Purposes of Government Maintain social order social contract theory developed by Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean Jacques Rousseau People were willing to give up individual rights to live in communities where more could be accomplished Community life brought the need for conflict resolution to maintain social order Government was created by communities of people to resolve conflict Government has the power from the community to make and enforce laws, require people to do things they might not do voluntarily, and allows individuals to plan for the future

Purposes of Government 2. Provide public services Provide essential services that make community life possible and promote the general welfare City manager Business Development and Special Events City Clerk Community Development Beautification Building Engineering Planning and Zoning Fire Finance Human Resources Information Technology Police Traffic Public Works Cemetery Garage Sanitation Street

Purposes of Government 3. National security and a common defense Protect the people against the threat of attack by other states or from internal subversion

Purposes of Government 4. Provide for and control the economic system Provide and control the economic environment for the nation Distribute benefits and public services among citizens Stimulate economic growth through controlling inflation, encouraging trade, and regulating the development of natural resources