1. Chapter 1: Foundations of Government
Section 1: The Purpose of Government
AP/Regular Government and Politics
Mr. Bracero

2. What will I learn?
Understanding major political ideas and classic forms of government will help me understand the purposes of government
Difference between the word, state, in an American point of view to an international point of view
How the government functions in my favor

3. Key Vocabulary Terms Government Power Policy State Sovereignty
Politics
Legitimacy
Divine Right of Kings
Social Contract Theory

4. Government
Formal institutions and processes through which decisions are made for a group of people
Three main components of gov’t: 1. People 2. Powers 3. Policies
People: Elected officials w/authority and public servants who run gov’t

5. Government Power: Gov’ts authority and ability to get things done
Three forms of power:
1. Legislative power = power to make laws
2. Executive power = carries out, enforces, and administers the law
3. Judicial power = power to interpret laws and settle disputes

6. Policies Decision made by gov’t in pursuit of a particular goal
Law, gov’t program, or set of gov’t actions
Examples???
Taxation, defense, environmental protection, health care…any more?

7. Characteristics of a state
Political unit w/ the power to make and enforce laws over a group of people living within a clearly defined territory
State = country
Population, territory, a government, and sovereignty