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Unit 1. U. S. Government. What is government?. Definitions: -the political direction and control exercised over the actions of the members, citizens, or inhabitants of communities, societies and states -the form or system of rule by which a state, community, etc. is governed
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Unit 1 U. S. Government
What is government? • Definitions: • -the political direction and control exercised over the actions of the members, citizens, or inhabitants of communities, societies and states • -the form or system of rule by which a state, community, etc. is governed • Fancy word for – who’s in charge?
Why is government necessary? • Keep peace • Trade with other countries • Law and order among citizens • Citizen’s rights protected
Earliest Governments • The majority of early governments started with a monarchy – supreme power or sovereignty held by a single person, usually a king or queen • Many citizens and rulers considered the king or queen a direct representative of the divine. • New forms of government began to arise in ancient Greece and Rome.
Greece • Greece became split into city-states, where government was up to each. • Some would become a monarchy • Some would be an oligarchy, political power rest with few • Some would be a democracy, political power rests with all. • Athen’s constitution is considered a democratic one because it is in the interests of all citizens.
Jewish Ten Commandments - Moses • “I am the Lord your God…You shall have no other gods before me. • You shall not make for yourself a carved image… • You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain… • Remember the Sabbath… • Honor your father and mother… • You shall not murder. • You shall not commit adultery. • You shall not steal. • You shall not bear false witness… • You shall not covet…”
Rome • Rome started out in its earliest days as a monarchy • Rome took many ideas from the Greeks. • They created a form of republic. • The senate had a lot of political influence • Rome also had a balance of power between three branches of government.
Religion and Government • For many early countries and civilizations religion and government went hand in hand. • Many of the citizens were required to follow the religion of the land they lived in. • In Greece, worship of the Greek gods was required…etc. • When Jewish lands became part of the Roman empire, they would not worship foreign gods. • Christianity and Muslim influences have clashed for hundreds of years. Many wars have been fought between countries and regions.
Religion and Government • Why does it matter?
Religion and Government • In the colonies, religious groups were some of the very first to set up their own government.
Rule of Law • Should the authority figures have to obey the laws just like the civilians? Or are they above the law somehow? • Many governments would have to figure out this dilemma.
Why do you think we should study government? • Write down your thoughts on this. • My goal with this class is to help you understand how our government works and help you make educated decisions when it comes to voting for representatives and laws.