1. AP GOVERNMENT Foundations of Government

2. What is Government? Set of institutions that establish public policy Many different types and characteristics Where did government originate?

3. What is the state? What characteristics must “the state” have? State is a political community occupying a defined territory that has an organized government with enforcement powers.

4. Where did the state originate?  Force theory  Evolutionary theory  Divine Right theory  Social contract theory*  Agreement by man to be governed. We have certain natural rights but agree to live in a state with restrictions in exchange for protections. If this contract is violated?

5. What is democracy? Government by the people Aristotle: “rule by many” Greek terms meaning:  “demos” – the people  “kratia” – power or authority

6. Direct Democracy Direct democracy: All citizens participate.  Individual participation on legislation or policy  Making decisions without delegating authority to elected representatives  Town hall meeting  Not feasible today

7. Representative Democracy Representative Democracy (Republic /Republican Form of Government): We elect delegates to represent us in the government.  Authority is delegated to elected representatives to make decisions on behalf of citizens  Vote for people who vote for us  U.S. House (population)  U.S. Senate (2 per state)

8. Why a Republic? Fear of mob rule Size of country Elitism- inadequate education/ uniformed public Did not trust the people To counter the influence of factions Reinforcement of federalism

9. Philosophical Influence Thomas Hobbes: Government is necessary because man is self serving in a free state. John Locke: man born free with natural rights, gives consent to be governed; “life, liberty, and property.” Government should preserve rights (especially property), denied divine right, Social contract theory. Known as the philosopher of the American Revolution. Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence.

10. Philosophical Influence Montesquieu: Balanced government in order to limit the power of government. Concluded ideal government separated powers among legislative, executive and judicial branches. Divided authority would protect rights and prevent on branch from gaining unrestricted control over the entire society Rousseau: Sovereign power in a state does not lie in a ruler. Instead, it resides in the general will of the community as a whole. Rulers are servants of the community. If they fail to carry out the people’s will, they should be removed

11. Six Objectives of the Constitution 1. “a more perfect union”: replace the Articles of Confederation 2. “establish justice”: fair application of the law, punishment for wrongdoing 3. “ensure domestic tranquility”: send national guard in times of crisis or concern, police protection 4. “provide for the common defense”: maintain military to protect borders and national interests 5. “promote the general welfare”: public schools, FDA 6. “secure the blessings of liberty”: to protect basic rights like free press, religion, speech, etc.

13. Characteristics of American Government Popular consent: agree to be governed Popular sovereignty: people have the power Majority rule: with respect to minority rights Individualism: emphasis on the role of the person Political equity: equality of opportunity, voting Personal liberty: freedom is relative Compromise: give and take system in establishing policies

14. Forms of Government Geographic distribution of power  Unitary  Federal  Confederate Legislative and executive relations  Parliamentary  Presidential Number of participants  Democracy  Dictatorship

15. Other terms to know: Autocracy: ruling dictator, totalitarian form of government Monarchy: ruling king or queen, prince, etc. Constitutional monarchy Oligarchy: small group holds power