Government Origins, Purpose, Forms. Government: What is it? The authority and power to control,...

GovernmentGovernment

Origins, Purpose, FormsOrigins, Purpose, Forms

Government: What is it?Government: What is it?

The authority and power to control, direct, and The authority and power to control, direct, and rule the actions and affairs of othersrule the actions and affairs of othersTwo primary questions to be asked of Two primary questions to be asked of government and the political process are;government and the political process are; Who governs?Who governs?

This will affect what they do to and for the peopleThis will affect what they do to and for the peopleBeliefs Beliefs Behavior Behavior

To what end?To what end?How will this affect our lives?How will this affect our lives?Private vs. public mattersPrivate vs. public mattersIn 1935, 96% of American families paid no federal income In 1935, 96% of American families paid no federal income tax, and the 4% who did paid just 4%.tax, and the 4% who did paid just 4%.Today, most families pay income tax of ~20% (average)Today, most families pay income tax of ~20% (average)


PowerPower The ability of one person to get another person to do The ability of one person to get another person to do

what they want them to dowhat they want them to do

AuthorityAuthority The right to use powerThe right to use power This may vary from country to country and even from This may vary from country to country and even from

time to timetime to time Does it vary from God’s perspective?Does it vary from God’s perspective? Where does all authority come from? (Jn 19.11)Where does all authority come from? (Jn 19.11)


LegitimacyLegitimacy The grounds by which one has the right to The grounds by which one has the right to

claim authorityclaim authority In the US the Constitution is accepted as the In the US the Constitution is accepted as the

grounds that legitimize one’s authoritygrounds that legitimize one’s authority Much of American political history has been Much of American political history has been

as struggle over what constitutes legitimate as struggle over what constitutes legitimate authorityauthority


LegitimacyLegitimacy Constitutional Convention of 1787 was an effort to Constitutional Convention of 1787 was an effort to

see whether a new, more powerful federal see whether a new, more powerful federal government could be made legitimategovernment could be made legitimate

Thereafter were disputes over what decisions were Thereafter were disputes over what decisions were legitimate for the federal gov’t to makelegitimate for the federal gov’t to make

Civil War was fought over the legitimacy of the federal Civil War was fought over the legitimacy of the federal unionunion

FDR’s New Deal was debated as to the legitimacy of FDR’s New Deal was debated as to the legitimacy of the Fed Gov’t to intervene in the economythe Fed Gov’t to intervene in the economy

Government RuleGovernment Rule

In order for a Government to rule it must In order for a Government to rule it must have a place to rule. There are four have a place to rule. There are four primary characteristics necessary.primary characteristics necessary. Territory: there must be land with established Territory: there must be land with established

boundariesboundariesFor the US this is the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans as For the US this is the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans as well as Canada & Mexicowell as Canada & Mexico

Territory can be acquired through purchase, Territory can be acquired through purchase, negotiation, war, etc.negotiation, war, etc.


Population is necessaryPopulation is necessary There must be people to ruleThere must be people to rule How do different groups of people, and the How do different groups of people, and the

number of people affect a state and its number of people affect a state and its activitiesactivities

Sovereignty is necessarySovereignty is necessary A government must be free to rule it’s people A government must be free to rule it’s people

in its land as it sees fit without interference in its land as it sees fit without interference from others (laws, foreign policy, etc.)from others (laws, foreign policy, etc.)

This is the key characteristic.This is the key characteristic.


National Government is necessaryNational Government is necessary Some manner of ruling the peopleSome manner of ruling the people

When these four characteristics are in When these four characteristics are in place, it is called a Nation-State or Country place, it is called a Nation-State or Country and the stage is set for a ‘Government.’and the stage is set for a ‘Government.’

Purpose of GovernmentPurpose of Government

What is the role of government?What is the role of government?

What should it do?What should it do?

What should it not do?What should it not do? 10 minute group work to determine these 10 minute group work to determine these

answersanswers


Security & DefenseSecurity & Defense Protection from other countriesProtection from other countries Maintain SovereigntyMaintain Sovereignty Complex in today’s worldComplex in today’s world

SatellitesSatellites

Nuclear WeaponsNuclear Weapons

Space StationsSpace Stations

Etc.Etc.


Social OrderSocial Order Protect citizens from one anotherProtect citizens from one another Adjudicating disputesAdjudicating disputes Would there be social order without Gov’t?Would there be social order without Gov’t?

