“If men were angels, no government would be necessary”

- James Madison

"The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the

governors." - Thomas Jefferson

“The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm

here to help.”

“Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a

very close resemblance to the first.”

“We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar

debt because we spend too much” - Ronald Reagan Quotes

“A nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in the responsibility for

upholding the common good. A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to

participate in shaping the future of this nation…Let each person do his or her part. If one citizen is unwilling to participate, all of us

are going to suffer. For the American idea, though it is shared by all of us, is realized in

each one of us.”-Barbara Jordan, 1976 Democratic National

Convention

Principles of GovernmentGovernment – •Make policies, exercise power, enforce laws.

Taxes, defense, crime, education

•Three Branches – Executive (President), Legislative (Congress), Judicial (Courts).Constitution is the framework used to highlight these laws, structures, and principles.

Principles of GovernmentThe State – •Difference between Nation or Country.•Consists of Four Characteristics:

PopulationTerritory – BoundariesSovereignty – In charge of its own affairsGovernment – Political organization

Principles of GovernmentOrigin – •Force Theory – One person or group claims control•Evolutionary Theory – Clans/Tribes – Neolithic Era•Divine Right Theory – Power granted by god – Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas•**Social Contract Theory – Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau – “Consent of the Governed” * The Mayflower Compact

Principles of GovernmentObjectives – •Outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution

1. Form a More Perfect Union2. Establish Justice3. Insure Domestic Tranquility4. Provide for the Common Defense5. Promote the General Welfare6. Secure the Blessings of Liberty

Principles of GovernmentTypes of Governments –

1. Geographic distribution of power2. Relationship between the Legislative

and Executive Branches3. The number who can participate

Principles of GovernmentTypes of Governments – Geographic1. Unitary – All power is held by a single

central agency. Central authority gives power to local governments. Ex: Great Britain

2. *Federal – Federalism, Division of Powers, Delegated, Reserved, and Concurrent Powers.

Principles of GovernmentTypes of Governments – Geographic3. Confederate – Central alliance that

handles only what the state gives it. Central government has limited powers. In this system, states cooperate but remain independent of each other. Ex: Articles of Confederation & the European Union

Principles of GovernmentTypes of Governments – Relationship1. Presidential – Separate independent

branches that use a system of Checks & Balances. Ex: U.S.A.

2. Parliamentary – Prime Minister and Cabinet are also members of the Legislative Branch. The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party. Ex: Great Britain.

Principles of GovernmentTypes of Governments – Participation1. Democracy – Of, by, and for the people

Direct or Pure Democracy Indirect or Representative Democracy

2. Dictatorship – Authoritarian/Totalitarian Autocracy – Single person – Ex: Hitler Oligarchy – Small elite group

Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe

Basic Concepts of Democracy1. Worth of the Individual – • Each individual is a separate and

distinct being with dignity and worth.• However, the welfare of the few is

subordinate to the interests of the many.

2. Equality of All Persons – • Equality of opportunity.• Equality before the law.

Basic Concepts of Democracy3. Majority Rule, Minority Rights – • Majority of people will be right more

often than wrong.• Process of Trial &Error.• Look for satisfactory solutions to public

problems.• The majority must always respect the

rights of the minority and allow it to become the majority.

Basic Concepts of Democracy4. Necessity of Compromise – • Public decision making is give-and-take.• Need to blend and adjust to competing

interests.5. Individual Freedom – • Freedom is not absolute.• Balance between liberty and authority.• “The right to swing my fist ends where

the other man’s nose begins.”

Duties Responsibilities

• Serving on a jury• Serving as a witness• Attending school• Paying taxes• Obeying local, state,

and national laws• Draft registration• Respecting the

rights of others

• Voting• Volunteering• Participating in civic

life• Understanding the

workings of our government

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System• Free Enterprise System – Capitalism.• Law of Supply & Demand.• Mixed Economy – Some government

involvement – Regulation – Supplier – Provider – Promoter.

• The use of the internet can have both a positive and negative effect on democracy and participation in government.