What is a “state” State: a body of people, living in a defined territory, organized politically and with the power to make and enforce law without the consent of any higher authority

The State and Its Characteristics The “State” Elements of the state: Population – must have people Territory – must have land Sovereignty – Supreme and absolute power within its own territory and can decide its own foreign and domestic policies Government ( our focus)- the institution in which society makes and enforces its policies

Theories of the Evolution of the State EVOLUTION THEORY – Aristotle FORCE THEORY – survival of the fittest DIVINE RIGHT THEORY – God ( Kings) Social Contract Theory- Hobbes, Locke

What gives the State the Right to Rule? Depends!!!! Power, Authority, Legitimacy In our case….its the Constitution

What are the Functions of Government? Protect? Educate? Create Laws? Enforce Laws? Improve Society? ????????

Different Forms of Government Unitary- central govt with control Federal- central and local spheres of influence Confederation- local units have the power

FORMS OF GOVERNMENT Unitary Centralized Government All powers held by a single agency – Ex….Great Britain ( Parliament) Federal Powers divided between a centralized govt. and several local govts. – DIVISION OF POWER – Ex…..US

Confederate Alliance of Independent states… - local or states in control - weak central government Ex….Confederate States of AM.

Presidential Executive and Legislative are separate branches President is chosen separate from the Legislature Ex….USA Parliamentary Executive and Legislative are one President and Cabinet are members of Parliament Prime Minister is leader of Majority Party Only in power as long as they are the Majority Ex…..Great Britain, Canada, Japan