UNIT 1 GOV+CIVICS

What is a Nation?

group of people who are united by race, language, custom, tradition, and sometimes religion.

What is a State?

Political community that occupies a definite territory.

Can the terms Nation and State be used interchangeably?

YES

The 4 essential features of a state?

• Population

• Territory

• Sovereignty

• Government

Define Population

Affects stability, social consensus, mobility.

Define Territory

State has established boundaries.

Define Sovereignty

State has supreme and absolute authority within its territorial boundaries

Define Government

The institution through which the state maintains social order, provides public services. and enforces decisions.

The 4 Theories of origin of the state?

• Evolution theory

• Force theory

• Divine Right theory

• Social Contract theory

Define Evolution theory

State evolved from the family; passed down

Define Force Theory

An area were brought under the authority of a group or one person.

Define Divine Right Theory

Chosen by gods to govern.

Define Social Contract Theory

• People surrender power to the state needed to maintain order

• Agrees to protect its citizens

The 4 Purposes of government?

• Maintaining Social Order

• Providing National Security

• Providing Public Services

• Making Economic Decisions

Maintaining orders is?

Civilized life, making and enforcing laws, solve disagreements.

Providing National Security is?

Protecting from attack in relations w/ other nations.

Providing Public Services is?

Sewer systems, public health and safety.

Making Economic Decisions is?

Where and how to use money.

Thomas Hobbes’ views on State of Nature?

He believed life would be “short, nasty, and brutish” in a state pf nature. (against)

John Locke’s views on State of Nature?

He believed in the state of nature, and that men and women has certain natural rights. (in favor).

The 2 types of Government?

• Unitary

• Federal

Define constitution

A plan that provides rules for government

3 purposes of a constitution is…

• Sets out ideals that believe in and share

• Establishes basic structure of government and defines the powers + duties

• Provides the supreme law of the country.

3 types of government are…

• Democracy

• Oligarchy

• Autocracy

Define Democracy (direct + representative)

• Rule by the people.

• Direct: Citizens vote directly for the laws

• Indirect: Citizens elect leaders to make decisions for them

Define Oligarchy ( ways to gain power)

• Power held by small group

• Force. Wealth, Influence

Define Autocracy (Dictatorship, Monarchy, Theocracy)

All power held by one person

A constitutional government is a …

Limited Government

A totalitarian dictatorship would be which form of government?

Autocracy.

Who was the principal author of Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson.

What is the difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy?

Direct - Citizens voting directly for the laws

Representative - citizens elect leaders to make decisions for them

Which form of government has the most freedom?

Democracy.

What were the weaknesses of the articles of confederation? What were the main accomplishments?

• Gov’t had no national court system. laws needed approval of 9/13

• 1783 peace treaty w/ Great Britain. Creation of cabinet departments under the constitution of 1787.

Federalists viewpoints?

• Beliefs: wanted states to adopt the constitution, constitution protected their freedom and liberties.

• Supporters: Wealthy class

• Leaders: George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison

Anti-Federalists viewpoints?

• Beliefs: Too much power to the gov’t was bad. Another King George situation would happen.

• Supporters: Farmers, Laborers, Working Class

• Leaders: Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson.