1. Introduction to Government
What is Government?
Why have a government?

2. Government structure
Every government has and exercises three basic kinds of power:
Legislative: CONGRESS, the power to make the laws
Executive: PRESIDENT, the power to enforce the laws
Judicial: SUPREME COURT, the power to interpret the laws

3. A Constitution
A constitution is the body of basic laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of a government
The UNITED STATES has the oldest, existing, written Constitution STILL IN USE TODAY

4. Why should a government exist?
The Social Contract Theory
Developed by John Locke and other Philosophers
17th and 18th centuries
When writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson used these concepts
State of Nature: an imaginary situation in which no government or laws exist
Social Contract: people agree to give up some of their rights in order to be protected by the government they create
Government exists to serve the will of the people
Government serves the COMMON GOOD (what is best for all people)