Principles of Government Civics 3 1 Civics by

Principles of Government Civics 3: 1 Civics by George Cassutto © 2004 published by Teaching Point as part of the Expert Systems for Teachers Series. TM

What is a “State? ” n n The earliest political unit was the Greek “polis” or city-state. The term state comes from Latin: “stare, ” which means “to stand. ” Today: State = a political community with a territory and an organized government. For the US = one of 50 political units within the nation of the US

Characteristics of a Nation. State n n A nation is a group of people united by race, language, custom, tradition, and religion. The state involves a territory and authority that are connected to those people.

What is Sovereignty? n n The right of a nation to make its own decisions. The power of a government to rule itself. Popular sovereignty: the power of the people to decide a question. Question: Does the UN have the power to command U. S. armed forces?

Populatio n n A nation needs citizens Citizens must be loyal. Taxes must be collected to provide government services. • People take part in political system.

Territory n n Land that provides natural resources. It is the basis for most international conflicts.

Governme nt n n n Defined as “the people and institutions who have the authority to create. . . public policy: a course of government action designed to achieve a common goal. Power must be legitimate: acceptable to the people.

Why are governments formed? n n • Right to Life March To keep order in society. Provide for the common defense. Provide public services. Protect individual rights.

Principles of American Government n n n Vietnam War Memorial n n Based on Democracy or “rule by the people. ” Individual worth. Civil liberties = Freedoms Civil Rights = Equality and rights of the accused. Rule by law under the Constitution. Majority rules, protect the minority. Limited, representative Government

Forms of Government: The Unitary System n n n Power is held at the central government. The central government is the national government. China and Cuba are examples of unitary governments.

The Unitary System

Forms: Confederation n n A loose association of states or a weak alliance. Most power is held by states or provinces. The South during the Civil war was called the Confederacy. It wanted to rule by “states’ rights. ” Russia now leads the Commonwealth of Independent States

Federal System Power is shared between the central (national) government and the states. • The USA is a federal system. • The national government in Washington, DC shares power with 50 states. • The states share power with local governments such as cities, towns, and counties. n

Federal System