Theory of Modern Government Government That government is

Theory of Modern Government

Government • "That government is best which governs least“ • "That government is best which governs not at all“ • “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. ” • (“In this present crisis, ) government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. ”

Do you trust government? Do you trust your government? http: //www. gallup. com/poll/5392/trustgovernment. aspx poll on trust of government http: //www. pewresearch. org/key-datapoints/views-of-government-key-datapoints/ views on government info

What Does Government Do?

Government & Politics • Government – Institutions that create public policy • Politics – Conflict, resolution, compromise, relationships between people/groups developed from traditions, precedents, writings, philosophies, etc. – Harold Laswell “Who gets what, when, and how. ” • [Why? ]

Government + Politics = Public Policy • What government does through politics results in public policy

Basic Function of Government • Preamble: – – – More perfect union Justice Domestic tranquility General welfare Individual liberty Inherent conflict? We disagree on the meaning, interpretation, implementation, and function of government. (textbook) “We” ?