1. Principles of Government

2. Objectives  Learn the four essential features of a “state” (not a “State”).  Learn the four theories about the origination of states  Understand the difference between unitary and federal systems of government  Learn about the three major forms of government  Identify key characteristics of democratic government  Recognize how economic systems relate to government

3. “State” or “state?”  “State” (capitalized) refers to a political subdivision of the United States, such as the State of Montana  “state” (lower case) refers to a nation-state or country, such as France or the United States

4. Four Essential Features of a state  Population  Territory  Sovereignty  Government  Which key element does the State of Montana lack?

5. Theories on Origin of states  We have already studied two:  Divine right  Social contract  Two others:  Force theory (organize to resist enemies)  Evolutionary theory (extended family rule became government)

6. Federal vs. Unitary Systems  Federal—powers are divided between central and regional governments (U.S.—national and state governments)  Constitution divides powers  Unitary—all power resides in the central government, but it may delegate to local governments  Example—state and local is a unitary system

7. Three Main Forms of Government  Autocracy—rule by one; dictator or absolute monarch (Louis XIV)  Oligarchy—rule by a few (Communist China)  Democracy—rule by the many  Direct or representative  Why does the U.S. have a representative form of democracy (republic)?

8. Characteristics of Democracy  Individual liberty—NOT unlimited!!  Majority rule/minority rights  Free elections  Political parties  Citizen participation in government  Free enterprise  Widespread education

9. Economics and Goverment  Capitalism—free market with minimal government regulation  Socialism—government owns or closely regulates key industries  Mixed economies (includes elements of both). The U.S. is mixed, but primarily capitalist.  “Command” economies (Communism)— government owns means of production and controls economic output