1. What is Government? Government is the institution through which a society makes and enforces it’s public policies.

2. Public Policies Are the things that government decides to do. Examples are (taxation, defense, education, crime, and healthcare.)

3. Three Basic kinds of power Legislative Power- the power to make law. Executive Power- the power to execute, enforce, and administer law. Judicial Power- the power to interpret law.

4. State Can be defined as a body of people, living in a defined territory, organized politically and has the power to make and enforce laws.

5. Sovereignty Every state has supreme and absolute power within its own territory and can decide its own foreign and domestic policies.

6. Democracy The supreme authority rests within the people.

7. Dictatorship Is when the ultimate power and responsibility resides within a single person or a small group.

8. Autocracy Is a government in which a single person holds unlimited power to rule

9. Oligarchy Is a government which the power to rule is held by a small, usually self-appointed elite.

10. Unitary Government Is often described as a centralized government.

11. Federal Government (Parliamentary) Is one in which the powers of government are divided between a central government and several local governments

12. The Purpose of Government 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