1.1 The State and the 6 Purposes of Government

The basic political unit of the world: The state (remember, nation-states/countries, not States of the United States) Its 4 characteristics: Population Territory Sovereignty – supreme & absolute power Government

What is Government? Institution through which society makes & enforces its public policies All govts exercise 3 basic powers: Legislative power: MAKE law Executive power: ENFORCE law Judicial power: INTERPRET law Govt’s powers often outlined in a state’s constitution – body of laws

Theories of the state’s origin: Force One FORCED control Evolutionary Began as a FAMILY & evolved into a state Divine Right Created by GOD & God chose who would rule

4. The Social Contract Theory **Most important to the shaping of American govt People agreed to give up power to the state in return for the state’s service for their well-being

The 6 Purposes of American Government (Sound familiar The 6 Purposes of American Government (Sound familiar? Where are these found?) To form a more perfect union To establish justice To insure domestic tranquility

To provide for the common defense To promote the general welfare To secure the blessings of liberty