Unit 1

Beginnings and Ideal of American Government

Objective

• The following objective will be covered :• Objective: 1.1

–Identify the characteristics and ideals of governments

What is Government?

• Government – Is the institution through which society makes and

enforces its public policies

• Government must have power in order to make and carry out laws If underlined and in

Red this means it is one of your vocabulary words

Three Governmental Powers

• Legislative• Executive• Judicial

• Power are stated in a Constitution– Body of fundamental laws setting out the

principles, structures and processes of government

The State

• State: a body of people, living in a defined territory, organized politically (w/ a government) and with power to make and enforce law without the consent of any higher authority

Four Characteristics of the State

• Population• Territory• Sovereignty • Government

Origins of State • Force theory • Evolutionary theory • Divine Right theory • Social Contract theory

Force Theory

• The "force theory" says that states (nations) developed from the imposition of control by one or more individuals over a larger group.

Evolutionary Theory

• Small, separate family units or clans cooperate or "team-up" with each other to better their chances of survival.

Divine Right Theory

• The Divine Right Theory is the belief that God gave Kings (leaders) the right to rule.

Social Contract Theory• The social contract theory holds that in earliest history man lived in a

"state of nature." No government existed. Each man was only as secure as his own power and mental awareness could make him.

• By agreeing with one another to make a state by contract, men within a given area joined together, each surrendering personal freedom as necessary to promote the safety and well being of all. By this contract the members created a government. The social contract gives rights and responsibilities to both the citizenry and the government.

Purpose of Government

• Maintains Social Order• Provide public services• Provides for national security and a common

defense• Provides for and control the economic system