what should government do?

WHAT SHOULD GOVERNMENT DO?

Purposes of GovernmentCh. 1, Sec. 1 pp.9-11

Purposes- 1. Social order 2. Public services 3. Nat. security 4. Economic system

Govt. must have authority so people will follow rules Authority derives from:

1. Legitimacy-citizens are willing to obey2. Coercive force – govt. can make people

follow rules (police, army, etc.)

Maintaining social order

Providing publicservices

Example Example Example

Example Example Example

National Security

Economic System

Example Example Example

Example Example Example

Agree or Disagree?

“In order to maintain social order, the government should be able to randomly test pubic school students for drug use.”

Agree or Disagree?

“Health care should be provided by the government to all as a public service.”

Agree or Disagree?

“In order to provide national defense, the government should have the power to draft citizens into the military.”

Agree or Disagree?

“The government should be able to use taxpayer funds to assist troubled businesses in order to ensure that the economy stays strong.”

Add the following to your vocab list

6. Natural rights7. State of nature8. Social contract

State of Nature An imaginary place with

no government.

Stranded (N.B. #5)

1.Which type of government do you think would work best in this situation? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of government?

2. Give specific examples of how your government might fulfill each of the purposes of government.

Social Contract

An agreement between the government and the people whereby the government has the right to rule.

WHY DO WE NEED GOVERNMENT?

Why do we need govt?Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679

People are basically selfish.

The State of Nature would be constant war!!

Why do we need govt?Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679

In the state of nature life is “nasty, brutish, and short.”

Why do we need govt?Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679

People enter into a social contract with a ruler to maintain order.

Why do we need govt?Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679

In this social contract, people are seen as subjects and have no rights

Why do we need govt?Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679

As long as the government maintains order, the government is good

Why do we need govt?John Locke (1632-1704)

People are born with natural rights

Why do we need govt?John Locke (1632-1704)

These include the right to life, liberty, and property

Why do we need govt?John Locke (1632-1704)

Rights cannot be secured in the state of nature

(too risky)

Why do we need govt?John Locke (1632-1704)

We need government in order to protect our rights

Why do we need govt?John Locke (1632-1704)

We create a social contract in order to protect our rights (life, liberty, property)

Why do We Need Govt?

Hobbes’ answer:To maintain order

Locke’s answer:To protect our natural rights

Why do We need Govt?

Locke wants more than just security. Locke wants the type of government where people are not just subjects, they are______!

Homework:

Ask two different adults: 1.What is politics?2. Why is it important to be knowledgeable about the government?

Type up a summary of their responses. Use complete sentences

Ticket Out the Door

Identify something the government should do, and something the government should not do. Explain your opinion for each.

Unit One: Theories of Govt.Learning Goals

1. Students will identify the purposes of government

2. Students will compare different forms of government

Unit One: Theories of Govt.Learning Goals

3. Students will be able to identify and understand the basic characteristics of different forms of government

4. Students will identify characteristics unique to democratic governments