Mr. Dodson

ObjectivesWhat are the essential features of a state?

What are the four main purposes of government?

How do various theories explain the origin of government?

The Need for GovernmentIn the last 50 years the number of countries in the world has more than doubled. In 2000, there were 196 independent countries, each with its own people and government.

State, Nation, or Country?State: (think country)

a political community that occupies a definite territory

Has an organized governmentPower to make and enforce laws without approval from higher authority

Nation: any sizable group of people united by common bonds of race, tradition, and sometimes religion

State, Nation, or Country?To the citizens of the U.S. “state” has a

different meaning.The “United States” was first used in

1776 when the 13 colonies declared their independence.

Each colony thought of itself as a countryWhen the they joined together under the

Constitution, the term State continued to be used.

Essential Features of a “State”Population – all the people who live in

the stateThe state is more likely to be stable if

the population agrees about basic beliefs – social consensus.

Territory - An area with fixed boundaries.Territory can be a source of conflict

among states and may change through war, negotiation, or purchase.

Essential Features of a “State”Sovereignty - absolute authority to

conduct internal affairs within its territorial boundaries.Does not need approval from a higher authority or other nations

Government - institution by which it maintains order, provides public services, and enforces decisions that its people must obey.

Theories of the Origin of the StateHow did states or governments come to be – well there are several theories.

Evolutionary theoryForce TheoryDivine Right TheorySocial Contract Theory

Theories of the Origin of the StateEvolutionary TheoryThe state evolved from the family

group.Force TheoryOne person or a group used force to

establish its authority to govern the people.

Think of lords of castles demanded obedience in return for protection

Theories of the Origin of the StateDivine Right TheoryThe rulers of the people were

chosen by the gods to govern.Social Contract TheoryThe people gave the government its

power to rule them, and in return the government had to respect the people’s rights.

The Purposes of GovernmentTo maintain social order by making and

enforcing laws.Provide essential services for people,

such as promoting public health and safety.

Protect people from attack by other states and from internal threats such as terrorism.

Pass laws that shape and control the nation’s economy in various ways.

Formation of GovernmentWhat are the similarities and

differences between a unitary and a federal government system?

What are the main purposes of a constitution?

Formation of GovernmentThe relationship of the national

government and smaller divisions (like states or counties) can be described as either unitary or federal.

Formation of GovernmentA unitary system of government

gives all key powers to the national or central government.

A federal system of government divides the powers of government between the national government and state or provincial governments.

Which type of system do we have?

Discussion QuestionWhat are the major advantages of a federal system of government?

Security against a concentration of power; participation at more levels of government.)

Constitutions and GovernmentA constitution is a plan that provides the

rules for government. Whether written or unwritten, a

constitution organizes the structure of government and the way it operates.

Constitutions set out the goals and purposes of government as well as the ideals shared by the people.

Constitutions provide the supreme law for states and their governments.

Politics and GovernmentPolitics is the effort to control or

influence the policies and actions of government.

Individuals and groups use politics to seek benefits from government.

Although special interest groups seek special benefits, politics also provides benefits for all the people.

Governing in the 21st CenturyThe world today is divided into

industrialized nations, developing nations, and newly industrialized nations.

These groups of nations have many differences, but they are interdependent in many ways.