Ch.1.2
How the Government Serves the State
What is the purpose of government?
1.
Maintain social order-
2.
Provide public services
3.
Provide for national security and a common defense
4.
Provide for and control the economic system
1.
Maintain social order
-Social contract theory- Locke
People cannot live in groups without conflict
Therefore government must intervene on the public’s behalf
make laws
Effective government will allow citizens to:
-plan for the future
-get an education
-raise a family
-live orderly lives
2.
Provide public services
-government provides what citizens can’t
-sewer systems
-public parks
-mass transit
(BUT should allow citizens who can provide for themselves to do
so)
-in addition government should make and enforce laws
promote public health and safety
-police and fire services
-driving test to get a license

3.
Protect against the threat of attack
-prevent attacks both from inside the U.S. and from outside the
U.S.
-the U.S. spends $300 Billion/yr.
(1/4 of the budget is spent on defense)
-exclusive power to make treaties
4.
Provide for and control economic system
-distribute benefits to citizens
farm subsidies
tax benefits
-stimulate economic growth
-control inflation
-encourage trade
Politics- The effort to control or influence conduct and policies of
government
a way to manage conflicts in society
a peaceful way to compete
Ex: Letter to the editor
Voting
Voicing your opinion at a council meeting
Helping someone to get elected
The reputation of politics and politicians is one of being corrupt, self-serving, or dishonest
-this takes away from the good that is being done and the honest
politicians
The Constitution is meant to curb corruption and dishonesty

Constitution - a plan that provides the rule of government
3 parts:
1. Sets ideals- statement of goals
2. Establishes the framework of government and defines powers and duties
3. Supreme law of the country
Constitutional government a framework that set limits on government
-China has a constitution, but does not have limits placed on it government
Constitutional monarchy a framework that sets limits on the power of a
King or Queen
-Great Britain has a Queen with limited powers spelled out in the constitution