1. Principles of Government Civics 3:1
Civics by George Cassutto © 2004 published by Teaching Point as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers SeriesTM

2. What is a “State?”
The earliest political unit was the Greek “polis” or city-state.
The term state comes from Latin: “stare,” which means “to stand.”
Today: State = a political community with a territory and an organized government.
For the US = one of 50 political units within the nation of the US

3. Characteristics of a Nation-State
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Characteristics of a Nation-State
A nation is a group of people united by race, language, custom, tradition, and religion.
The state involves a territory and authority that are connected to those people.
Ask students: “which nation this?” How does it represent the idea of a state? Are there any other states on the map? What territory on the map wants to become a state? (The West Bank and Gaza Strip)

4. What is Sovereignty? The right of a nation to make its own decisions.
The power of a government to rule itself.
Popular sovereignty: the power of the people to decide a question.
Question: Does the UN have the power to command U.S. armed forces?

5. Population A nation needs citizens Citizens must be loyal.
Taxes must be collected to provide government services.
Population
People take part in political system.

6. Territory Land that provides natural resources.
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Territory
Land that provides natural resources.
It is the basis for most international conflicts.
Ask students if they know of an area in this map that is the source of conflict. Direct them to the area of Kashmir in the northern region of India.

7. Government
Defined as “the people and institutions who have the authority to create...
public policy: a course of government action designed to achieve a common goal.
Power must be legitimate: acceptable to the people.

8. Why are governments formed?
To keep order in society.
Provide for the common defense.
Provide public services.
Protect individual rights.
Right to Life March

9. Principles of American Government
Based on Democracy or “rule by the people.”
Individual worth.
Civil liberties = Freedoms
Civil Rights = Equality and rights of the accused.
Rule by law under the Constitution.
Majority rules, protect the minority.
Limited, representative Government
Vietnam War Memorial

10. Forms of Government: The Unitary System
Power is held at the central government.
The central government is the national government.
China and Cuba are examples of unitary governments.

11. The Unitary System

12. Forms: Confederation A loose association of states or a weak alliance.
Most power is held by states or provinces.
The South during the Civil war was called the Confederacy. It wanted to rule by “states’ rights.”
Russia now leads the Commonwealth of Independent States

13. Federal System
Power is shared between the central (national) government and the states.
The USA is a federal system.
The national government in Washington, DC shares power with 50 states.
The states share power with local governments such as cities, towns, and counties.

14. Federal System