Civics Chapter 1

Section 1-3

state- way to identify an area in which people live

political community that occupies a definite territory, has an organized government and can enforce laws w/o approval from a higher authority. example- illinois, U.S

Nation- identify an area in which people live

any sizeable group of people united by common bonds. example- france, italy, catholics

nation state- identify area in which people live

when a nation and a state occupy the same boundaries. example- france, italy, native americans

4 essential features of a state

popularity, territory, sovereignty- supreme and absolute authority of a government within its territorial boundaries, and government

4 theories on government/state

Evolutionary/family- all governments as an extension of family.

Force- one group taking over another

Divine right- God selects a person/family to rule a country

Social contract- all of world began in a state of anarchy, Hobbes Locke

essential purpose of state/government- maintain social order

governments must create a way to help people resolve their conflicts- laws, consequences, police, courts

essential purpose of state/government- provide public services

government provides us with things we may not be able to provide ourselves, roads, sewers, water, garbage (happy people=keep them in power)

essential purpose of state/government- national security

government must protect citizens, internal and external threats

essential purpose of state/government- economic decisions

governments pass laws that shape the economic environment of the nations, national currency

Government systems

unitary- all key powers given to national/central government federal- power is divided between the national and state government

confederation- several states want to cooperate in areas of common concern

Constitutions and Government

Statement of goals and beliefs, structure of government, supreme laws and rights

Constitution orders

Constitutions provide rules that shape the actions of government and policies

Constitutions must be written in a way that will allow for future growth-multiple form

Constitution does not always reflect the actual practice of government in a country- chinese

Aristotle’s Categories

Autocracy- rule by one person

Oligarchy- rule by a small group

Democracy- rule by all (the people)

Oligarchy

wealth, military leadership, social position, educated, religious leadership, political party leadership

Autocracy

Totalitarian dictatorship, absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy

Democracy

A favorable economy, widespread education, a social consensus, active citizen participation, strong civil society.

Totalitarian dictatorship

leader has total control

Absolute and constitutional monarchy

the King/Queen hold absolute power - hybrid, inheritance

What type of democracy is USA

representative democracy

characteristics of democracy

individual liberty, majority rules with minority rights, free elections- secret ballot- cant pay people, competing political parties

Confederacy

deals with common concerns or goals

Monarchy

Requirement for democracy

Constitutional law

define government power

civil society

helps democracy power

constitution

plan for government