Government and the State

 

I. Government has existed as far back as ancient Egypt

 

A. Government= An institution that a group of people forms to make and enforce laws.

 

B. Government gives some people in the group to control and help others in the group

 

C. Public Policy= The decisions a government decides to institute.

 

II. The State

 

A. A state is a group of people who live together and rule themselves through a government

 

B. A state is made up of 4 features. ie. population, terrritory, sovereignty, and government.

 

C. Sovereignty means that the people have complete power in their territory. They do not answer to a higher authority.

THEORIES ABOUT HOW THE STATE BEGAN

A. FORCE- Strong person or group took control of others.

B. EVOLUTIONARY- State developed after early families chose to settle land and became tribes.

C. DIVINE RIGHT- God gave those of royal birth the right to rule.

D. SOCIAL CONTRACT- State exists because people volutarily organized themselves to improve their lives.

 

*What theory might a king or queen subscribe to?

The Purposes of Government-

**The preamble of the Constitution clearly states what the American government will do. It states:

 

TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION- This means to keep the States working together in a friendly way.

 

TO ESTABLISH JUSTICE- Which means to treat people fairly.

 

TO INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY- This means to keep order.

 

TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE- This means to keep people safe from enemies.

 

TO PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE- This means to help the people.

 

TO SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY- This means to protect each persons freedom.

 

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