Today’s Plan Check and discuss homework Give key concepts/notes Read Hobbes together and discuss Homework:  Pass out review sheet (1/3 done for Friday)

What is Government? Chapter 1, Section 1

What is Government? An institution through which society makes and enforces its public policies. Public Policy- all those things a government decides to do

Government v. Politics Government: The what or the parts Politics: The how or the process

3 Kinds of Gov’t Power Legislative Power – power to make laws Executive Power – power to execute, enforce, and administer laws Judicial Power – power to interpret laws These powers are usually expressed in a constitution – the body of fundamental laws setting out the principles of a gov’t

What is a state?

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.

Purpose of Government

Form a More Perfect Union Constitution isn’t perfect, but it’s better than what governed the US before Articles of Confederation Can change to make it even better Amendment process

Establish Justice Maintain public order Follow the rule of law Law is supreme Levels the playing field Bill of Rights

Ensure Domestic Tranquility Internal peace and protection (protect Americans from Americans) Stabilize country National Guard

Provide for the Common Defense Protection from External attacks (outside forces) Commander in Chief War Powers 9-11

Promote the General Welfare Public interest Benefits that government can provide Environmental protection policies

Secure the Blessings of Liberty Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness First amendment freedoms

The Preamble