Unit 1: Foundations of Government The Purpose of Government

Functions (Purpose) of Government Providing Leadership Maintaining Order Providing Public Service Providing National Security Providing Economic Security and Economic Assistance

Purpose of Government Provide Leadership Government officials set priorities and make decisions for the people Lack of leadership creates anarchy

Purpose of Government Maintain social order - Governments provide ways of resolving conflicts among its group members - Governments place limits on what individuals are permitted to do - Government powers - make laws - enforce laws

Purpose of Government Provide Public Services Makes community life possible Promotes general welfare of the people Ex: Government inspection of meat, bus lines, sewer systems

Purpose of Government Provide National Security Protect the people against attack Provides normal relations with other countries Federal government has exclusive power to make treaties Ex: trade agreements, standing military

Purpose of Government Provide economic security and economic assistance Governments pass laws that shape the economic environment Governments distribute benefits and public services Ex: national currency, VA hospital