What is Government?
What is Government? What functions does government perform? How does government promote the public good?
Write down your own definition of government. Include your understanding of what governments do. How do you believe governments promote the public good?
An institution that makes and enforces rules for a group of people What are some examples of government in: Salem? McCook County? South Dakota? The United States? The World?
State any political unit (city, county, etc.) Citizens members of a state Sovereignty a government’s power over its citizens Law rules enforced by government Natural Law law that would exist in the absence of government Public policies plans that apply to a specific area of public concern Ex. Drug laws, zoning for construction, school curriculum
1) Divine Right authority is given to heads of state by God (Kings and Queens usually) 2) Social Contract (Thomas Hobbs) people give up their sovereignty to the state in return for law and order Journal Entry name 3 things our government does to hold up its end of the social contract 3) Natural Rights (John Locke) life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (ex.’s) Legitimacy rightful authority a government has over its citizens
Governments maintain their end of the social contract 1) Maintain Order Laws and police to enforce them 2) Provide Services Roads, mail, welfare, healthcare 3) Resolve Conflicts Politics and legislations 4) Promote Values Gov’t passes laws and legislations that reflect public opinion
Politics process of people participating in government and setting policies and laws Values principles by which people act and live their lives Public Good well-being of society
Groups of 3 Discuss, summarize and record your understanding of: 1) what government is 2) what basic functions government performs 3) An example of how our government reflects the values of its people Summary should be 3 to 4 sentences Everyone records their group’s summary in their own journal.