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US GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 1

US GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 1. ANARCHY… the absence of rules, laws to hold society together. GOVERNMENT…Given the power to create and enforce rules made for a group. without security, life would be nasty and brutish…Thomas Hobbes. What is Government?.

josephine-phelps
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US GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 1

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  1. US GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 1 ANARCHY… the absence of rules, laws to hold society together. GOVERNMENT…Given the power to create and enforce rules made for a group. without security, life would be nasty and brutish…Thomas Hobbes.

  2. What is Government? • A government sets rules for all citizens in a state- a geographic political unit. Government has Sovereignty- authority over its citizens. How does govt do this? Making of laws called public policies.

  3. What’d ya think???? • What are some laws in PA that are different in other states? What are some ways government uses to enforce their laws? Which laws do you dislike? Why? Support? Like to see changed?

  4. Origins of Government • A government must have LEGITIMACY…that is authority to govern over citizens • Where can this authority come from? God? Rule by divine right…Kings of old… In the USA legitimacy comes from the PEOPLE… the citizens enforce a govt on themselves.

  5. Philosophy of our Government • Thomas Hobbes: Society is in the state of anarchy, so people enter into a SOCIAL CONTRACT with a government to protect them. • John Locke. The contract creates a LIMITED GOVT. Resting on the consent of the citizens. • NATURAL RIGHTS: Locke believed govt. main job is to protect rights we are born with.

  6. FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT • The job of the US government is to fulfill its social contract of protecting the rights of the people. • FOUR FUNCTIONS of GOVERNMENT 1. MAINTAIN ORDER 2. PROVIDE SERVICES 3. RESOLVE CONFLICT 4. PROMOTE VALUES

  7. Maintaining Order • How??? Enforce the laws that protect safety, property. • Unfair businesses…Discrimination…Unfair labor practices…etc… • Protect from invasion by other nations/groups • Make a list of 10 actions that maintain order in the US by govt:

  8. Providing Services • Some projects needed by the nation are to large or don’t make enough money so the government must provide them… • Roads • Mail • Health inspection • Schools • Prison • Should govt provide health care as a govt function?

  9. Resolving Conflict • Govt brings people together to compromise resolutions of problems. • The process of compromise is called POLITICS • EX. Courts, Public meetings, Elections.

  10. PROMOTING VALUES • VALUES are principles by which people act and make their choices. • Decisions, laws and actions of government set the tone for values in society. • EX: Safety, equal opportunity, education, respect for life, assisting the poor.

  11. THE PUBLIC GOOD • The PUBLIC GOOD is the main purpose of govt…the well being of society as a whole, not one small group. • Policies should reflect the broad concerns of many not narrow interest of a few. • How well is America doing? • Is tax $ for a ballpark serving the public good?

  12. YOUR TURN… SPIN…GYRATION… • Do we even need a government? WHY/WHY Not? How do we pay for the services the govt provides? Do you want govt to provide more services? If so what? Hobbes believes govt is needed to control people. Agree or not? What natural rights do you feel you have & want protected? Will u give up rights if govt asks?

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