“If men were angels, no government would be necessary” - James Madison "The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors." - Thomas Jefferson

“The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.” “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.” “We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much” - Ronald Reagan Quotes

“A nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in the responsibility for upholding the common good. A government is invigorated when each of us is willing to participate in shaping the future of this nation…Let each person do his or her part. If one citizen is unwilling to participate, all of us are going to suffer. For the American idea, though it is shared by all of us, is realized in each one of us.” -Barbara Jordan, 1976 Democratic National Convention

Principles of Government Government – Make policies, exercise power, enforce laws.  Taxes, defense, crime, education Three Branches –  Executive (President), Legislative (Congress), Judicial (Courts).  Constitution is the framework used to highlight these laws, structures, and principles.

Principles of Government The State – Difference between Nation or Country. Consists of Four Characteristics:  Population  Territory – Boundaries  Sovereignty – In charge of its own affairs  Government – Political organization

Principles of Government Origin – Force Theory – One person or group claims control Evolutionary Theory – Clans/Tribes – Neolithic Era Divine Right Theory – Power granted by god – Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas **Social Contract Theory – Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau – “Consent of the Governed” * The Mayflower Compact

Principles of Government Objectives – Outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution 1.Form a More Perfect Union 2.Establish Justice 3.Insure Domestic Tranquility 4.Provide for the Common Defense 5.Promote the General Welfare 6.Secure the Blessings of Liberty

Principles of Government Types of Governments – 1.Geographic distribution of power 2.Relationship between the Legislative and Executive Branches 3.The number who can participate

Principles of Government Types of Governments – Geographic 1.Unitary – All power is held by a single central agency. Central authority gives power to local governments. Ex: Great Britain 2.*Federal – Federalism, Division of Powers, Delegated, Reserved, and Concurrent Powers.

Principles of Government Types of Governments – Geographic 3.Confederate – Central alliance that handles only what the state gives it. Central government has limited powers. In this system, states cooperate but remain independent of each other. Ex: Articles of Confederation & the European Union

Principles of Government Types of Governments – Relationship 1.Presidential – Separate independent branches that use a system of Checks & Balances. Ex: U.S.A. 2.Parliamentary – Prime Minister and Cabinet are also members of the Legislative Branch. The Prime Minister is the leader of the majority party. Ex: Great Britain.

Principles of Government Types of Governments – Participation 1.Democracy – Of, by, and for the people  Direct or Pure Democracy  Indirect or Representative Democracy 2.Dictatorship – Authoritarian/Totalitarian  Autocracy – Single person – Ex: Hitler  Oligarchy – Small elite group

Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe

Basic Concepts of Democracy 1.Worth of the Individual – Each individual is a separate and distinct being with dignity and worth. However, the welfare of the few is subordinate to the interests of the many. 2.Equality of All Persons – Equality of opportunity. Equality before the law.

Basic Concepts of Democracy 3.Majority Rule, Minority Rights – Majority of people will be right more often than wrong. Process of Trial &Error. Look for satisfactory solutions to public problems. The majority must always respect the rights of the minority and allow it to become the majority.

Basic Concepts of Democracy 4.Necessity of Compromise – Public decision making is give-and-take. Need to blend and adjust to competing interests. 5.Individual Freedom – Freedom is not absolute. Balance between liberty and authority. “The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins.”

DutiesResponsibilities Serving on a jury Serving as a witness Attending school Paying taxes Obeying local, state, and national laws Draft registration Respecting the rights of others Voting Volunteering Participating in civic life Understanding the workings of our government

Democracy and the Free Enterprise System Free Enterprise System – Capitalism. Law of Supply & Demand. Mixed Economy – Some government involvement – Regulation – Supplier – Provider – Promoter. The use of the internet can have both a positive and negative effect on democracy and participation in government.