AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Coach Styles American government Introduction THE

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Coach Styles

American government: Introduction • THE MOST important subject • As citizens of this of your educational careers! republic, it is our responsibility and • Why? obligation to be • “Let us never forget that educated on the government is ourselves and not some alien power over us. institutions and policies that comprise our The ultimate rulers of our government. democracy are not a • We have the most at president and senators and stake in ensuring the congressmen and longevity of this nation government officials, but the and the continuation of voters of this country. ” our freedom and liberty. Franklin D. Roosevelt

American government: Introduction “If a nation expects to be both ignorant and free, it wants what never was—and never will be. ” Thomas Jefferson • Intro worksheet

American government: Introduction • What are the responsibilities of government? • What are the responsibilities of the citizenry? • The fundamental question regarding our government here in the United States: – What is the proper balance between LIBERTY and ORDER? – How much power does government need to maintain order? – How much liberty are we willing to surrender to the government in the name of order?

American government: Introduction C O M M U N I S M The Political Spectrum AMOUNT OF GOVERNMENT CONTROL MORE LESS Liberal Conservatives Typically Democrats Typically Republicans Higher Taxes Lower Taxes Higher Government Spending Less Government Spending More Social Programs/Entitlements Fewer Social Programs/Entitlements Higher Dependency on Government More Individual Responsibility A N A R C H Y

American government: Introduction • What is “government? ” • Public policies (def): All of the things a government • Worksheet: Purpose of govt. in your own words decides to do. • Government (def): The • Covers matters ranging institution through which a from taxation, national society makes and enforces defense, education, crime, its public policies. the environment, social services, entitlement • Government is made up of programs, civil rights and people who exercise liberties, business government powers— practices, and working those who have authority conditions. and control over the people. • The list is almost endless— but should it be?

American government: Introduction “The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves in their separate, and individual capacities. In all that the people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere. ” Abraham Lincoln

American government: Introduction “Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. . . The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases. ” Thomas Jefferson

American government: Introduction Political Power Pie: Early 19 th Century Federal Govt. State Govt. Local Govt. People

American government: Introduction Political Power Pie: Present Day Federal Govt. State Govt. Local Govt. People

American government: Introduction • Importance of this class? • Understanding the foundation, principles, processes, and structures of our government here in America should provide us with the awareness, knowledge, and tools necessary to maintain, and in many cases, to regain, the God-given liberties that our government is bound by our Constitution to protect.

American government: Introduction Ronald Reagan “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. ” **