1. Chapter 1 Section 1 Principles of Government

2. If men were angels, no government would be necessary
If men were angels, no government would be necessary. James Madison The Federalist No. 51

3. Questions to ask yourself
Is Government important in our daily lives?
Do we need government in our society?
What would happen with the absence of government?
What is the best form of government?

4. What is Government?
Government is the institution through which society makes and enforces public policies
Public Policy- Everything a government does!
Examples?

5. What percentage of Americans can name the three branches of government?
A recent poll found that nearly three-quarters of those asked could name each of the Three Stooges  — Larry, Curly and Moe — but only 42 percent were able to name the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government.

6. Three Branches of Government
Legislative-Makes the laws
Executive-Enforces the laws
Judicial-Interprets and applies the laws

7. Legislative Branch United States Congress Indiana General Assembly
Porter County Council
Chesterton Town Council

8. Executive Branch Executive Branch President of the U.S.
State Governors
County Commissioners
City Mayors
Executive
Branch

9. State Judicial Branch Indiana Supreme Court Court of Appeals
Federal
U.S. Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
District Courts
Indiana Supreme Court
State
Court of Appeals
Circuit and Superior Courts

10. What are some recent examples of the branches of government at work?

11. What is a Constitution? Set of rules for government Sets out ideals
Establishes the structure and powers of a government
SUPREME LAW of the country

12. The Social Contract Theory
State of Nature = Anarchy
Therefore, people give up some of their personal freedom (the freedom of anarchy, such as it is) and give the government the authority to enforce laws and agreements
Agreement between the GOVERNED and the GOVERNMENT
State is to serve the will of the people and the people are the source of political power

13. PURPOSES OF GOVERNMENT
…form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessing of liberty…
Preamble to the Constitution

14. Establish Justice The law must be reasonable, fair and impartial
MLK – “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”

15. Insure Domestic Tranquility
Maintain order in Society
Absence of Government =Absence of Civilized Life
ANARCHY!!
Somalia…..
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
James Madison

16. Provide for the Common Defense
Protect its citizen, against foreign threats and enemies

17. Promote the General Welfare
Provide services that make community life possible and promote the general welfare of society.
Examples?

18. Secure the Blessings of Liberty
Many guarantees of rights and liberties set out in the Constitution
These are not absolute nor forever
Must stand up for liberty when it is threatened