1. The Problem of Government
Government = Power
The Problem of Power
DemocracyAuthority: Search for Balance
Our Complicated Government
Federalism
Republicanism
Checks & Balances

2. 1. Government = Power What is Government?
The only thing that is allowed to
use force
fine, imprison or execute

3. 2. The Problem of Power
If Gov’t is not limited enough, it becomes oppressive (harmful)
Ex. King George III & Parliament
If Gov’t is limited too much, it won’t have the power to do what we need it to do
Ex. Articles of Confederation & Shay’s Rebellion

4. 3. Democracy Authority
DEMOCRACY limits the power of government by spreading the power out among the people
AUTHORITY concentrates the power of government so that gov’t can be effective

5. AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE on the CONCENTRATION of POWER
i.e. The POWER CONTINUUM
ANARCHY
DEMOCRACY
REPUBLICANISM
ARISTOCRACY
MONARCHY
(Less Concentrated Power)
(More Concentrated Power)
NOT ANIMATED
TYRANNY of the MANY/MAJORITY
“MOB RULE”
TYRANNY of the FEW/MINORITY
FREEDOM

6. 4. Our Complicated Government
In America, we try to find the right balance between democracy & authority by:
Federalism
Republicanism

7. 5. Federalism
Federalism is having different governments that balance each other’s power
In the US, we have THREE different governments:
National (Federal) Government
State Government
Local Government

8. 6. Republicanism
Republicanism is form of government where:
Power is concentrated in leaders (authority)
Leaders are elected by the people (democracy)

9. 7. Checks & Balances
Framers had created a power national/federal government
Divided power wouldn’t be too concentrated
Different parts of the national gov’t would “Check” & “Balance” each other