Principles of Government
Is Government Necessary?
What is a State? A political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government with the power to make and enforce laws without approval from any higher authority. There are more than 160 states in the world.
What is a State? State / Province vs. State / Nation / Country
What are the Essential Features of a State? Population Territory Sovereignty
What is a Nation? Has population Might not have territory or sovereignty
City States Ancient Athens Sparta Modern Singapore Monaco Vatican City
Other Terms You Need to Know Industrialized Nation Large industries Advanced technology Comfortable life for citizens Relatively high per capita income U.S., France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Canada
Developing Nation Beginning to develop major industry Trying to acquire technology Population is relatively poor Low per capita income Cuba, Angola, Paraguay, Nigeria, Vietnam Other Terms You Need to Know
Many nations are somewhere between “industrialized” and “developing.” Mexico, India, China, most of South America, Romania, Bulgaria, Other Terms You Need to Know
“Third World” Nation Little industry Little technology Very poor population Low per capita income Often in political turmoil Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Honduras, much of sub-Saharan Africa Other Terms You Need to Know
Theories of Origin of the State Evolutionary Theory The state developed out of the family unit.
Force Theory The state developed out of the need for a leader for battle, for building defenses, digging a well, etc. Theories of Origin of the State
Divine Right Theory God chose someone by having them born into the right family and it is wrong to oppose God’s choice. Theories of Origin of the State
Social Contract Theory People have basic rights. They can agree to give certain authority to a leader or government. Theories of Origin of the State
Purposes of Government Maintain social order To avoid conflict with the group Establish society norms Marriage, crime, punishment, etc. Provide public services Provide national security Make economic decisions What to subsidize What to build How to maintain economic health
Basic Forms of Government Great Britain Italy France
Basic Forms of Government Central Government State Government Citizens Holds primary authority Regulates activities of states Little or no powers Duties regulated by central government Vote for central government officials
Independent states agree to work together Russia Basic Forms of Government
Central government State government Citizens Limited powers to coordinate state activities Sovereign Allocate some duties to central government Vote for state government officials
U.S., Canada, Switzerland, Mexico, India, Australia Basic Forms of Government
Central Government State Government Citizens Shares power with states Shares power with central government Vote for both state and central government officials