Introduction to Government Political Science Introduction to Government

Define government in your own words List 15 examples of government at work in your area-local, county, state, nation. List 4 reasons government is such a “turn off” to so many citizens.

Do we really need government? Is government necessary in EVERY society? Why? Why not?

Characteristics of a State (Nation) Population People (citizens) Territory Land Government Rules and laws Sovereignty Right and ability to rule itself

Types of Gov’t Confederation Each state retains its own sovereignty and gives only limited powers to the central gov’t

Types of Gov’t Federalism Political authority is divided between a national (federal) gov’t and its political subdivisions (states)

But who is in charge? Autocracy Single individual holds political power and authority Ex. Monarchy or dictatorship

But who is in charge? Oligarchy Small, self-appointed elite group that rules the state Not very common

But who is in charge? Totalitarian rule Gov’t that tries to control the state (nation), the people, and society TOTALLY Often a combo with autocracy Totalitarian Dictators (Hitler)

Democracy All power belongs to the people, which rule the state (nation) But do they really? How?

Basic Concepts of Democracy A recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person A respect for the equality of all persons A faith in majority rule and insistence upon minority rights An acceptance of the necessity of compromise An insistence upon the widest possible degree of freedom

Individual Worth The individual is a distinct being and has a great importance in democracy The welfare of individuals comes behind the welfare of the society as a whole

Equality of all persons “All men are created equal” Everyone is guaranteed: 1. equality of opportunity 2. equality before the law No one can be held back for any arbitrary (random) reason like race, color, religion, or gender

Majority Rule with Minority Rights Majority rules Minority rights are still respected Cannot be taken away by majority party Freedom of speech, press, and assembly (civil rights) still available

Necessity of Compromise Compromise-blending and adjusting competing views and interests Essential to democracy

Individual Freedom Not complete freedom (chaos), but individuals “must be as free to do as he or she pleases as far as the freedom of all will allow.” “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins.” Oliver Wendell Holmes

Forms of Democracy Direct Democracy “Pure Democracy” Everyone has a chance to participate in gov’t on a first-hand basis Useful in small communities only

Wait a minute… Can’t every voter vote on laws and policies?

Forms of Democracy Representative Democracy “Indirect Democracy” People elect others to represent them to make laws and establish policies United States

Free Enterprise System Based on four concepts: 1. Private ownership 2. Individual initiative 3. Profit 4. Competition

Supply and Demand When supplies of goods are high and services are plentiful, prices tend to drop A lot of something = lower prices When supplies are more scarce, prices tend to rise Little quantities of something = higher prices

Mixed Economy Private enterprise exists in combination with a considerable amount of government regulation and promotion