5 min. group discussion/decision5 min. group discussion/decision


Stable EconomyStable Economy In the past this was not always thought to be the role In the past this was not always thought to be the role

of Gov’tof Gov’t History indicates that when the gap between the rich History indicates that when the gap between the rich

and the poor is great, civil conflict is likely to occurand the poor is great, civil conflict is likely to occur Should the government be involved in the economoy Should the government be involved in the economoy

and if so to what extent?and if so to what extent?In what ways is the Gov’t involved in the economy?In what ways is the Gov’t involved in the economy?

Is this the norm or new?Is this the norm or new?

What are your thoughts on this?What are your thoughts on this?


Public Service Public Service Provide the services that no one person can provide Provide the services that no one person can provide

(historically not always Gov’t provided)(historically not always Gov’t provided)TransportationTransportation

CommunicationCommunication

Public HealthPublic Health

Public WelfarePublic Welfare

Public SafetyPublic Safety

“…“…but in all that people can individually do for themselves, but in all that people can individually do for themselves, government ought not to interfere.’ – A. Lincoln.government ought not to interfere.’ – A. Lincoln.

Origins of GovernmentOrigins of Government

Purpose & Origin are closely relatedPurpose & Origin are closely related As a Christian we believe all things are As a Christian we believe all things are

created with purpose built in (inherent)created with purpose built in (inherent) This would mean that the fact that we exist This would mean that the fact that we exist

means we have a purposemeans we have a purpose Thus God’s setting up of Government (Rom Thus God’s setting up of Government (Rom

13) assumes a purpose for it as well13) assumes a purpose for it as wellWhat is the biblical purpose of Government?What is the biblical purpose of Government?


Evolution TheoryEvolution Theory As families grew (extended) a leader became As families grew (extended) a leader became

the tribal leader and eventually this become a the tribal leader and eventually this become a ruler of a larger group ruler of a larger group government government

Force TheoryForce Theory As people needed to defend themselves from As people needed to defend themselves from

other groups they build fortresses/defenses. other groups they build fortresses/defenses. The external force bonded them together; The external force bonded them together; however, the same force, if victorious, also however, the same force, if victorious, also became their ruler (governor)became their ruler (governor)


Divine Right TheoryDivine Right Theory Power to rule is inherited from God and then Power to rule is inherited from God and then

one becomes a representative of God on one becomes a representative of God on earth. earth.

To defy the ruler is to defy the god/GodTo defy the ruler is to defy the god/God

This was a common form of government for many This was a common form of government for many yearsyears

China, Egypt, South America, Europe from 15China, Egypt, South America, Europe from 15thth -18 -18thth centuriescenturies


Divine Right TheoryDivine Right Theory See Gen.18.25b; Ps 22.28; 24.1; 103.19See Gen.18.25b; Ps 22.28; 24.1; 103.19 God ordained the Family, State, ChurchGod ordained the Family, State, Church First city in the Bible is Enoch, named after Cain’s son First city in the Bible is Enoch, named after Cain’s son

in Gen. 4.17in Gen. 4.17 Institution of capital punishment in Gen 9.6 indicates Institution of capital punishment in Gen 9.6 indicates

the implementation of a government structure. This the implementation of a government structure. This also taught that mankind had value as being made in also taught that mankind had value as being made in his Creator’s image. Punishing evil & rewarding good his Creator’s image. Punishing evil & rewarding good seems to be part of the role of government in this seems to be part of the role of government in this casecase


Divine Right TheoryDivine Right Theory Rom 13.4 indicates that capital punishment Rom 13.4 indicates that capital punishment

has not been recalled in the 1has not been recalled in the 1stst century, nor century, nor sincesince

Is it a deterrent now? Then? Why?Is it a deterrent now? Then? Why? First civilization was in Sumer, where the law First civilization was in Sumer, where the law

codes of Hammurab(p)i – a Babylonian king - codes of Hammurab(p)i – a Babylonian king - and others were discoveredand others were discovered


Social Contract TheorySocial Contract Theory A response to the Divine Right TheoryA response to the Divine Right Theory Developed by 17Developed by 17thth-18-18thth century philosophers century philosophers

like John Locke, James Harrington, Thomas like John Locke, James Harrington, Thomas Hobbes, Jean Jacques RouseauHobbes, Jean Jacques Rouseau

Appointed rulers to establish order in a Appointed rulers to establish order in a chaotic world were agreed upon in an effort to chaotic world were agreed upon in an effort to cooperate with one anothercooperate with one another

This was agreed upon willingly, not handed This was agreed upon willingly, not handed down by gods/Goddown by gods/God


Social Contract TheorySocial Contract Theory Hobbes held that people exchanged natural Hobbes held that people exchanged natural

freedom for order and security because “the freedom for order and security because “the ‘state of nature’ was nasty, brutish, and short”‘state of nature’ was nasty, brutish, and short”

