AP GOVERNMENT

Foundations of Government

What is Government?

Set of institutions that establish public policyMany different types and characteristicsWhere did government originate?

What is the state?

What characteristics must “the state” have?

State is a political community occupying a defined territory that has an organized government with enforcement powers.

Where did the state originate?

Force theory Evolutionary theory Divine Right theory Social contract theory*

Agreement by man to be governed. We have certain natural rights but agree to live in a state with restrictions in exchange for protections. If this contract is violated?

What is democracy?

Government by the peopleAristotle: “rule by many”Greek terms meaning:

“demos” – the people “kratia” – power or authority

Direct Democracy

Direct democracy: All citizens participate. Individual participation on legislation or policy Making decisions without delegating authority to

elected representatives Town hall meeting Not feasible today

Representative Democracy

Representative Democracy (Republic /Republican Form of Government): We elect delegates to represent us in the government. Authority is delegated to elected representatives to

make decisions on behalf of citizens Vote for people who vote for us

U.S. House (population) U.S. Senate (2 per state)

Why a Republic?

Fear of mob ruleSize of countryElitism- inadequate education/ uniformed

publicDid not trust the peopleTo counter the influence of factionsReinforcement of federalism

Philosophical Influence

Thomas Hobbes: Government is necessary because man is self serving in a free state.

John Locke: man born free with natural rights, gives consent to be governed; “life, liberty, and property.” Government should preserve rights (especially property), denied divine right, Social contract theory. Known as the philosopher of the American Revolution. Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence.

Philosophical Influence

Montesquieu: Balanced government in order to limit the power of government. Concluded ideal government separated powers among legislative, executive and judicial branches. Divided authority would protect rights and prevent on branch from gaining unrestricted control over the entire society

Rousseau: Sovereign power in a state does not lie in a ruler. Instead, it resides in the general will of the community as a whole. Rulers are servants of the community. If they fail to carry out the people’s will, they should be removed

Six Objectives of the Constitution

1. “a more perfect union”: replace the Articles of Confederation

2. “establish justice”: fair application of the law, punishment for wrongdoing

3. “ensure domestic tranquility”: send national guard in times of crisis or concern, police protection

4. “provide for the common defense”: maintain military to protect borders and national interests

5. “promote the general welfare”: public schools, FDA

6. “secure the blessings of liberty”: to protect basic rights like free press, religion, speech, etc.

Characteristics of American Government

Popular consent: agree to be governedPopular sovereignty: people have the powerMajority rule: with respect to minority rightsIndividualism: emphasis on the role of the

personPolitical equity: equality of opportunity,

votingPersonal liberty: freedom is relativeCompromise: give and take system in

establishing policies

Forms of Government

Geographic distribution of power Unitary Federal Confederate

Legislative and executive relations Parliamentary Presidential

Number of participants Democracy Dictatorship

Other terms to know:

Autocracy: ruling dictator, totalitarian form of government

Monarchy: ruling king or queen, prince, etc. Constitutional monarchyOligarchy: small group holds power