HMH I R chp 1

Definition of Government
- Government is the formal structures and institutions through which decisions are made for a body of people.
- Composed of three components:
  - People: Elected officials and public servants.
  - Powers: Authority to enact laws and enforce policies.
  - Policies: Decisions made to achieve goals, e.g., laws and programs.

Definition of a State: A political community comprised of people within a clearly defined territory.
Four Characteristics of a State:
1. Territory: Recognized land with borders.
2. Population: Group of people residing in that territory.
3. Government: Authority that creates and enforces laws.
4. Sovereignty: The supreme power to operate without external interference.

National Security: Protecting the state and its citizens against threats.
Maintaining Order: Establishing and enforcing laws to protect people and property.
Resolving Conflict: Utilizing politics to mediate differing interests within society.
Providing Services: Funding public necessities like education, housing, and infrastructure through taxes.
Providing for Public Good: Regulating areas like food safety for the welfare of all citizens, always reassessing public definitions of "good."

Legitimacy: The perception that rulers possess the right to govern.
Divine Right of Kings: Historical claim that monarchs derived authority directly from God.
Natural Law: Early philosophical concept suggesting inherent rights.
Social Contract Theory: Concept stating first governments arose from agreements among people to submit to authority for protection of rights.
Philosophers: Key figures like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau discussed ideas of governance and social contracts.

Monarchy: A government led by one hereditary ruler.
- Absolute Monarchy: Unrestricted power held by the monarch.
- Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch's powers are limited by law.
Dictatorship: Power held by a single ruler (dictator) or a small group (oligarchy).
- Totalitarian Governments: Control exists over every aspect of daily life, including politics, religion, and economy.
Democracy: Direct democracy allows citizen participation in discussions and votes directly, while representative democracy (republic) involves electing officials to represent the populace.
Organizing National Power:
- Unitary System: Authority centralized in a national government.
- Federal System: Power divided between national and regional governments, where neither can abolish the other.
- Confederal System: Independent states maintain sovereignty while collaborating for common goals.

Three Ideals:
1. Liberty: The freedom to act without infringing on others' rights; protected by the Bill of Rights.
2. Equality: All individuals are entitled to fair treatment under the law, although historically challenged for certain groups.
3. Self-Government: Belief in the ability of ordinary people to govern themselves; rooted in the Declaration of Independence.

Individual Worth: Each person's potential is valued.
Rule of Law: Nobody is above the law, ensuring fairness in governance.
Majority & Minority Rights: Respecting majority rule while protecting minority rights; demonstrating characteristics of liberal democracy.
Compromise: Essential for addressing diverse societal needs.
Citizen Participation: Informed participation in the political process is critical.

Economic Freedom: Central to the American free enterprise system, allowing businesses and individuals to make economic choices.
Limited Government Role: Minimal government involvement fosters competition and innovation within the market.
Evolving Economic Conditions: Some government intervention becomes necessary as the economy changes, though it remains largely open.