1. STARTER #1 Number 1-7 1. Why do we need government. 2
STARTER #1 Number Why do we need government? 2. What should governments do?

2. The Fundamental Tension in Government: What do you value?
FREEDOM
ORDER
Peace
Stability
Rule of Law
Choice
Independence
Self Determination

3. Unit 1: Foundations of American Government

4. 1. The Goldilocks Analogy
Our Government under the British, Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution

5. How is the story of Goldilocks like our government?

6. Under British Rule (King George III)
From
Taxation without Representation
Protected by British Army/Navy
Leads to American Revolution started with Declaration of Independence on JULY 4, 1776
TOO STRONG!

7. Articles of Confederation
After Revolutionary War
From
Loose group of 13 free states
Problems include:
Government had no money, different laws, different armies
TOO WEAK!

8. US Constitution JUST RIGHT! From 1787 to present Big ideas:
Popular Sovereignty: Gov’t can only govern w/ consent of people
Limited Government: Gov’t is not all powerful, must act within law
Separation of Powers: Power is divided among gov’t branches
Checks and Balances: Each branch of gov. checks the power of another
Judicial Review: The courts decide whether gov’t acts according to the constitution
Federalism: Division of power between national and local government
JUST RIGHT!

9. THANKS LITTLE BEAR!
rnment= Just Right!

10. 2. The Document

11. US Constitution Format: Preamble = Introduction
Articles 1-7 = Chapters
Amendments = Add-ons, 27 total
1 -10 are the Bill of Rights

12. ` Big Ideas Behind US CONSTITUTION Popular Sovereignty:
Gov’t can only govern w/ consent of people
Limited Government:
Gov’t is not all powerful, must act within law
Separation of Powers:
Power is divided among gov’t branches `
Checks and Balances:
Each branch of gov. checks the power of another
Judicial Review:
The courts decide whether gov’t acts according to the constitution
Federalism:
Division of power between national and local government

13. vs AUTHORITY Gov’t has the right to use power
Example: British, A. of C, bad boss
LEGITIMACY
Power is given to authority through trust, respect, contract
Ex. US Constitution, good boss vs

14. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
Because of weaknesses of Articles of Confederation, Congress calls for revision, but a new government is created.
Debate involves--
Who gets representation? Are big and small states equal?
How is power divided between Congress and president?
How centralized should government power be?
What individual rights do states and people keep?

15. AMENDMENTS
System to change document, founders realized document would have to evolve
First 10: Bill of Rights, came 2 years later to pacify TJef’s crew who wanted guarantees of ind. rights
To Amend you need vote of
2/3 of Congress
3/4 of States
RARE! (17 times)

16. 3. Today’s System: Political Parties Develop….

17. Political Parties Why do we need parties?
The political party gives like-minded people a stronger voice in democracy
Two Party System: Consensus needed, discourages radicals (US, UK)
Multi-Party System: More choice, coalitions needed (Germany)
What do parties do?
Select candidates
Raise money
Run campaigns
“inform” public

18. Party platforms (where they stand)
SIMPLIFIED!
Party platforms (where they stand)
Democrats
(liberals)
Republican
(conservatives)
Government can help make the US more of a just and fair society
More programs, more taxes
Support individual rights
Limited role of government
Less programs, less taxes
Conserve traditional values

19. Winston Churchill:
If you are young and Republican, you have no heart. If you are old and Democrat, you have no brain.
Yes, Madam, I am drunk. But in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.