What is it? Why have it? What form does it take? Government What is it? Why have it? What form does it take?

Opener 11-10-16 Civics - the study of the rights and duties of citizens. Government - The ruling authority for a community dictatorship - a government controlled by one person/small group of people

First, What is it that we are doing? Civics is the study of the rights and duties of citizens. In ancient Greece and Rome, only men with property could be citizens. Today, most people are citizens of the country where they live. Citizens have rights and responsibilities. Citizens agree to accept the government’s authority and follow its rules.

So, What Is Government? The ruling authority for a community. Any organization that has the power to make and enforce laws and decisions for its members acts as a government. Government has existed in many forms for hundreds of years. What did Thomas Hobbes believe life would be like without government and why is it necessary?

Why Have It? LOCKE HOBBES ROSSEAU People need Government to protect Life and Liberty. Without Government, Humans are CRAZY. I agree with Locke. Government Should serve the Will of the people. HOBBES ROSSEAU

Why Have It? ROLES OF GOVERNMENT: Keep Order Provide Security Governments make laws to help prevent conflicts (for example, traffic laws), and to settle conflicts that come up (courts). Provide Security Prevent crime and defending citizens and their land from outside threats Provide Services Provide libraries, schools, hospitals, parks, water, utilities Guide the Community Manage the economy (budget) Conduct foreign relations and create public policy

Levels of Government Many levels of government may exist within a country. The highest level in the United States is the national government, centered in the capital, Washington, D.C. It makes laws for the entire country. State governments make laws for the people of their states. Local governments include counties, cities, and towns. State and local governments cannot take actions that go against laws and authority of the national government.

Government and the United States Unlike a dictatorship (a government controlled by one person/small group of people), the United States is considered a democracy. A democracy is a type of government in which all citizens share in governing and being governed.

Democracies There are two types of democracies: Direct democracy: all the citizens meet to debate government matters and vote firsthand. Representative: citizens choose a smaller group to represent them, make laws, and govern on their behalf, but the people remain the source of the government’s authority.

Principles of American Democracy Democracies have free and open elections. Everyone’s vote carries the same weight, or “one person, one vote.” All candidates have the right to express their views freely. Legal requirements for voting are kept to a minimum. Citizens may vote freely by secret ballot, without fear of punishment

Principles of American Democracy Citizens agree that when differences of opinion arise, we will abide by what most people want. This is the principle of majority rule. At the same time, we must respect the rights of those in the minority.

Five Fundamental Principles of American Democracy Rule of Law: all people, including those who govern, are bound by the law. Limited Government: government is not all-powerful; it may do only those things that people have given it the power to do so. Consent of the Governed: American citizens are the source of all governmental power.

Five Fundamental Principles of American Democracy Individual rights: in the American democracy, individual rights are protected by the government. Representative Government: people elect government leaders to make the laws and govern on their behalf.

Groupwork Working in your assigned groups and recording your answers on one sheet of paper, you will use the four roles of government on which you just took notes as the basis to apply the following: How does the Oldham County government keep order? Provide specific examples and who might do each. How does the Oldham County government provide security? Provide specific examples and who might do each. How does the Oldham County government provide services? Provide specific examples and who might do each. How does the Oldham County government guide the community? Provide specific examples and who might do each.

Groupwork Now that you have your answers, you will create a poster presentation to share with the class that will illustrate your findings using both text and pictures. For example you might create four squares on your poster (one labeled for each of the roles) and within each square you will provide a brief written answer along with some sort of graphic/picture representation. Be prepared to present your poster to the class as a group (all members will be required to present from the front of the room).