialism Eventually communism (one class, property held in common, no government) “The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. Working men of all countries unite!”

Explain the origin and function of communism Answer to 3 basic questions? Gov’t makes all decisions (command economy) Government making all decisions about money means government basically makes all decisions Inherently un-democratic No successful communist countries--typically corruption prevents a decent standard of living