GOVERNMENT AND THE STATE

TERMS AND IDEASGOVERNMENT- institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

PUBLIC POLICIES- things the government decides to do.

3 POWERS OF GOVERNMENT

LEGISLATIVE- make laws and policiesEXECUTIVE- enforce and administer the lawJUDICIAL- interpret the meaning of laws and settle disputes with laws and society

THE CONSTITUTION-bodyof fundamental laws setting out the principles, structure and processes of government.

THE STATE

-body of people living in a defined territory, organized politically with a government and with the power to make and enforce laws without the consent of a higher authority.EX: Each state has its own driving laws and regulations

THE STATE also needs:1. A POPULATION2. TERRITORY3. SOVEREIGNTY4. A GOV’T

ORIGINS OF THE STATE5. Force Theory6. Evolutionary Theory7. Divine Right Theory8. Social Contract Theory

JOHN LOCKE

FORMS OF GOV’T1. DEMOCRACY- Power in the hands of the

people.

2. DICTATORSHIP-not responsible to the will of the people. (AUTOCRACY and OLIGARCHY)

3. UNITARY-centralized government like Parliament in Britain.

4. FEDERAL- division and separation of powers. In U.S. at national, state and local level.

5. CONFEDERATION- an alliance of independent states mostly for economic purposes. The European Union

6. PRESIDENTIAL- a mix of Democracy and Federal—The U.S.A.

7. PARLIAMENTARY- leadership is through the legislative branch. Prime Minister is in charge. Britain and Canada. Eh.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF DEMOCRACY

THE FOUNDATIONS OF DEMOCRACY

1. The fundamental worth and dignity of every person

2. Respect and equality for all3. Majority rule with minority rights4. Individual freedom5. Necessity to compromise

DEMOCRACY AND FREE-ENTERPRISE

6. Private ownership, competition and opportunity to succeed or fail.

7. Personal Choices matter!