The State Unit 1

The State State: identifies a political community in a defined territory (state and local government). -Established an organized government which has the power to make and enforce laws without approval from a higher authority. Nation: describes an independent state or country (often used for a nation) united by common bonds of race, language, custom, religion, or custom.

Essential Features Essential Features of a State: Population- Provides a state with stability. -States where the population shares general political and social views (or agreements of basic beliefs) have the most stable governments. -When population changes (people moving in and out of states) it affects the power of political organizations. Because of this political power can slowly change or be modified. Ex. If a bunch of Maryland residents move to Delaware: -Maryland looses representatives in the government and Delaware gains more representatives in the government. This is a negative affect on Maryland’s political power. Territory: A state with established boundaries. -Ex. The U.S. continental boundaries are the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as Canada and Mexico. -Boundaries may change due to war, negotiations, or purchase.

Essential Features Sovereignty: A state has supreme (or all) and absolute authority within its boundaries. -It has the independence to make laws, shape policy, and determine the course of its own actions. Ex. Delaware exercised its sovereignty when it legalized sports betting in 2009. They had the ability to determine for themselves the money generated by this business would benefit the quality of life (creates jobs and funds schools) for residents in Delaware. -Each state is considered equal with its legal rights and duties, however states with more economic strength and military capabilities (ex. Virginia) have more power than other states

Essential Features Social Contract Theory: By contract people surrendered to the state the power to maintain order. In return the state agrees to protect its citizens. *Thomas Hobbs was a 1600’s, English, philosopher who came up with this theory. The second part of this theory is people are born with the right to life, liberty, and property. If the government fails to fulfill this part of the contract the people can break away from the government. *John Locke 1688, English, philosopher came up with this theory.

4 Purposes of Govt. Purpose of Government: Four basic purposes. 1.Maintain social order ex: policy and laws -Social contract says we need it because we have not found a way to live in groups without conflict. Some groups may try to take advantages of other groups. -Government has the power to require people to do things they would not volunteer to do. Ex: Pay taxes or join the armed forces. -Provides law and order by creating courts which allow people to resolve conflicts in an orderly manner.

4 Purposes 2.Provide public services ex: maintaining roads -Provide essential services that make community life possible and promote the general welfare. *Essential services are creating laws which promote public health and safety. Ex: laws against the sale of spoiled meat.

4 Purposes 3. Provide for national security and a common defense ex: armed forces -Complex because the threat of attack and/or security issues are a main concern of each sovereign state. -The government has a monopoly in dealing with foreign countries. Ex: The government has the authority to make treaties with other countries.

4 Purposes 4.Provide for and control the economic systems ex: federal reserve -The government can aid other countries for national stability. If a countries economy will negatively affect our economy the government provides them with economic aid. -Government pass laws that determine the economic environment of a nation, such as the value of money (can increase or decrease its value). -Governments also make choices how to distribute benefits and public services among its citizens. Ex: government can make payments to farmers to raise certain crops. -Mainly, governments try to stimulate economic growth, control inflation, encouraging trade, and regulating the development of natural resources.