Chapter 1: Foundations of Government Government provides the framework and institutions through which decisions are made for the well-being of a group of people.

Sec. 1: The Purposes of Government

Do Now Write three sentences explaining what government is and why it is important.

Learning Goals Objectives (You will learn…) Essential Question what government is. which major characteristics all states share. the major functions of government. what theories of rule have been put forth to explain government. What are the ideals and key principals that characterize American democracy?

What is Government? Government Power Policy Formal structures & institutions where decisions are made for people. Power Government’s authority & ability to do get things done. Policy Any decision made by gov’t in pursuit of a goal.

State Sovereignty Politics Political community of people living within a defined territory. Characteristics: Population, Territory, Government, and sovereignty. Sovereignty Supreme power of the state to act within its territory. Politics Process by which gov’t makes & carries out decisions as to whose interests will be served.

Functions of Gov’t Ensure National Security (Military) Maintain Order (Police, Courts) Resolve Conflict Politics: Process by which gov’t makes & carries out decisions. Provide Services (Education, Mass Transit) Provide for the Public Good (Public good vs. minority rights)

Theories of Rule Legitimacy Divine Right of Kings Rulers are seen as right & proper by nation’s population. Divine Right of Kings A theory that the king is answerable only to God. Natural Law & Natural Rights Provides a just and rational order to all thing in the world, including human behavior. Social Contract Theory 1st gov’t formed by people through submitting to the authority of the state, which in turn would protect & support them. (Hobbes’ Leviathan, Locke, Rousseau)

Group Work In small groups identify a law you must follow in your daily lives. Brainstorm what life would be like without that law. Consider both the positive and negative results. You will share your group’s thoughts with the rest of the class.

Exit Slip “[In a state of war] No arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

Section 2: Forms of Government

Do Now What circumstances might lead to people’s rights being denied in a direct democracy?

Learning Goals Objectives (SWBAT) Essential Question Identify the classic forms of government. Describe how national power is organized differently in unitary, federal, and confederal systems. Analyze in what ways presidential and parliamentary systems differ. How are democracies and republics similar to and different from one another?

Classic Forms of Government Monarchy Gov’t headed by 1 person (King) Dictatorship 1 person holds unlimited gov’t power. Oligarchy Rule by a few (aristocracy) Direct Democracy Rule by the people Republic Indirect form of Democracy.

Organizing National Power Unitary System Ultimate authority rests with a single national government. Federal System Divides power over people and territory between national & smaller, regional governments. Confederal System Independent states join forces by forming a confederation.

Presidents & Parliaments Presidential System President elected by the people for a limited term of office. Parliamentary System Executive & Legislative branches of government are combined. Parliament elects a Prime Minister, not “the people”

Group Activity Divide up into 4 groups. Write out some pros & cons for: Group 1: Democracy Group 2: Anarchy Group 3: Monarchy Group 4: Dictator Group 5: Theocracy Present your findings to the class.

Section 3: Democracy in the U.S.

What is the most important aspect to you of being an American? Do Now What is the most important aspect to you of being an American?

Learning Goals Objectives (SWBAT) Essential Question Describe why the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government are important to American democracy. Analyze the principles of American democracy. Explain why the free enterprise system important to American democracy. Which ideal of American democracy do you think is most important? Explain.

American Democratic Ideals Conception of something in its most perfect form. Liberty The ability of people to act and think as they choose. Equality All people possess a fundamental, moral worth that entitles them to fair treatment. Self-Government Belief that ordinary people could aspire to rule themselves as political equals.

Majority Rule, Minority Rights Candidate wins an election by a majority, by getting more than half of the votes. Minority Rights The political rights held by groups who make up less than half of the population Liberal Democracy Individual rights & liberties of all people, including the minority, are protected.

Free Enterprise Free Enterprise Allows for people and businesses to make their own economic choices about how best to produce, distribute, and exchange goods and services with limited governmental interference.