Political Philosophy Chapter 1

I. Essential Features of a State/Country A. Population B. Territory: C. Sovereignty: Absolute authority within territorial boundaries D. Government:

II. Theories - Origin of a country/government A. Evolutionary Theory: B. Force Theory: C. Divine Right Theory: D. Social Contract Theory: John Locke – governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. (the people)

Social Contract Theory John Locke: “He wrote that people were naturally endowed with the right to life, liberty, and property. To preserve their rights, they willingly contracted to give power to a governing authority. When government failed to preserve the rights of the people, the people had the right to break the contract.” - United States Government-Democracy in Action Textbook

III. Purpose of Government A. Maintain Social Order: B. Provide Public Services: C. Provide National Security: d. Make Economic Decisions:

IV. Government Systems A. Unitary: All key powers are given to the national or central government. B. Federal/Federalism: Power is divided between the national government and state or local governments. (United States)

V. Constitutions and Government A. Constitution: A plan that provides the rules for government. B. Constitutional Government: A constitution places limits on those who govern. (i.e. limited government)

VI. Politics and Government A. Politics: The effort to control or influence the policies (laws) and actions of government. B. Struggle over what benefits the government should provide, how much they should cost, and who should pay for them. C. Provides a peaceful way to compete with one another.

VII. Types of Government A. Autocracy: Rule by one person B. Oligarchy: Rule by a few or a group C. Democracy: Rule by the people 1. Direct Democracy: 2. (Republic) Representative Democracy:

VIII. Characteristics of a Democracy A. Individual Freedom: B. Majority Rule with Minority Rights: C. Free Elections: D. Competing Political Parties: