Fundamentals of Government Chapter 1

Government A government is the body within a society that has the authority to make laws and to provide public programs. It includes institutions like parliament and the courts, and people such as politicians, judges and public servants.

Why do we need them? In pairs,brainstorm ideas answering this Q. Have one answer per pair to share with the class.

Why do we need them? GOOD government is an essential basis of a good society- a society in which people can live full and meaningful lives. I.e. safely, educated, healthy, control pollution, taken care of (centrelink), solve disputes.

Good government Government is only beneficial if it is good! What are examples of poor/bad governments in history? Why are they bad?

Good government Criteria- democratic, representing all backgrounds and interests of their citizens Participatory- people involved Accountable- leaders can be dismissed Rights- Peoples freedoms should be protected.

Role of governments Traditional roles- Safe environment- internal and external security Settlement of disputes- courts were established to solve criminal offences and civil disputes

Role of Government Extended in last 100 years 1. Public goods and services. Examples? 2. Economic management. Examples? 3Redistribtion of incomes. Examples

Three Arms of government All governments have 3 functions- making, administering and enforcing the law. In Dictatorships governments have large and unchecked powers. In Democracies, power is divided or separated to act as a check on each section of government.

Three Arms of government Legislative, Executive and judicial branches Legislative- has the task of creating and modifying laws. Laws can be made- Statutes(parliament), Delegated legislation(local councils Govt Depts) and judge-made law.

Three Arms of government Executive- is the task of administration. Main body is Cabinet(PM and senior ministers/ Premier and senior Ministers) These are the heads of the various government departments which carry out laws. I.e. social services, health, education, military and police.

Three Arms of government Judicial- central task is to resolve disputes and determine penalties. Must decide how the law applies to the circumstances of various cases. Then, they must decide on criminal sanction or civil remedy.

Features of democratic government Free and fair elections Representative parliaments Accountable executives Open participation Just and equitable legal systems

Democratic and Non- democratic government Look at page 19 of your textbook and outline the differences with reference to: Leader People Law Communication and change

Varity of government types Read pg’s and define these terms and provide an example: Direct democracy Representative democracy Absolute Monarch Aristocracy Dictatorship Oligarchy Totalitarian Autocrat

Government in Ancient Greece Read Answer Q’s on page 31