1. Foundations of Government
Essential Question: Why are governments established?

2. Learning Objectives I will… We will…
LOR 1.B Explain how models of representative democracy are visible in major institutions, policies, events, or debates in the U.S.
Explain why governments are created and identify their functions
Define principles of democracy and provide an example of each

3. What is Government? Anarchy Government
A state without government and laws
Most humans cannot function/survive
Government
Institution through which leaders exercise power in order to enforce laws

4. What is Government? Functions Provide leadership Maintain order
Provide public services
Provide national security
Provide economic security

5. Origins of government Evolutionary Theory Force Theory
Belief that government evolved from families
Force Theory
Strong leaders used violence to control people

6. Origins of Government Divine Right Theory Social Contract Theory
Belief that certain people are chosen by God to rule
Social Contract Theory
Introduced by Thomas Hobbes
Belief that government exists to protect the people
People surrender their freedom in exchange for order and protection

7. Origins of Government Natural Rights Introduced by John Locke
Belief that government must safeguard God-given rights

8. Checkpoint
What do governments provide their citizens?
What are the three major theories of the origins of government?
Which do you find most convincing and why?

9. Systems of Government Unitary System
All key powers belong to the central government
Less power given to local governments
Ex. Japan, France, Bolivia

10. Systems of Government Confederate System
Loose union of independent and sovereign states
Weak central government; all power given to states
Ex. First American government

11. Systems of Government Federal System
Power divided between national and state governments
Ex. United States, Brazil

12. Constitutional Governments
A document that provides rules for a government
Purpose
Defines shared ideals of people bound by the Constitution
Establishes basic structure of government and defines powers/duties
Provides supreme law for the country

13. Constitutional Governments
System of government in which power of leaders is limited by a constitution

14. Types of Government Authoritarian Governments
Governments that control all aspects of citizens’ economic, social, and political lives
Referred to as totalitarian states (total control)
Ex. Stalin in USSR

15. Types of Government Oligarchy
Power monopolized by a few people or a political party
Ex. Vietnam, Russia

16. Types of Government Monarchy
Power is passed down to a king, queen, or emperor
Absolute monarchy: France under Louis XVI
Limited monarchy: Great Britain

17. Types of Government Democracy
Power of the government is derived from the people
Can be direct (Athens) or representative (Rome)

18. Types of Government Republic
Democratic government in which people elect representatives
Ex. United States

19. Principles of Democracy
Citizen Participation
Becoming informed, debating issues, voting, attending community meetings, paying taxes, serving on juries, running for office
Regular Free and Fair Elections
Voting not denied of the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, or wealth
All votes are equal

20. Principles of Democracy
Accepting Election Results
Democracy depends on peaceful transfer of power
The Rule of Law
No one is above the law
Laws are equally, fairly, and consistently enforced

21. Principles of Democracy
Majority Rule with Minority Rights
Decisions made by what majority wants
Racial, ethnic, religious, and other minority groups’ rights protected
Everyone has right to speak out and be heard

22. Principles of Democracy
Accountability
Elected officials held responsible for their actions
Government is accountable to the people
Transparency
People must be aware of the actions of government
Public meetings and free press

23. Principles of Democracy
Limited Government and Bill of Rights
List of citizens’ rights and freedoms
Easier for courts to enforce and protect rights
Control of Abuse of Power
Protects citizens from too- powerful government
Guards against corruption

24. Principles of Democracy
Economic Freedom
Government allows private ownership of property and businesses
People allowed to choose their jobs and join labor unions

25. Principles of Democracy
Equality
All individuals valued equally and free from discrimination
All citizens entitled to equal protection under the law
Individual or Human Rights
Respect for the humanity and dignity of all people

26. Principles of Democracy
Independent Judiciary
Courts and justice system is fair and impartial
Not influenced/controlled by political leaders
Not corrupted by individuals, businesses, or political groups

27. Principles of Democracy
Competing Political Parties
Give voters a choice and make elections more meaningful

28. Checkpoint
What are the major purposes of a constitution?
Why is the United States a republic and a democracy?
Which principle do you think is most essential to a democracy and why?