Locke held that people had certain natural Locke held that people had certain natural rights – life, liberty, property. A social contract rights – life, liberty, property. A social contract was made between the people and was made between the people and government to preserve these natural rightsgovernment to preserve these natural rights

Of themselves ppl do not now how to live in peaceOf themselves ppl do not now how to live in peaceThis was the motivation for the American This was the motivation for the American Revolution against EnglandRevolution against England

Forms of GovernmentForms of Government

Teams to act out a 30 second skit Teams to act out a 30 second skit illustrating the meaning of assigned termillustrating the meaning of assigned term Index CardsIndex Cards 5 minute brainstom/prep5 minute brainstom/prep Each person must have >=1 lineEach person must have >=1 line Script must be written outScript must be written out Do NOT say what your word is to any other Do NOT say what your word is to any other

group or during the skit as the will be trying to group or during the skit as the will be trying to guessguess


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DioQoohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DioQooFIcgEFIcgE

10 min on Forms of Gov’t10 min on Forms of Gov’t


A Theocracy is rule by God A Theocracy is rule by God Only the nation of Israel has ever had this Only the nation of Israel has ever had this

AutocracyAutocracy Rule by one Rule by one

DemocracyDemocracy Rule by the peopleRule by the people

Direct Rule by Popular VoteDirect Rule by Popular Vote

Indirect Rule by Elected Representative Indirect Rule by Elected Representative Did the Founding Father think ‘the majority should rule’? Did the Founding Father think ‘the majority should rule’?


Generally speaking all forms of Generally speaking all forms of government fall within the spectrum government fall within the spectrum between an autocracy and a democracy between an autocracy and a democracy since there are no present Theocraciessince there are no present Theocracies

Forms of Government: AutocraticForms of Government: Autocratic

MonarchyMonarchy Rule by oneRule by one ““Absolute power”Absolute power” With a ‘constitution’ power is limited by the With a ‘constitution’ power is limited by the

constitution and they may be subservient to an constitution and they may be subservient to an elected bodyelected body

Examples: kings (Louis XIV of France), emperors, Examples: kings (Louis XIV of France), emperors, czars of Russia are examples of ‘true autocracies’ czars of Russia are examples of ‘true autocracies’ (consulted no one – absolute powers) while modern (consulted no one – absolute powers) while modern kings, queens, medieval kings consulted with others kings, queens, medieval kings consulted with others in such places as Great Britain, Sweden, Japan, in such places as Great Britain, Sweden, Japan, NetherlandsNetherlands


DictatorshipDictatorship Rule by oneRule by one Rules by force/dictateRules by force/dictate No support in custom or religionNo support in custom or religion In modernity usually a result of a coupIn modernity usually a result of a coup


Totalitarianism or FascismTotalitarianism or Fascism An attempt to control the entire (total) societyAn attempt to control the entire (total) society Adolf Hitler of GermanyAdolf Hitler of Germany Joseph Stalin of Soviet RussiaJoseph Stalin of Soviet Russia Benito Mussolini of ItalyBenito Mussolini of Italy


OligarchyOligarchy Any system of government in which a small Any system of government in which a small

group of people hold powergroup of people hold power Derive their power from their wealth, social Derive their power from their wealth, social

position, military power or a combination position, military power or a combination Some would argue that Rome was such b/c a Some would argue that Rome was such b/c a

few people had so much powerfew people had so much power Japan in late 1800sJapan in late 1800s China’s Communist leadersChina’s Communist leaders

Forms of Government: DemocraticForms of Government: Democratic

DemocracyDemocracy Of Greek originOf Greek origin

Demos: the peopleDemos: the people

Kratia: ruleKratia: rule

““Our constitution is named a democracy because it Our constitution is named a democracy because it is in the hand not of the few, but of the many.” – is in the hand not of the few, but of the many.” – Pericles of AthensPericles of Athens

Not everyone could vote, however; had to be a Not everyone could vote, however; had to be a citizen in which woman, slaves, foreign residents citizen in which woman, slaves, foreign residents were excludedwere excluded


Direct DemocracyDirect Democracy Must have smaller population so all citizens Must have smaller population so all citizens

can cast a votecan cast a vote Ancient Greece practiced this but it is only Ancient Greece practiced this but it is only

found today in small communities in New found today in small communities in New England and similar placesEngland and similar places


Representative DemocracyRepresentative Democracy Elected representatives make laws and Elected representatives make laws and

govern for the peoplegovern for the people An Assembly of the representatives may be An Assembly of the representatives may be

called a council, legislature, congress, called a council, legislature, congress, parliamentparliament

Can be very efficientCan be very efficient


The Head of a DemocracyThe Head of a Democracy RepublicRepublic

Elected representatives, not a king or queenElected representatives, not a king or queen Non-RepublicNon-Republic

