The Basics of Government Government - Libertyville HS

Four Characteristics of a State Population Territory Sovereignty Government

What is a Government? Definition: “institution through which a society makes and enforces public policies” Public policy = all things a government decides to do

Composition of Government ALL governments have these parts Legislature Makes the laws Executive Enforces the laws Judiciary Interprets the laws

Purposes of Government Brainstorm with a partner a list of the purposes off goverment Some of Mr. Duffy’s purposes of gov’t Maintain a national defense Interact with other national governments Preserve order Set rules of society Punish rule breakers Provide means of dispute resolution (judiciary) Provide appropriate public services Collect taxes Socialize youth

Comparing Forms of Government Three different ways to compare By who participates By how power is geographically distributed By relationship between legislative, executive branches

Comparing by who participates Few participants = dictatorship Types of dictatorships Monarchy (Autocracy) Oligarchy

Comparing by who participates Many participants = democracy Types of democracy Direct Democracy (“Pure”) Indirect Democracy (“Representative”) By the way: What the heck is a Republic?! Flow of Power

Compare by geographic distribution Idea of “levels of government” Unitary system Confederate system Federal system

Compare relationship between exec, legislative branches

What is American Democracy? What is democracy? Majority rule Equal opportunity What is American democracy? Majority rule + protect minority rights Equality of opportunity Freedom of speech Rights for one and all – any limits on rights? Capitalism

American Democracy: Capitalism Free enterprise Based on Law of Supply and Demand Individuals, not government, makes decisions Profit motive Mixed economy Government regulation of market Protect individuals from market forces Laws & regulations Litigation

Mixed Economy HOW MUCH REGULATION OF THE ECONOMY IS APPROPRIATE IS ONE OF THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES!!!