Foundations of American Government The American Citizen

Section 1: Government and the State Main Questions answered in this section: 1.What are the main characteristics of states? 2.What are the different theories about government?

A Government is a body that has the authority to make and the power to enforce laws within a civil, corporate, religious, academic, or other organization or group. A Government is a body that has the authority to make and the power to enforce laws within a civil, corporate, religious, academic, or other organization or group.

States in the Modern World Modern equivalent of the polis is the state – an independent political unit – most often called - nation - country - nation-state

States in the Modern World Today, there are 191 states in the United Nations – each of them has 4 basic characteristics -

Four main characteristics of a state (or nation, or country) – it must have

Characteristics of nation-states

Government

public policy -- any course of government action directed toward a local, state or national goal -- a government’s plan of action A government term to know…

In order to make public policy, governments must have three things authority - the right to make decisions that others will follow 2. power - ability to make people accept rules and policies

3. legitimacy - governmental power and authority accepted by the people as correct, right, appropriate

Characteristics of nation-states

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Origins of Government … it all started over 5,000 years ago...

Theories of government Some scholars, historians thought/theorized: -The state was a natural stage in evolution of human society. Government grew out of family relationships between parents and children (evolutionary theory)

their “children” – the people of the state. Theories of government In this view – rulers were seen as “parents” – with authority to guide and punish

Theories of government - Another theory of how government developed suggested a strong leader or group took control of the state. (Force theory)

Theories of government Strong leaders would take power by force, create myths and legends proving they were “superior” and their rule could not be challenged

Divine Right The theory of government which holds that royal power comes from God

Theories of government The Theory of the Social Contract First theory of government to acknowledge the people themselves had any rights or powers.

The Social Contract Theories of government

English political philosopher Thomas Hobbes wrote " Leviathan "

Thomas Hobbes wrote in "Leviathan," that... the earliest humans lived in a "state of nature" but came together to create a state – a government – to improve their "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short“ lives.

Thomas Hobbes – "Leviathan” Cover Illustration

John Locke notable because of his belief that people have "natural rights," including the right to life, liberty and property. English,

John Locke If ruler did not protect the people’s “natural rights,” he or she had broken the social contract… then, people would be free to set up a NEW social contract (new government)

American colonial leaders read Locke’s writings - Locke’s view of the social contract and “natural rights” helps lead to American Revolution and became principles of U.S. government. principles of U.S. government. John Locke

Purpose of Government Maintain Social order – government is needed because people cannot live in groups without conflict.Maintain Social order – government is needed because people cannot live in groups without conflict. Provide Public Services –government promotes public safety and health.Provide Public Services –government promotes public safety and health. Providing National Security – government is needed to protect the people against attacks from other states.Providing National Security – government is needed to protect the people against attacks from other states. Making Economic Decisions- gov’t pass laws that shape economic environment of the nation.Making Economic Decisions- gov’t pass laws that shape economic environment of the nation.

Section 2 Forms of Government

The answer to the question, “Where’s the power?” will be one of these three – At the national level At the state level At both national and state levels “Where’s the power?”

ANARCHY No government, so no one rules. Comes from the Greek Word “avapxia” meaning “no anchors, no rulers. Believe government is both harmful and unnecessary.

If the power is located at the national level, the government is called a UNITARY government. “Where’s the power?”

Centralized Power Unitary Government The central (national) government has authority over all political subdivisions within the nation-state. There is, essentially, just one government. Examples: Great Britain, France, Japan, China

Unitary Government Main advantage to this: consistent, uniform policies Main disadvantage - it’s usually inflexible, because all decisions are made “at the top”

If the power is located at the state level, the government is called a CONFEDERATE government, or a CONFEDERATION. “Where’s the power?”

Sovereign States The Confederation Two or more independent states join together to achieve common goals. Each state retains own sovereignty, gives limited power to the national government.

The Confederation u Main advantage - offers greater power at local levels of government u Main disadvantages - it’s usually unstable; has difficulty maintaining national unity, national identity and purpose

Examples of confederacies: United States during Articles of Confederation (1776 to 1787) Southern states during U.S. Civil War – “Confederate States of America” – 1860 to 1865

If the power is located at both national and state levels (divided between them), the government is called a FEDERAL government, or a FEDERATION. “Where’s the power?”

