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Principles of Government

Principles of Government. What is the purpose of government? What form of government is best? Where did the idea originate?. The State. Aristotle- famous Greek scholar/philosopher Many concepts such as politics, democracy, and republic came out of Greece and Rome

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Principles of Government

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  1. Principles of Government What is the purpose of government? What form of government is best? Where did the idea originate?

  2. The State • Aristotle- famous Greek scholar/philosopher • Many concepts such as politics, democracy, and republic came out of Greece and Rome • Country/state have same meaning • State- a political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government. Create & enforce laws without a higher authority. • United State is one of over 200 today

  3. State • In colonial times each state/colony thought of itself as its own country. • Nation- any sizable group of people who share common language, race, custom, religion. • Nation-state- a bordered territory where the nation and state coincide- France as example • Not all people who consider themselves a nation have a state- Irish Catholics N. Ireland, French Canadians, ethnic groups around world

  4. Essential Features of a State • 1. Population- large group of people living within borders • Consensus- Agreement about basic beliefs • Example- belief in a democratic republic • Mobility and expansion • All impact stability and its ability to thrive • 2. Territory- established boundaries

  5. State • 3.Sovereignty- supreme and absolute authority within its territorial boundaries • Complete control of ability to make laws, shape foreign policy within its borders and about its people. • In theory- no state has the right to interfere with the policies or people of another state • 4. Government- institution to make decisions

  6. Theories of Government • Evolution Theory- state evolved from family groups/tribes and power structure within it • Force Theory- Early civilizations/cities formed and people of an area were brought under the authority of one person or group • Divine Right Theory- God or Gods had chosen certain people/families to rule. • King of England the example

  7. Social Contract Theory • Thomas Hobbes- Early 1600’s philosopher • Social Contract- in “state of nature”- no government exists • Without authority- people would not always do good things to one another. • People need to surrender some power to government to maintain order. • In return- Government protects citizens • Hobbes- People can break this agreement

  8. John Locke • 1688 • Defended English Parliament’s decision to throw King James II from the thrown • Believed people were naturally endowed with rights to life, liberty, and property. • Sound familiar???? • When government does not live up to protecting these rights or people- people have the right to break contract with government and replace it.

  9. Purpose of Government • 1. Maintain Social Order-law & order • 2. Provide Public Services • 3. Provide national security/ common defense • 4. Control economic systems • Two methods governments exert authority • Coercive force • Consent of the people

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