These U.S. Government Lecture Notes cover the key aspects of the American political system, including the Constitution, the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, civil rights and liberties, political participation (elections, parties, and interest groups), public policy, and t...
Introduction to Government -
The government is an institution in which the state makes public decisions, maintains
social order & safety, enforces decisions, & gives civilians rights/ responsibilities.
A citizen is a member of a nation/city/town who is entitled to its rights & privileges.
With entitlement can come certain responsibilities. To be informed, responsible, & active.
Principles of Government -
Characteristics of a state involve a population. & defined territory. A government that
can enforce laws and does not have to ask permission from a higher authority.
EVOLUTIONARY THEORY -
Believes that the earliest form of government stemmed from the family. The father is
considered the head of the family. Therefore, he “governed” the family. When multiple
families made a community, the same type of organization was set up among families.
FORCE THEORY -
First governments were established by the use of weapons. A small group was put in
charge to maintain order within the community by use of force.
DIVINE RIGHT THEORY - The “ruler” believes they were given power by god or that they
were chosen by a god or gods. Many ancient civilians and European civilizations were
founded upon this belief.
SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY - Created by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Believed that an
agreement existed between subjects and rulers. If the ruler did not hold up his end of the
agreement-subjects could overthrow the ruler.
Systems of Government -
- There are three basic systems of government: military, confection, and
federal. By answering the question “who governs?” should allow you to
know what type of government it is.
UNITARY GOVERNMENT : National government holds all the power, sets up state or
regional governments to make/enforce laws, and is used by modern European countries and
the U.S.
, CONFEDERATION GOVERNMENT: Loose union of independent states ( Articles of
Confederation ) & each state had individual power
FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT: Divides governmental powers between state and
national government. This is a widely used form of government by over 25 nations including
the U.S.
Types of Government -
In autocracy, ONE person holds all the power, the oldest form of government but includes
absolute monarchs, and constitutional monarchs which Great Britain has today.
Oligarchy, a small group of people, rules with absolute power. Sometimes these
governments will hold elections, but the only people running for office are members of the
oligarchy.
Democracy - the people rule
Direct Democracy - Individual citizens vote on issues of the government during meetings
that all citizens can attend. Very FEW places are small enough that this actually works.
Representatives Democracy - a process in which representatives are elected in order to
govern a community or state. Voters, therefore, give the power to the representatives to make laws
within the state or nation.
Foundations of American Democracy -
Magna Carta :
“ The Great Charter” Signed by King John in 1215, Nobles were being abused by King, FIRST
FORM OF LIMITED GOVERNMENT
● Jump 400 years~
House of Burgesses :
The government was formed by Jamestown colonists (1619), each plantation had 2
representatives, reps were known as Burgesses, First form of Representative Democracy in the
U.S.
● Mayflower Compact~
Signed by passengers of the Mayflower in 1620, makes “ just and equal laws” for the
community, First form of Direct Democracy in the U.S.
● Parliament~
Britain’s legislature, makes laws & governs the country, and is split into two houses
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