Systems of Governance

Intro to Chapter 1

Today’s Objectives List 2 basic questions to be asked about

American government. Establish definitions for power and related

terms. Distinguish between the 3 types of

governments. Distinguish between the 3 types of

democracies.

Do you need a government?

If so, who governs?

The Social Contract Theory*Two different explanations

Thomas Hobbes - In a “state of nature” no government existed. Without an authority to protect one person from another, life was “cruel, brutal, and short.” By contract, people surrender to the state the power needed to maintain order. The state, in turn, agreed to protect its citizens. The people do not have the right to break this agreement. Meaning?

Social Contract Theory Explanation #2

John Locke - people are naturally endowed with the rights to life, liberty, and property. To preserve their rights, they willingly contracted to give power to a governing authority. When government fails to preserve the rights of the people, the people could justly break the contract.

Meaning?

Which one best describes the U.S. ?

Hobbs ? Locke ?

To What Ends? This question tells us how government

affects our lives. Do governments always affect our

private lives? Do governments make a substantial

difference in our daily lives? In what ways?

Power, Authority, & LegitimacyPower: The ability of one person to get another

person to act in accordance with first person intentions.

Can be both subtle and evident. What is meant by this?

Authority: The right to use power.When do we accept decisions without question?

Legitimacy: Formal authority conferred by law.

What confers legitimacy in the minds of Americans?

Nations Card Assignment Pull elbow partners together into pairs. For your set of cards, classify each nation

as one of the following: Undemocratic Somewhat democratic Strongly democratic

Be able to defend your label as we discuss.

Aristotle’s 3 Categories

Autocracy (Rule by one)Oligarchy (Rule by few)Democracy (Rule by many)

Autocracies (Military & Communist Dictatorships, Absolute monarchies)

Oligarchies (Theocracies & Pure Aristocracies)

DemocraciesDirect or participatoryRepublic or representativeParliamentary & Constitutional monarchy

What do these forms of democracy look like & which is

best?

Direct or participatory

Discuss homework assignment sheet…Would it work????

Republic or representative

Parliamentary & Constitutional Monarchy

Quick Write Outline at least one pro and one con for

each of these types of democracies. Explain which form of democracy is best

at each level & why you came to that conclusion: County State Federal

AssignmentRead pp. 10-14 in Textbook.

Take Cornell notes on the four theories of government. Note relevant examples of each.

Read the four scenarios. Explain which theory is being illustrated by the passage.