Chapter 1 pp. 2-24

Forms of Government

• Federal government • 14 Power is divided between a central government

and several local governments– Central government may override local powers as needed

• Division of power • 14 based on geography (borders), sovereign power is

given to all levels of government.

Confederation

– 15 The member states have more authority than the central government.• Central government usually has strong powers only in

– National defense– Foreign policy

Constitution • 4 The written fundamental principles, laws, and

processes of a government• The Preamble lists the purposes of the US

government• The seven articles describe the powers and

procedures of the federal government• The amendments include– States’ rights– Individual rights– Clarifications of or new powers and procedures of the

government.

Public policy

4 the things a government decides to discuss, do something about.

terms

• Legislative power • 4 power to make law and public policy• Executive power: • 4 power to enforce or run the terms of a law• Judicial power: • 4 power to interpret of laws, determine

meaning, settle disputes, and set new legal precedents.

Unitary government

14 A strong central government runs all levels.– Central government may create local governments

if it needs them.

Parliamentary government

16 Run by a popularly elected party which has the most votes in the legislature.– Called the “ruling party”

• Members of the ruling party choose the executive (the prime minister)

• Britain’s prime minister is expected to give Parliament a chance to question twice a week. – He usually has a chance to prepare, but sometimes there

are surprises.– Notice the tradition of cheering from his party, and jeering

from the opposition parties.

Presidential government

15 Majority popularly-elected party only runs the legislative

• The executive is elected separately, also by popular vote.-the president is not questioned, but speaks at joint

sessions and press conferences. notice how quiet Congress is, compared to MPs in the UK Parliament

-representatives are not expected to “heckle”, even if they feel they are right.

Mixed economy

21 government protects the public while preserving private enterprise

• EC Whom does government protect the public from?– Private Enterprise.– EC: According to the Supreme Court, in a decision

from the late 2000s, what type of business has the same rights as a person like you?

– corporation

The Flag

• 1980s• EC: Aside from the comedic remarks, what is the main

message about the American flag?

• That the flag represents the American people.

• Four nicknames for the US flag (EC, 4): – The Stars and Stripes; – Red, White and Blue; – Old Glory; – The Star-Spangled Banner -- wikipedia.

EC: What meaning does each part of the US flag have? (3)

• Red and white stripes:– The thirteen original states (colonies) that formed

the Union.• Blue field:– The Union (the one nation created by revolution)

• Stars– The current number of states

Classwork

Chapter 1 pp. 2-24concepts

• What would Locke, Harrington, Hobbes, and Rousseau agree on?

• 8 They would all agree on the “social contract theory”

• Describe the Social Contract Theory • 8 Government exists – to protect people from dangers, including each other– To promote the well-being of the people and state.

• The people give up power to the government, so it can protect them.

What are the forms of government listed in the text?

• 12 they are:• Democracy• Dictatorship

– Autocracy—run by a single person • Absolute monarch• dictator

– Oligarchy• A government run by a small, self appointed group.

– Rich (aristocracy)– Single party (communism)– Military (junta)– Theocracy—run by the principles and clerics of a religion

• Confederate• Unitary government• Federal government• Presidential government• Parliamentary government

– Constitutional monarchy—run by a parliament, monarch has limited or no real power (just for ceremonial and traditional purposes)

The American concept of democracy

• p. 18, includes:• 1. recognition of fundamental worth and

dignity of every person• 2. respect for equality of all persons• 3. a faith in majority rule • 4. insistence on minority rights• 5. compromise is necessary• 6. widest possible degree of freedom

The difference between a government and a state:

• 5 A state is the people, the land, the issues.• A government runs the people, the land, and

deals with the issues. – May be elected by and comprised of the people.

Who holds power in a dictatorship?

• 5 A dictatorship is run by:– One strong person (North Korea)– And/or– a group (often a party, sometimes a military junta)

(Thailand)

Brief Review:

• The United States is a unitary or federal government?– Federal

• What are the three purposes of the US Constitution?– Organize the government– Define the basic laws of the United States– Protect the rights of the American People.

Basic Concepts 1/20

• Why is compromise an important part of democracy?

• Ensures that public decisions are acceptable to all or most individuals

• All points of view have been considered.

How does the “law of supply and demand” work?

• When supplies of goods and services are plentiful, prices drop.

• When supplies of goods and services become scarce, prices rise.

How does government protect the public from private enterprise?

• Product safety• Environmental safety• Worker rights• Fair business practices– Cheating– Lying

• Cite, fine, or arrest/seize abusive or cheating businesses

• Control the money supply to – Reduce inflation– Stimulate the economy

Brief Review

• Why isn’t the United States a parliamentary type of government?

• The executive (president) is not elected by the ruling party in the legislature

• Elected by a popular vote.

Describe The Free Enterprise System

• 18 Private or corporate ownership of capital goods.

• Investments and financing determined by private decision.

• Free markets– As little government interference as possible.

Laws Going Into Effect

• California

Why is the United States called a mixed economy?

– Business and consumers are “free” to make any decisions in their economic transactions.

– Society still wants government to prevent problems caused by abusive economic activity.• Regulation• Supervision /Inspection

– Food– Products – Labor rights