Foundations of Government

What would your life be like without government?

Government Defined

Institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

3 Branches of Government:– Legislative power: to make laws– Executive power: to enforce laws– Judicial power: to interpret laws

Types of Government

Dictatorship: ultimate power is held by one individual

Democracy: power comes from a majority of the people.

There are more than 190 countries in the world today. Each government is unique to that country.

President Barack Obama

Vice President Joe Bidon

Classifying Governments

The three criteria are:– Who can participate in the governing

process?– Geographic distribution of power within the

country.– Relationship between the legislative and

executive branches of government.

What Makes a State?

A body of people, living a defined territory, organized politically (with a government) and with the power to make and enforce law.

Characteristics of a state:– Population: people– Territory: land– Sovereignty: independence, right to rule– Government: political organization

Federalism/Federal Government

Powers of the government are divided between a central government AND several local governments.

Example:– Washington D.C.– State of Minnesota– City of St. Paul

Senator Al Franken

Senator Amy Klobuchar

Purpose(s) of Government

Form a More Perfect Union-strengthen and improve the nation

Establish Justice-ensure that the system of laws is equitable, reasonable and just.

Insure Domestic Tranquility-keep the peace at “home”

Purpose(s) of Government

Provide for the Common Defense- defending the U.S. against foreign enemies.

Promote the General Welfare-support the well-being, prosperity and happiness of all people.

Secure the Blessings of Liberty -to make sure everyone is safe and to supply protection for all.

How did the U.S. Government Begin? U.S. was once a colony of Britain 13 original colonies Colonists were upset over the taxes

they had to pay to the British. Colonists sent delegates to the First and

Second Continental Congress. Second Continental Congress became

the first government of the U.S.

A Declaration

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776

Independence from Britain Articles of Confederation: first attempt at

a governing document.

George Washington

Benjamin Franklin

A Stronger Government

Articles of Confederation were very weak. Meetings were held in Philadelphia to create

a Constitution– Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were

part of this group Virginia Plan: House of Representatives

based on population of each state New Jersey Plan: Senate based on an equal

number of representatives.

The Constitution Becomes Law

Ratify: to accept Delaware becomes the first state The constitution is ratified by all the

states on June 21, 1788. George Washington becomes the first

president of the U.S. in 1789.

Governor Mark Dayton

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman