1. Introduction to Government
Political Science
Introduction to Government

2. Define government in your own words
List 15 examples of government at work in your area-local, county, state, nation.
List 4 reasons government is such a “turn off” to so many citizens.

3. Do we really need government?
Is government necessary in EVERY society?
Why? Why not?

4. Characteristics of a State (Nation)
Population
People (citizens)
Territory
Land
Government
Rules and laws
Sovereignty
Right and ability to rule itself

5. Types of Gov’t Confederation
Each state retains its own sovereignty and gives only limited powers to the central gov’t

6. Types of Gov’t Federalism
Political authority is divided between a national (federal) gov’t and its political subdivisions (states)

7. But who is in charge? Autocracy
Single individual holds political power and authority
Ex. Monarchy or dictatorship

8. But who is in charge? Oligarchy
Small, self-appointed elite group that rules the state
Not very common

9. But who is in charge? Totalitarian rule
Gov’t that tries to control the state (nation), the people, and society TOTALLY
Often a combo with autocracy
Totalitarian Dictators (Hitler)

10. Democracy
All power belongs to the people, which rule the state (nation)
But do they really? How?

11. Basic Concepts of Democracy
A recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person
A respect for the equality of all persons
A faith in majority rule and insistence upon minority rights
An acceptance of the necessity of compromise
An insistence upon the widest possible degree of freedom

12. Individual Worth
The individual is a distinct being and has a great importance in democracy
The welfare of individuals comes behind the welfare of the society as a whole

13. Equality of all persons
“All men are created equal”
Everyone is guaranteed:
1. equality of opportunity
2. equality before the law
No one can be held back for any arbitrary (random) reason like race, color, religion, or gender

14. Majority Rule with Minority Rights
Majority rules
Minority rights are still respected
Cannot be taken away by majority party
Freedom of speech, press, and assembly (civil rights) still available

15. Necessity of Compromise
Compromise-blending and adjusting competing views and interests
Essential to democracy

16. Individual Freedom
Not complete freedom (chaos), but individuals “must be as free to do as he or she pleases as far as the freedom of all will allow.”
“The right to swing my fist ends where the other man’s nose begins.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes

17. Forms of Democracy Direct Democracy “Pure Democracy”
Everyone has a chance to participate in gov’t on a first-hand basis
Useful in small communities only

18. Wait a minute…
Can’t every voter vote on laws and policies?

19. Forms of Democracy Representative Democracy “Indirect Democracy”
People elect others to represent them to make laws and establish policies
United States

20. Free Enterprise System
Based on four concepts:
1. Private ownership
2. Individual initiative
3. Profit
4. Competition

21. Supply and Demand
When supplies of goods are high and services are plentiful, prices tend to drop
A lot of something = lower prices
When supplies are more scarce, prices tend to rise
Little quantities of something = higher prices

22. Mixed Economy
Private enterprise exists in combination with a considerable amount of government regulation and promotion