1. 1.1 The State and
the 6 Purposes
of Government

2. The basic political unit of the world: The state (remember, nation-states/countries, not States of the United States)
Its 4 characteristics:
Population
Territory
Sovereignty – supreme & absolute power
Government

3. What is Government?
Institution through which society makes & enforces its public policies
All govts exercise 3 basic powers:
Legislative power: MAKE law
Executive power: ENFORCE law
Judicial power: INTERPRET law
Govt’s powers often outlined in a state’s constitution – body of laws

4. Theories of the state’s origin:
Force
One FORCED control
Evolutionary
Began as a FAMILY & evolved into a state
Divine Right
Created by GOD & God chose who would rule

5. 4. The Social Contract Theory
**Most important to the shaping of American govt
People agreed to give up power to the state in return for the state’s service for their well-being

6. The 6 Purposes of American Government (Sound familiar
The 6 Purposes of American Government (Sound familiar? Where are these found?)
To form a more perfect union
To establish justice
To insure domestic tranquility

7. To provide for the common defense
To promote the general welfare
To secure the blessings of liberty