Federalism / Federal System u Main advantages - enables strong national government to solve common problems; states and local govts retain some powers over local problems u Examples: Canada, Australia, India, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany

If the question, “Who has the power?” is asked, the answer will be one of these three – 1. One person has the power 2. A group has the power 3. The people – all of them – have the power Who has the power?

Aristotle gave names to three basic kinds of rule -- autocracy - rule by one person oligarchy - rule by a small group democracy - rule by the people

Autocracy Most common form of autocracy throughout history has been a monarchy –a king or queen acts as the supreme power of government.

Autocracy Today - most monarchies are constitutional monarchies – rulers share authority with elected legislatures and must follow rules, laws, constitutions. +

Autocracy Dictatorship - another form of autocracy -- leadership of the state is acquired and maintained by fear & force. Power is usually held through police, military. Freedoms are limited.

Three Main Characteristics of Dictatorships 1.Gain power legally during times of crisis, when people are willing to accept a strong ruler as a necessity.

2. Maintain power through suppression of opposition and strict controls on people’s lives. 3 Main Characteristics of Dictatorships

3. Acquire and maintain leadership through fear and force

TWO DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Is fear a stronger emotion than love? Can a good leader be bad?

Oligarchy Rule by a small group, based on wealth (plutocracy) social position (aristocracy) religious leaders (theocracy) military leaders (junta) Communist countries – power rests with top party members called a politburo

Junta A small group of military officers who seize a state and establish their own government – a kind of oligarchy

Democracies (from the Greek: demos, “the people”; kratein, “to rule”) -- democratic governments are selected by the nation-state’s adult citizens and respond to their wishes

Democracies Two types of democracy: direct democracy indirect, or representative democracy

Democracies Direct democracy -- all citizens have a chance to participate in government on a first-hand basis Examples: ancient Greek city-states, New England town meetings

Democracies Representative democracy – (indirect democracy) – people elect a relatively small group of citizens to represent them in making laws and establishing public policies

Democracies So, is the U.S.A. a republic or a democracy ? To be exact… a nation with a representative democracy is called a republic. THAT’S US!

Section 3 Basic Concepts of Democracy

Main questions to be answered in this section: 1. What are the basic concepts on which American democracy was built? 2. How does the operation of American government illustrate these concepts?

Basic Principles of American Democracy The 3 basic rights of individuals include – belief in “individual worth” respect for individual liberties (civil liberties) respect for rights of citizens (civil rights)

Belief in “individual worth” is the principle that Americans have the right to decide for themselves... u where they will live u what books they will read u what opinions they will hold u what work they will do Principles of American Democracy

Respect for individual liberties – civil liberties – is the freedom to choose without undue interference from government Principles of American Democracy

Examples of civil liberties - guarantees freedom of speech, press, or religion; due process of law; and other limitations on the power of the state to restrain or dictate the actions of individuals. Principles of American Democracy

Respect for the right of citizens to equal treatment by government, and equal opportunity under the law is called civil rights. Principles of American Democracy

Examples of civil rights – every citizen’s right to vote is protected each person’s vote counts equally laws are applied fairly government does not discriminate against certain people or groups Principles of American Democracy

Civil rights also means “equality of opportunity” – every individual has an equal chance to develop to his or her maximum capabilities, without discrimination. Principles of American Democracy

The 4 basic political ideals of American democracy are – 1. rule by law 2. limits on government power 3. representative government 4. majority rule with minority rights

No person is above the law, regardless of their wealth or status Any person who breaks the law Any person who breaks the law will be treated as any other citizen will be treated as any other citizen Political ideal #1: Rule by law Principles of American Democracy

Laws must be made public so all can know them Rule by law All persons are restricted by the “chains of the Constitution” (Thomas Jefferson)

Political ideal #2: Limits on government power (referred to as limited government) Limits on government power are set into U.S. Constitution and state constitutions Principles of American Democracy

Limiting the power of government helps to ensure the protection of civil liberties and civil rights Principles of American Democracy Limited government

Political ideal #3: Representative government people have the right to elect their leaders people have the right to free and fair elections people have the right to not vote Principles of American Democracy

Political ideal #4: Majority Rule With Minority Rights people agree to abide by decisions of the majority of citizens – but -- Principles of American Democracy

...this also means that the rights of citizens in minority are respected, including right to speak against government to speak against government and its policies to hold opposing views to hold opposing views to vote against majority views Political ideal #4: Majority Rule With Minority Rights With Minority Rights