Principles of Government What is the purpose of government? What form of government is best? Where did the idea originate?

The State Aristotle- famous Greek scholar/philosopher Many concepts such as politics, democracy, and republic came out of Greece and Rome Country/state have same meaning State- a political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government. Create & enforce laws without a higher authority. United State is one of over 200 today

State In colonial times each state/colony thought of itself as its own country. Nation- any sizable group of people who share common language, race, custom, religion. Nation-state- a bordered territory where the nation and state coincide- France as example Not all people who consider themselves a nation have a state- Irish Catholics N. Ireland, French Canadians, ethnic groups around world

Essential Features of a State 1. Population- large group of people living within borders Consensus- Agreement about basic beliefs Example- belief in a democratic republic Mobility and expansion All impact stability and its ability to thrive 2. Territory- established boundaries

State 3.Sovereignty- supreme and absolute authority within its territorial boundaries Complete control of ability to make laws, shape foreign policy within its borders and about its people. In theory- no state has the right to interfere with the policies or people of another state 4. Government- institution to make decisions

Theories of Government Evolution Theory- state evolved from family groups/tribes and power structure within it Force Theory- Early civilizations/cities formed and people of an area were brought under the authority of one person or group Divine Right Theory- God or Gods had chosen certain people/families to rule. King of England the example

Social Contract Theory Thomas Hobbes- Early 1600’s philosopher Social Contract- in “state of nature”- no government exists Without authority- people would not always do good things to one another. People need to surrender some power to government to maintain order. In return- Government protects citizens Hobbes- People can break this agreement

John Locke 1688 Defended English Parliament’s decision to throw King James II from the thrown Believed people were naturally endowed with rights to life, liberty, and property. Sound familiar???? When government does not live up to protecting these rights or people- people have the right to break contract with government and replace it.

Purpose of Government 1. Maintain Social Order-law & order 2. Provide Public Services 3. Provide national security/ common defense 4. Control economic systems Two methods governments exert authority Coercive force Consent of the people