1. Introduction to Government and the State
August 12, 2008

2. What is Government?
The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies
Why do we need government?

3. Every government exercises three basic kinds of powers:
Legislative
Executive
Judicial

4. Legislative Powers
This gives the government the ability to make law and frame public policy

5. Executive power The power to execute, enforce, and administer law.
Who holds this power in the U.S.?

6. Judicial Power
The power to interpret laws, to determine their meaning, and to settle disputes that arise within the society
With whom does this power rest?

7. What is the State? A legal entity The dominant political unit
Composed of 4 defining characteristics:

8. Must have a population
Must have a territory
Must be sovereign
Must have an organized government
All 4 of these must be present to be defined as a State!

9. Four major theories emerged to explain the origin of the state:
Force theory
Evolutionary theory
Divine Right Theory
Social Contract Theory