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ROLE AND ORIGIN OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Chapter 1 Notes
Chapter 1.1 Objectives
Define government and explain its importance.
Identify how some philosophers have described the nature and purpose of the state.
List the functions that government performs.Describe how government promotes the
public good.
I. Origin of States
State – a body of people living in a defined territory, organized politically, and having the power to make and enforce law without the consent of any higher authority
How did states form?
1. Force – one person or a small group forced control over an area and it’s people
2. Evolutionary – family/clan/tribe
3. Divine Right – God gave those of royal birth the right to rule
4. Social Contract – voluntary act of free will, state exists to serve will of the people
Characteristics of a State
1. Population
2. Territory
3. Sovereignty
4. Government
Thomas Hobbes
English philosopher, wrote Leviathan
Founder of social contract theory
Life would be brutal and short without government
Human nature creates need for laws
John Locke
English philosopherGovernment exists to
protect life, liberty and property
If government fails to serve the people they should be overthrown
Basis of our Declaration of Independence
Purpose of Government: Serve the Public Good
Maintain Order
Provide Services
Resolve Conflict
Promote Values
Assignment Due Tomorrow:
Read text pages 3-7Complete DQ 1.1Answer the following question on the back of
1.1: Compare the ideas of Locke and Hobbes and explain
their similarities and differences. How did they influence the nature or purpose of governments that exist today?
DEFINED BY:SOURCE OF POWERHOW POWER IS DIVIDEDDIVISION OF POWER WITHIN GOVERNMENT
Ch. 1 Sec 2 Types of Governments
Power
“the ability to get other people to do things that contribute to what you want to do”
FIVE SOURCES OF POWER
Formal Authority – person’s positionPersuasion – personal abilityExpertise – person’s skillsCoercion – ability to punishRewards – ability to give $, praise, etc.
Does how you come to power make any difference?
Defined by Who has the Source of Power
People or the government?
1. Monarchy
king, queen, emperor or empress
ruling position passed on to the ruler’s heirs
Ruler has complete control =
Ruler limited by laws =
Today:
2. Republic/Democracy
• Government power comes from the people through elections
• United States
• Great Britain
• Representative vs. Direct
3. Dictatorship
Uses force to keep power
autocracy=1Oligarchy=small
groupAuthoritarianMost are totalitarian23 today
4. Theocracy
religious leaders rule over society rulers are chosen by priests or clericsrulers claim to act in the name of Godmandatory church attendance and daily
prayerIran, Vatican City
How Power is Divided
Who makes the rules – a national government or the local units of government
1. Unitary System
All power held by a national government Majority of countries today Great Britain, Japan, most African and Latin
American countries Exact opposite of a confederate form of gov’t
2. Federal System
Power divided and shared among national, state, and local governments
3. Confederate System
No national government, individual states work together but make their own laws
U.S. under Articles of ConfederationSouthern states during Civil WarEuropean Union today
Division of Power within Government
How executive is chosen and power is shared with the legislature
Parliamentary vs. Presidential Systems
PresidentialExecutive elected by
the peopleTerm different than
legislatureHead of the
legislative branchHead of state
Parliamentary• Executive chosen by
legislature• Was a member of the
legislature• Remains in power
until legislature removes
• Not always head of state in England it’s the Queen
Assignment
“Democracy is the worst form of government on earth except for all the rest.”
-Winston Churchill
•Explain the meaning of the quote.•Do you agree or disagree with the author of the quote? Explain why.•Give details and examples to support your answer.•Must be typed or written very neatly
Economic Systems
Capitalism
Mixed Economy
Socialism
Communism
Ch. 1 Sec. 3 Benefits of Democracy
1. Allows ChoiceElectionsJobsReligionSpeechEducationWhere you live
Benefits of Democracy
2. Recognizes Individual WorthPromotes equalityEqual opportunity does not guarantee equal
success!
Benefits of Democracy
3. Promotes Respect for LawThrough participation (like council meetings)Ability to petition laws we don’t like
Benefits of Democracy
4. Protects Minority RightsMajority rule….but cannot take away
minority rights like religion or expression even if unpopular
Benefits of Democracy
5. Promotes Public GoodLibraries, schools, parks, roadJob growthTradeUsually participation in government teaches
people to consider other’s views and learn tolerance
Direct DemocracyRepresentative Democracy
Pros /Cons Pros/Cons
Direct vs. Representative Democracy
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