1. PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT AND THE STATE

2. OBJECTIVES: Define government and the basic powers every government holds. Describe the four defining characteristics of the state. Identify four theories that attempt to explain the origin of the state. Understand the purpose of government to the US and other countries.

3. GOVERNMENT The institution through which a society makes and enforces public polices – all those things a government decides to do (list them: - )

4. THREE KINDS OF POWER Legislative power Executive power Judicial power These powers are contained in a constitution

5. CONSTITUTION A body of laws that sets out a government’s:  Structure  Principles  Processes

6. TWO TYPES OF GOVERNMENTS Dictatorship: one person or a small group may exercise all the power of government Democracy: supreme authority over government rests with the people

7. STATE A body of people living in a defined territory, often called a nation or county

8. CHARACTERISTICS OF A STATE Population - people Territory – defined boundaries Sovereignty – supreme power Government – politically organized

9. FOUR THEORIES OF THE ORIGINS Force theory – individual or groups created a state by forcing others to submit Evolutionary theory – state evolved as a natural extension of the family Divine right theory – state created by a god Social contract – (American political system) people agreed to form a state for mutual benefits

10. SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENT A government with absolute power

11. GOALS OF THE US GOVERNMENT: THE PREAMBLE Form a more perfect government or to keep the states working together Establish justice Ensure domestic tranquility Provide for the common defense Promote the general welfare Secure the blessings of liberty