Foundations of Government

government

institution in which a society makes and enforces public policies

public policies

all things a government decides to do

legislative, executive, judicial

3 kinds of power that every government has

legislative

make laws

executive

execute laws

judicial

interpret laws and settle disputes

constitution

powers are normally outlined in a _______

constitution

a body of fundamental laws outlining principles, structures, and processes of government

the state

a body of people living in a defined territory, organized politically (government), which has the power to make and enforce its own laws

population, territory, government, sovereignty

all states have 4 things

sovereignty

supreme power within its own borders; it can make its own decisions regarding foreign policy and domestic policy

social contract theory

people agreed with one another on a set of rules; the state only exists to serve the will of the people

social contract theory

inspired the founding fathers and was the origin of the state

democracy

the power of the government lies with the people

direct democracy

the people vote on everything

indirect democracy

representatives elected by the people carry out governmental tasks

dictatorship (totalitarian)

the government doesn’t have to answer to the will of the people; they can do whatever they want

autocracy

single person holds all the power

oligarchy

power to rule is held by a small number of self-appointed, elite

presidential

branches are independent and equal; the people elect each branch; a constitution outlines each branches role

parliamentary

the executive branch is made from the legislative branch

foundation 1

the fundamental worth and dignity of individuals

foundation 2

equality of all people (opportunity and before the law)

foundation 3

faith before majority rule and an insistence upon minority rights (majority is right most of the time; your rights end where someone else’s begin)

foundation 4

compromise

foundation 5

individual freedom