4. Definition of Government
The institution through
which a society makes and
enforces its public
policies.
A nation or territory
considered as an
organized political
community under one
government.
5. Characteristics a State?
PEOPLE
a body of people
TERRITORY
living in a defined territory
GOVERNMENT
Organized politically
SOVEREIGNTY
the power to make and enforce law without
the consent of a higher authority
6. III. Four (4) Theories on the
Origin of a State:
A). Force Theory
B). Divine Right Theory
C). Evolutionary Theory
D). Social Contract Theory
7. Force Theory
โข Idea that one person or a small group
claimed control over an area forcing all in
the area to submit to that person/groupโs
rule.
โข When that rule was established the basic
characteristics of the state were present
(people, territory, government,
sovereignty)
8. Divine Right Theory
โข This theory stated that God created the State and
that God had given those of royal birth a โdivine
rightโ to rule.
โข This was widely accepted in much of the Western
world from the 15th century through 18th century.
โข The people were bound to obey their ruler as
they would God (if they didnโt they were charged
with treason and it was a Mortal Sin!
9. Divine Right Theory Cont.
โข The Divine Right Theory was not unique to
European History.
โ Many ancient civilizations did, as well:
โข Chinese
โข Egyptian
โข Aztec
โข Mayan Civilizations
โข The Japanese emperor
10. Evolutionary Theory
1. This theory holds that the State evolved out
of the primitive family
2. Evolution to a network of families
3. The Clan becomes a Tribe
4. Tribe ends its nomadic ways, and takes up
agriculture, and the State was born.
Family ๏ Clan ๏ Tribe ๏ State
11. Social Contract Theory
1. Humans lived in a state of nature in which there
was no government and no one ruled another
person, however there was no one to protect
people from the aggression of another, SO they
were only as safe as they were smart & strong
2. Humans could overcome this by making an
agreement to give power up to a state
3. Free people gave up power and the state rose
out of that.
12. Government Systems
โข The relationship
between a nationโs
central government
and its smaller
governmental
divisions can be
described as either
unitary or federal.
13. Unitary System
โข Gives all key powers
to the national or
central government.
โข This doesnโt mean that
there are not other
levels to the
government.
โข The other levels may
have limited
sovereignty.
โข Examples are Great
Britain and France
14. Federal Systems
โข Divides the power of
government between the
national government and
state or provincial
governments.
โข Each level has same
sovereignty
โข Examples are United States,
Canada, Switzerland,
Mexico, Australia, India, and
Russia.
16. Autocracy
Any system of government
in which the power and
authority to rule are in the
hands of a single
individuals.
Examples
1. Dictatorship
2. Absolute Monarch
18. Constitutional Monarchs
โข Share governmental
powers with elected
legislatures or serve
mainly as the
ceremonial leaders of
their government.
โข Ex. Great Britain and
Queen Elizabeth
19. Oligarchy
โข Any system of
government in which
a small group holds
power.
โข Derives its power
from wealth, military
power, social position
or a combination of
these elements
20. Democracy
โข Any system of
government in which
rule is by the people.
โข Two Forms:
โ Direct Democracy-
voting on issues
individually as citizens
โ Representative-people
elect leader to vote on
their behalf.
21. Characteristics of Democracy
1. Individual Liberty
2. Majority Rule with
Minority Rights
3. Free Elections
4. Competing Political
Parties
5. Equally Opportunity
6. Protect the right of the
few.
7. โone person, one voteโ
8. Choice and
accountability
