To Provide for the Common GoodIn the United States, the government

provides services like police and fire protection, retirement benefits, schools, public transportation, and trash collection.

What else counts as the Common Good?

Protect Individual RightsIt is the notion that rights of individuals in a

democratic system are protected but with this protection comes the responsibilities of citizenship.

Maintain Social orderThis means that the government makes and

enforces laws, provides internal security and provides courts to settle disagreements.

Provide Public ServicesGovernments provide services such as

building and maintaining roads, schools and water and sewer systems that individuals could not provide on their own.

These services protect the health and safety of the people and promote the general welfare.

Make Economic Decisions Another purpose of government is that the

government regulates our economic system to make sure products are safe, prices are fair and people have options when they go to buy something.

The government has the ability to do things like tax, spend, and regulate in order to protect its economy.

Protect National SafetyThis means that the government creates

military forces, intelligence departments, and domestic policy forces, to protect the country from enemies foreign and domestic.

1What purpose is the government fulfilling in this picture?

The purpose of government shown in that picture is…

Protect Individual Rights

2What purpose is the government fulfilling in this picture?

The purpose of government shown in that picture is to…

Maintain Social Order

3What purpose is the government fulfilling in this picture?

The purpose of government shown in that picture is to…

Provide Public Services

4What purpose is the government fulfilling in this picture?

The purpose of government shown in that picture is to…

Make Economic Decisions

5What purpose is the government fulfilling in this picture?

The purpose of government shown in that picture is to…

Protect National Security

PURPOSE (the reason something is done)

EXAMPLE

1.Protect Individual RightsA person can worship any God they want--whether it is Christian, Muslim, or Jewish—without fear.

1.Maintain Social OrderThe police arrest two men after they rob a bank at gunpoint and speed away.

1.Provide Public ServicesEvery child is guaranteed a free and public education from kindergarten through 12th grade.

1.Make Economic DecisionsCompanies must pay their employees a minimum wage so that people can afford to live.

1.Protect National SecurityAirports increase security and check baggage to prevent another terrorist attack.