Government of the People, by the People, for the People

Chapter 1 Section 1 Notes

Without government to make and enforce laws, we would live in a state of confusion, violence and fear.

We would also struggle to meet our needs entirely on our own.

Government makes it possible for people to live together peacefully and productively

The Need for Government

There are 3 main functions of governmentKeeping Order and Providing

SecurityProviding Public ServicesGuiding the Community

The Functions of Government

Governments make laws to help prevent conflicts and settle conflicts that arise.

Governments have the power to enforce laws

Court systems also determine whether or not people are innocent and decide punishment if found guilty.

The government also defends citizens and their land from enemies. (The Armed Forces)

Keeping Order and Providing Security

Governments provide many servicesThey create libraries, schools, hospitals, p arks

and recreation centersDevelop systems of mass transit and supply

water to homes.Build and repair streets, erect bridges, collect

garbage and deliver mailMany services are aimed at keeping the public

healthy and safe.Governments also give help to needy people

Providing Public Services

Governments formulate public policy.They must create a budgetDevelop relationships with neighbors and

other outsiders.International trade, travel, and military pacts

are all part of public policy

Guiding the Community

In the United States there are 3 levels of government.1. National/Federal Government-Decides

matters for the entire country.2. State Government- decides matters for

people within a particular state3. Local Government- decides matters for

people within a county city or town.

Levels of Government

The concept of democracy was established more than 2,500 years ago in ancient Greece and Rome

There are two types of democraciesDirect DemocracyRepresentative Democracy

The United States is the oldest representative democracy in the world!

Democratic Government

The power of the government comes from citizens

Americans rule the government by acting through representatives.

The purpose of the government is to make the United States a better place for those who live here.

Principles of American Democracy

All democracies have free, fair and competitive elections.

All people have an equal opportunity to develop their talents

Majority Rule

More Principles of Democracies