American Government

Politics in Action

Government- The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies. Government is the way that a society accomplishes the “things it decides to do”.

3 Basic Kinds of Power that every government has and uses…

LEGISLATIVE- Creating laws and policiesEXECUTIVE- The power to execute, enforce and

administer the lawJUDICIAL- Interpretation and meaning of laws,

settling of disputes

Question: Which part of the government represents each Power?

Terms to Know…

Constitution- The fundamental laws that set principles, structures and processes of government

Dictatorship- Power is held by a single person

Democracy- Supreme authority rests with the people

State- A body of people living in a defined territory, politically organized and has the power to make and enforce laws

Population- The number of people living in a particular territory or country

Territory- The amount of land controlled by a state or region

Sovereignty- The government has power to enforce its policies

Question: Give an example of a modern leader showing they have sovereignty.

Major Political Ideas that Shape the Creation of Government

Force Theory- One person or small group claimed control over an area and forced all within to submit to their rule

Evolutionary Theory- Government occurred naturally over time based on need

Divine Right Theory- Claiming to have God’s consent to rule

Social Contract Theory- People agreeing to come together and form a state.

Question: Which theory listed above most closely matchesthe intended nature of our federal government? Why?

The Purpose of Government as described in the Constitution

Establish Justice- The law must be reasonable, fair and impartial

Form a More Perfect Union- The desire to create a governmentthat improves on past forms

Insure Domestic Tranquility- Order in society that avoids anarchy or dictatorship

Provide for the Common Defense- Defense against foreign enemiesPromote the General

Welfare- Provide services for citizen’s happiness Secure the

Blessings of Liberty- Guarantees and Rights designed to ensure liberty

Question: In your own words describe what“JUSTICE” is.

Forms of Government- Based on who is able to participate in a Particular government structure…

Democracy- The people are represented through their consent,both direct and representative

Dictatorship- Those who rule not accountable to people, bothAutocracy and Oligarchy

How Power is Distributed- Unitary, Federal, ConfederationOnly one level OR Divided between national and local OR Independent countries that join together (EU)

Question: Which form of governmentDoes the United States operate under?

Relationships Between Legislative and Executive Branches

Presidential Government- A separation of powers betweenthe executive and legislative branches. A president is the elected head of the executive branch.

Parliamentary Government- Majority Rule of the legislature to select an executive, usually a prime minister. Can changewhen the executive loses support of the majority.

Question: How does the president maintain their power, and how does the Prime Minister maintain their power?

Basic Concepts of Democracy

1. A recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person;

2. A respect for the equality of all persons;

3. A faith in majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights;

4. An acceptance of the necessity of compromise;

5. An insistence upon the widest possible degree of individual freedom

Question: Which of the basic concepts do you feel is most important to our governmentand explain why?

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System

The American economic system is often called the free enterprise system, characterized by private ownership of capital goods, investment by privatedecision, success or failure determined by competition.

PRIVATE OWNERSHIP INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE PROFIT COMPETITION

Capitalism- per Adam Smith, market based

Law of Supply and Demand- sets prices

Mixed Economy- Government participates in economy

Question: Describe 1 shortcoming or criticism for each of the three terms above