AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Coach Styles

American government: Introduction THE MOST important subject of your educational careers! Why? “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not some alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country.” Franklin D. Roosevelt As citizens of this republic, it is our responsibility and obligation to be educated on the institutions and policies that comprise our government. We have the most at stake in ensuring the longevity of this nation and the continuation of our freedom and liberty.

American government: Introduction “If a nation expects to be both ignorant and free, it wants what never was—and never will be.” Thomas Jefferson Intro worksheet

American government: Introduction What are the responsibilities of government? What are the responsibilities of the citizenry? The fundamental question regarding our government here in the United States: What is the proper balance between LIBERTY and ORDER? How much power does government need to maintain order? How much liberty are we willing to surrender to the government in the name of order?

American government: Introduction C OMMU N I SM The Political Spectrum A N A R C H Y AMOUNT OF GOVERNMENT CONTROL MORE LESS Liberal Conservatives Typically Democrats Typically Republicans Higher Taxes Lower Taxes Higher Government Spending Less Government Spending More Social Programs/Entitlements Fewer Social Programs/Entitlements Higher Dependency on Government More Individual Responsibility

American government: Introduction What is “government?” Worksheet: Purpose of govt. in your own words Government (def): The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies. Government is made up of people who exercise government powers—those who have authority and control over the people. Public policies (def): All of the things a government decides to do. Covers matters ranging from taxation, national defense, education, crime, the environment, social services, entitlement programs, civil rights and liberties, business practices, and working conditions. The list is almost endless—but should it be?

American government: Introduction “The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves in their separate, and individual capacities. In all that the people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere.” Abraham Lincoln

American government: Introduction “Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases.” Thomas Jefferson

American government: Introduction

American government: Introduction

American government: Introduction Importance of this class? Understanding the foundation, principles, processes, and structures of our government here in America should provide us with the awareness, knowledge, and tools necessary to maintain, and in many cases, to regain, the God-given liberties that our government is bound by our Constitution to protect.

American government: Introduction “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” ** Ronald Reagan