Constitutional Monarch like Great Britain or Constitutional Monarch like Great Britain or similarlysimilarly


Characteristics of True DemocraciesCharacteristics of True Democracies Individual liberty Individual liberty

To develop personal talentsTo develop personal talents Majority rule with minority rightsMajority rule with minority rights

The elected may majorily rule but it may not be equivalent to The elected may majorily rule but it may not be equivalent to the majority of the populace’s wishes (cf. pop vote vs. the majority of the populace’s wishes (cf. pop vote vs. electoral college vote)electoral college vote)

What about in times of warWhat about in times of war Imprisoning Japanese during WWIIImprisoning Japanese during WWII Imprisoning/Profiling Arabs after 9/11Imprisoning/Profiling Arabs after 9/11 Korematsu v. Unites States (1944)Korematsu v. Unites States (1944) Ex Parte Endo v. United States (1944)Ex Parte Endo v. United States (1944)


Free elections Free elections All genuine democracies have free elections b/c All genuine democracies have free elections b/c they are governed by the consent of the peoplethey are governed by the consent of the people

All votes are of equal weightAll votes are of equal weight

All candidates can freely express their viewsAll candidates can freely express their views

Citizens may help/support candidatesCitizens may help/support candidates

Legal requirements for voting are kept to a min.Legal requirements for voting are kept to a min.

Citizens vote by secret ballot without coersionCitizens vote by secret ballot without coersion


Competing partiesCompeting partiesPolitical Party = A group of individual with broad Political Party = A group of individual with broad common interests who organize to nominate common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, win elections, conduct candidates for office, win elections, conduct government, determine public policygovernment, determine public policy

Although many parties exist, for most of the US Although many parties exist, for most of the US history it has been a two party systemhistory it has been a two party system

Necessary Ingredients for a Necessary Ingredients for a Democracy to take RootDemocracy to take Root

Citizen ParticipationCitizen ParticipationFavorable EconomyFavorable Economy Most often tied to land ownershipMost often tied to land ownership Representative Gov’t first began in England Representative Gov’t first began in England

b/c landowning nobles felt they had a right to b/c landowning nobles felt they had a right to share in the power of the kingshare in the power of the king

Need to be free to control your own finances Need to be free to control your own finances to be free to make political decisions (if too to be free to make political decisions (if too poor don’t have any time to deal with politics, poor don’t have any time to deal with politics, just survive)just survive)

Necessary Ingredients for a Necessary Ingredients for a Democracy to take RootDemocracy to take Root

Widespread EducationWidespread EducationStrong Civil SocietyStrong Civil Society Citizens’ views are gathered and made known Citizens’ views are gathered and made known

via groups such as Red Cross, NRA, Sierra via groups such as Red Cross, NRA, Sierra Club, Humane Society, PETA, etc.Club, Humane Society, PETA, etc.

Social ConsensusSocial Consensus Citizens agree and value similar stances on Citizens agree and value similar stances on

the purpose and limits of governmentthe purpose and limits of government See Glencoe 22See Glencoe 22


http://www.youtube.com/watch?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muHg86Mys7Iv=muHg86Mys7I

7 minute video on Liberty7 minute video on Liberty

Theories of ElitismTheories of Elitism

Marxist Theory: Control of economy = Marxist Theory: Control of economy = power in society. Gov't is a tool of rich. In power in society. Gov't is a tool of rich. In America this would be teh leaders of America this would be teh leaders of largest corporations and banks.largest corporations and banks.

'Power Elite' Theory: Power comes from 'Power Elite' Theory: Power comes from corporate leaders, top military officers and corporate leaders, top military officers and a few key political leaders.a few key political leaders.


Bureaucrat Theory: Bureaucrats behind Bureaucrat Theory: Bureaucrats behind the scenes with special talents manage the scenes with special talents manage society. Leaders come and go but they society. Leaders come and go but they remain the primary power behind the remain the primary power behind the scenes. Max Weber promoted this theory.scenes. Max Weber promoted this theory.


Pluralist Theory: A variety of people (no Pluralist Theory: A variety of people (no single elitist group) hold 'elite power' in single elitist group) hold 'elite power' in society; too many to pigeon hole into a few society; too many to pigeon hole into a few 'elites.' For example, business leaders, 'elites.' For example, business leaders, political leaders, union bosses, journalists, political leaders, union bosses, journalists, bureaucrats, university leaders, etc. Many bureaucrats, university leaders, etc. Many people have the opportunity to influence people have the opportunity to influence society.society.

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Government Origins, Purpose, Forms. Government: What is it? The authority and power to control,...

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