1. Chapter 1Role of Government Section 1: Govt. &Public Good
6/15/2018
CHAPTER 1
Chapter 1Role of Government Section 1: Govt. &Public Good
Essential Question:
Describe what government does and why this is important, Explain the term social contract, compare Hobbes’ belief to Locke’s belief, list the four functions of the govt; and in your OWN WORDS define the term Public Good
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

2. Section 1: Government and the Public Good
CHAPTER 1
6/15/2018
Section 1: Government and the Public Good
Objectives:
What is government, and why is it important?
How have some philosophers described the nature and purpose of the state?
What functions does government perform?
How does government promote the public good?
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

3. Section 1: Government and the Public Good
The meaning and importance of government:
Government is an institution with the power to make and enforce rules for a group of people.
It is important because it creates and enforces laws to protect and promote the public good.

4. Section 1: Government and the Public Good
Descriptions of the nature and purpose of the state
Early philosophers:
Rulers receive their authority to govern from God, called the divine right of Kings.
Thomas Hobbes:
The people create the state through a social contract.
The people surrender their individual sovereignty to the state in exchange for peace and order provided by the state as determined by the state.
John Locke:
The power of the government comes from the people governed.
Government’s role is to protect people’s natural rights, if it does not- people have the right to overthrow

5. Section 1: Government and the Public Good
Hobbes vs. Locke

6. Section 1: Government and the Public Good
Functions of government:
maintaining order
Enforce laws that protect society
providing services
Housing and medicine for poor, education, etc.
resolving conflict
Creating compromises between disagreeing people
promoting values
Ensuring that ideas such as safety, equality, and opportunity exist for citizens

7. Section 1: Government and the Public Good
How the government serves the public good:
The government makes policies that address a wide range of interests.
It attempts to listen to as many members of society as possible
Attempts to satisfy the greatest portion of the population as possible

8. Section 1: Government and the Public Good
Book questions: Use your notes and textbook to answer these questions. Answer in complete sentences.
#1.) What are laws and why are they necessary (2 points)
#2.) Which of the four functions of govt. is most important and why? (2 points)
#3.) In your own words explain the concept of “public good”