American Government Journal Topic: Role of Government Date: A. What is the role of government in our society? B. List at least 5 problems we have in the United States. C. What is the message of the following political cartoon?

Cornell Notes: Unit: Foundations of Government Topic: Origins of Government Guiding Question: What are the four theories on the origins of government and why do you think Americans find the social contract theory so appealing?

The administration and control of public policy in a political unit. Government: The administration and control of public policy in a political unit. **Public Policy refers to the laws established by the Constitution or created by the citizens or elected officials in our democratic system.

Origins of the State The state is defined as a body of people, living in a defined territory, under a government with authority to make and enforce law without the consent of any higher authority.

The Force Theory One person or group claimed control of an area and forced all within it to submit to that person or group’s will.

The Evolutionary Theory The State developed naturally out of the family. The head of the family was the leader of government. Over time the clan network became more complex.

The Divine Right Theory The state was created by God. God had given those of royal birth a divine right to rule.

The Social Contract Theory The State arose as a voluntary act of free people. People gave up certain rights for security and safety. The government and the people essentially have a contractually relationship. If the government does not look after the interest of the people, people have a right to change the government.

American Approach…… IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness………….

Americans were influenced by two English Philosophers… Thomas Hobbes—The life of man is short, nasty and brutish. Without government man is in a constant state of war where might is right and those who are more powerful take from the weak. Humans form government for protection. John Locke—Because of conflicts over property and other interests people need to form governments. They do so by contract. If government violates the contract or fails to look after their interests, citizens in a society may rebel and create a new government.

Journal Topic: Preamble to the Constitution Task: Describe in your own words the purpose of the government as described by the preamble to the Constitution. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The breakdown regarding the purpose of government in America: “form a more perfect Union”: “establish Justice”: “insure domestic Tranquility”: “provide for the common defense”: “promote the general welfare”: “secure the blessings of liberty”: