Introduction to…. American Government

What is Government? The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

Why do we even need Gov’t? In other words, gov’t provides…. SAFETY

4 Purposes of Government 1.) Maintain social order How does the Gov’t do this? Figures out property lines, make and enforce laws, etc. 2.) Provide public services Like what? Building sewer systems, inspect meat and drugs, etc.

Purposes of Gov’t (cont.) 3.) Provide for national security and a common defense How does the Gov’t do this? Foreign policy 4.) Provide for and control the economic system How so? Controlling inflation, encouraging trade, and regulating the development of natural resources.

The state Notice the capitalization!!!! The dominant political unit in the world. U.S. is one of 200 in the world. Essentially the same meaning as “country”. Definition: A political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government with the power to make and enforce laws without approval from any higher authority.

Understanding the state When the United States was the British Colonies… was it a state? Is Georgia, in this sense, a state? Why or why not?

What constitutes a state? 1.) Population Must have people!!! China has the largest population. 2.) Territory Land with known and recognized boundaries. Russia has 6.6 million square miles.

What else constitutes a state? 3.) Sovereignty (rules oneself) Has supreme and absolute power within its own territory. If the people are sovereign they are democratic, if a small group has power it is a dictatorship. Are the Virgin Islands a state? 4.) Government Each state is politically organized. They can make and enforce public policy, they have the power to rule.

Origins of the state The Force Theory The Evolutionary Theory The Divine Right Theory The Social Contract Theory

The Force Theory The state was born of force. A group or person claimed control over an area and forced all within it to submit to their rule. When their rule was established all four elements of the state were present.

The Evolutionary Theory The state developed naturally out of the early family. The primitive family had a head, which was also the government. This was the 1st stage in political development. Later expanded to the clan, than to tribe, the tribe quit being nomadic and the state was born.

The Divine Right Theory Widely accepted in most of the western world from 1400s-1700s. State created by God, God gave those of royal birth a divine right to rule. People were bound to obey their rules as they would obey God. Opposition to was a sin and treason. Democracy spreads from the idea to challenge this. Japanese Emperor (Mikado) governed by this until 1945.

The Social Contract Theory State arose of voluntary act of free people. Most significant theory to America. State exists to serve the will of the people, people are the sole source of political power, free to give or withhold it to whoever they choose. Philosophers (Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau) developed this in 16 and 1700s

Geographic Distribution of Power Unitary Government Power is held in a single, central agency. Federal Government Powers are divided between a central gov’t and several local governments. Confederate Government The central gov’t has limited power with the most important authority reserved for member states.

Different forms of Government Presidential Government Separation of powers b/t executive and legislative branches (are independent and coequal). Chief executive (Pres) is chosen independent of the legislation, holds office for a fixed term, has broad powers not subject to the direct control of the legislative branch. Each can check the others’ power. Written const provides for separation of power.

Parliamentary Government Executive is made up of the prime minister, or premier, and that official’s cabinet. The cabinet is members of legislative branch (Parliament), as is the Prime Minister. P. Min. is leader of the majority party, or of a coalition of parties in Parl and is chosen by that body. P. Min (with parl’s approval) selects member so cabinet from Parl. The executive, is chosen by legislature, and is subject to its direct control.

Other types of Government Oligarchy Any system where a small group has power. Today most Communist countries, like China, are ruled in this fashion. Monarchy A form of autocratic government. Meaning one ruler. Here a King, Queen, or Emperor exercises the supreme power of the government. Can be figure heads.

Dictatorship Where those who rule cannot be held responsible to the will of the people. Oldest and most common form of Gov’t. All authoritarian, and totalitarian. Have control over all matters with people. Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany, Soviet Union, China. People can vote, but vote is controlled. Elected legislative body may exist, but not have much control at all. Usually militaristic in character.

Democracy Supreme political authority rests with the people. People have sovereign power, government is conducted only by and with the consent of the people. “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.” Abraham Lincoln 1863 (G. Address). Can be direct or indirect .

Direct “Pure” Democracy The will of the people is translated into public policy (law) directly by the people, in mass meetings. Only works in small communities, where citizenry can meet in a central place, and the problems of the Gov’t are few and simple.

Indirect “Representative” Democracy Small group of persons chosen by people to act as their representatives, express the popular will. Like our electoral college They are responsible for carrying out the day to day conduct of the Gov’t Like making and executing of laws Held accountable by the people for this, especially at periodic elections Gov’t by popular consent, Gov’t with the consent of the governed The people rule!!!