American Government and Politics

Introduction

Who is the government?

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And what should “they” do?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers three definitions of government: 1. 'the group of people who control and make decisions for a country, state, etc.' 2. 'a particular system used for controlling a country, state, etc.' 3. 'the process or manner of controlling a country, state, etc.'

Defining Government

Defining Government

Black's Law Dictionary mentions that the institutions of the government 'regulate the relationships among members of a society and between the society and outsiders' and that they 'have the authority to make decisions for the society' to meet goals and maintain order.

Government is responsible primarily for making public policy for an entire society ~ a steering mechanism for a given society

whether we refer to the system or institutions in operation, the group of people in charge, or the process in use, (Government) is the authority that sets rules for a society, helps its members relate to one another and to others, and keeps it running smoothly, securely, and peacefully.

Government

Descriptions of governments can be based on:

Economic Structures

The type of economy - what provides the goods and services that are bought, sold, and used?

Political Structures

How the government is run- how the leaders are selected, and how power is transferred

Type Definition Example 

Capitalism

 

 

In a capitalist or free-market economy, people own their own businesses and property and must buy services for private use, such as healthcare. 

 

 

Socialism

 

 Socialist governments own many of the larger industries and provide education, health and welfare services while allowing citizens some economic choices

 

 

Communism

 

 

In a communist country, the government owns all businesses and farms and provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare. 

 

Economic Structures

Political StructuresType Definition Example

Democracy In a democracy, the government is elected by the people. Everyone who is eligible to vote - which is a majority of the population - has a chance to have their say over who runs the country.

 

 

Republic

 

A government where people choose other people to make decisions for us.

 

 

Communism

 

A government where people are all "equal".

 

 

Oligarchy

 

A government where decisions are made by a group known as the "elite" (intelligence/race/money).

 

 

Theocracy

 

A government where laws are made by god, but interpreted by a religious figure

 

 

Fascism

 

Totalitarian

 

A government where the nation comes before the individual. Most of the power is focused on the government, and usually one leader. Strict laws and punishments exist to keep.

Rule by a single political party.  People are forced to do what the government tells them and may also be prevented from leaving the country. 

 

 

Dictatorship

 

 

Rule by a single leader who has not been elected and may use force to keep control. In a military dictatorship, the army is in control. Usually, there is little or no attention to public opinion or individual rights.

 

 

1. 'To form a more perfect Union'

2. 'To establish Justice'

3. 'To insure domestic Tranquility'

4. 'To provide for the common defense'

5. 'To promote the general Welfare'

6. 'To secure the Blessings of Liberty'

The purpose of the U.S. Government is found in the Constitution's preamble.

“Many forms of Government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except all those others that have been.”

—Winston Churchill

1. Popular sovereignty,

2. Limited government,

3. Separation of powers

4. Checks and balances,

5. Federalism

American Core Values as Identified in the Constitution

The Ideal Democratic Process Should Satisfy 5 key principals

1.Equality in voting2.Effective participation3.Enlightened understanding 4.Citizen control of the Agenda5.Inclusion

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Assignment