the purpose of government

what is government?

formal institutions/processes that make decisions for a group of people

component 1 of government

people: elected officials and public servants

component 2 of government

powers: governments authority/ability to get things done

component 3 of government

policy: any decision made by govt with a specific goal in mind

why does a state need a population?

common culture and history

nation/state/country

all the same thing

why does a state need a territory?

must have clearly defined/recognized borders

what is a state?

a political unit with the power to make/enforce laws over a group of people living within a territory

why does a state need a government?

to enforce laws

why does a state need sovereignty?

a state has supreme power to act within its territory and to control external affairs

what does it mean for a govt to ensure national security?

guard its people/territory against external threats

what does it mean for a govt to resolve conflict?

resolved through politics and a legal system

what does it mean for a govt to provide services?

supply a variety of services ranging from education to public transportation

what does it mean for a govt to provide for the public good?

make decisions/policies that attempt to balance the public good with the needs of population minorities

importance of the govt ensuring national security

military buildup and diplomacy

what are govt provided services paid by?

tax dollars

how does government gain power under divine right theory?

founded by God(s) and the ruler possesses “divine right to rule”

how does government gain power under evolution theory?

form gradually overtime, growth from family and extend kinship groups

how does government gain power under the social contract theory?

form when people reach a “contract” to surrender some power to a common authority in return for security

how does government gain power under the force theory?

form when an individual/group uses force to make enough people submit to a central authority