Foundations of American Gov Principles of Government Origins

Foundations of American Gov. Principles of Government

Origins of Government �Where might have the concept Government originated? �Aristotle � Ancient Greek Scholar � First to study the Greek City –State, Polis. � Terms such as politics, democracy, and republic originate from ancient Greece and Rome. �What other terms do we use when describing government?

The State, Nation, and Nation-State �The term State identifies a political community with four essential features: 1. 2. 3. 4. Population Territory Sovereignty Government �Nation: � group of people who are united by common bonds. (Race, Religion, Customs, Language) �Nation-State � refers to a country where territorial boundaries of modern states and nation are the same.

Origin of the State �How might the state or government come into existence? � Where did it get it’s start?

Theories of the Origin �Evolutionary Theory: � The State evolved from the Family � Head of the family or head of extended family �Force Theory: � Government emerged when one person or group took control. �Divine Right Theory: � Notion that a god or gods have chosen certain people.

Theories of Origin �Social Contract Theory � The People (Population) give authority to leaders in order for leaders to maintain social order and protect society. �Which theory do you agree with? Why? � Social Contract � Divine Right � Force � Evolutionary

Social Contract Theorists Thomas Hobbes John Locke �In nature there is no gov. �People endowed with �No authority = chaos �Pop. Surrenders power �Gov. protects people from one another �People do not have right to break contract natural rights. � Life, Liberty, Propery �Pop. willingly gave power to government. �Gov. should protect those rights (if not? ) �People have right to break contract

Purpose of Government 1. Maintain Social Order � Protect the Population from one another 2. Public Services � Essential services that make community life possible 3. National Security � Defend from other nations. Normal dealings with foreign countries 4. Economic Decisions � Provide citizens with economic opportunities or resources

Maintain Social Order Public Services National Security Economic Decisions