1. Chapter 1: Foundations of Government
Government provides the framework and institutions through which decisions are made for the well-being of a group of people.

2. Sec. 1: The Purposes of Government

3. Do Now
Write three sentences explaining what government is and why it is important.

4. Learning Goals
Objectives (You will learn…)
Essential Question
what government is.
which major characteristics all states share.
the major functions of government.
what theories of rule have been put forth to explain government.
What are the ideals and key principals that characterize American democracy?

6. What is Government? Government Power Policy
Formal structures & institutions where decisions are made for people.
Power
Government’s authority & ability to do get things done.
Policy
Any decision made by gov’t in pursuit of a goal.

7. State Sovereignty Politics
Political community of people living within a defined territory.
Characteristics: Population, Territory, Government, and sovereignty.
Sovereignty
Supreme power of the state to act within its territory.
Politics
Process by which gov’t makes & carries out decisions as to whose interests will be served.

8. Functions of Gov’t Ensure National Security (Military)
Maintain Order (Police, Courts)
Resolve Conflict
Politics: Process by which gov’t makes & carries out decisions.
Provide Services (Education, Mass Transit)
Provide for the Public Good (Public good vs. minority rights)

9. Theories of Rule Legitimacy Divine Right of Kings
Rulers are seen as right & proper by nation’s population.
Divine Right of Kings
A theory that the king is answerable only to God.
Natural Law & Natural Rights
Provides a just and rational order to all thing in the world, including human behavior.
Social Contract Theory
1st gov’t formed by people through submitting to the authority of the state, which in turn would protect & support them. (Hobbes’ Leviathan, Locke, Rousseau)

10. Group Work
In small groups identify a law you must follow in your daily lives. Brainstorm what life would be like without that law. Consider both the positive and negative results.
You will share your group’s thoughts with the rest of the class.

11. Exit Slip
“[In a state of war] No arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

12. Section 2: Forms of Government

13. Do Now
What circumstances might lead to people’s rights being denied in a direct democracy?

14. Learning Goals
Objectives (SWBAT)
Essential Question
Identify the classic forms of government.
Describe how national power is organized differently in unitary, federal, and confederal systems.
Analyze in what ways presidential and parliamentary systems differ.
How are democracies and republics similar to and different from one another?

16. Classic Forms of Government
Monarchy
Gov’t headed by 1 person (King)
Dictatorship
1 person holds unlimited gov’t power.
Oligarchy
Rule by a few (aristocracy)
Direct Democracy
Rule by the people
Republic
Indirect form of Democracy.

17. Organizing National Power
Unitary System
Ultimate authority rests with a single national government.
Federal System
Divides power over people and territory between national & smaller, regional governments.
Confederal System
Independent states join forces by forming a confederation.

18. Presidents & Parliaments
Presidential System
President elected by the people for a limited term of office.
Parliamentary System
Executive & Legislative branches of government are combined.
Parliament elects a Prime Minister, not “the people”

19. Group Activity Divide up into 4 groups.
Write out some pros & cons for:
Group 1: Democracy
Group 2: Anarchy
Group 3: Monarchy
Group 4: Dictator
Group 5: Theocracy
Present your findings to the class.

20. Section 3: Democracy in the U.S.

21. What is the most important aspect to you of being an American?
Do Now
What is the most important aspect to you of being an American?

22. Learning Goals
Objectives (SWBAT)
Essential Question
Describe why the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government are important to American democracy.
Analyze the principles of American democracy.
Explain why the free enterprise system important to American democracy.
Which ideal of American democracy do you think is most important? Explain.

24. American Democratic Ideals
Conception of something in its most perfect form.
Liberty
The ability of people to act and think as they choose.
Equality
All people possess a fundamental, moral worth that entitles them to fair treatment.
Self-Government
Belief that ordinary people could aspire to rule themselves as political equals.

25. Majority Rule, Minority Rights
Candidate wins an election by a majority, by getting more than half of the votes.
Minority Rights
The political rights held by groups who make up less than half of the population
Liberal Democracy
Individual rights & liberties of all people, including the minority, are protected.

26. Free Enterprise Free Enterprise
Allows for people and businesses to make their own economic choices about how best to produce, distribute, and exchange goods and services with limited governmental interference.