1. Theory of Modern Government

2. Government "That government is best which governs least“
"That government is best which governs not at all“
“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.”
(“In this present crisis,) government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”

3. Do you trust government? Do you trust your government?
poll on trust of government
views on government info

4. What Does Government Do?
Tax
Protect our freedoms
Education
Transportation networks
Fund, build, control traffic
Communication networks
Telegraph, mail, internet
Social safety net
Provide Defense
Collect Garbage
Research

5. Government & Politics Government Politics
Institutions that create public policy
Politics
Conflict, resolution, compromise, relationships between people/groups developed from traditions, precedents, writings, philosophies, etc.
Harold Laswell  “Who gets what, when, and how.”
[Why?]
Formal institutions ex. executive branch, state government, executive agencies, bureaucracies, government corporations, regulatory agencies

6. Government + Politics = Public Policy
What government does through politics results in public policy

7. Basic Function of Government
Preamble:
More perfect union
Justice
Domestic tranquility
General welfare
Individual liberty
Inherent conflict?
We disagree on the meaning, interpretation, implementation, and function of government. (textbook)
“We” ?