Functions and Purposes of Government

I. Maintaining Order

A. Establishes laws that promote respect for individual rights

B. Government works to protect people from unfair or harmful business practices

C. Enforcing laws that protect the safety and security of the people and property1. Police

2. National Guard

http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/

D. Regulating commerce and protecting national industries

1. building houses

2. transporting people

3. creating jobs

E. Protecting Country from foreign invasion

II. Providing services-these services make community life possible and promote general welfare

A. Government Infrastructure- projects1. sewer systems 2. schools3. roads 4. parks

B. Government makes and enforces laws that promote public health and safety1. check meat and producehttp://www.fda.gov/ 2. driving testhttp://www.dmv.org/

III. Resolving conflict

A. Helps people reach common goals through compromise1. Through Representation (Congress) the struggle to control government

B. Court system1. They enforce decisions reached through compromise2. They are neutral parties that peacefully resolve conflicts

IV. Provide National Security

A. Protect against attack

B. Make treaties (agreements) with other nations

V. Promote General Welfare

A. Promote Values: basic principles by which people act and live their lives

1. Equality of opportunity

2. Respect for individual rights

3. Good Education

B. Make decisions and policies that attempt to balance the public good with the needs of select groups within the population.

Elements of Governance

• How we judge our government:• Accountability • Participation • Predictability • Transparency

EXAMPLES??

• How has the government. . . – Maintained order– Protected the country from invasion– Provided public services– Resolved conflict– Promote general welfare