Principles of Government

Question 1

What is government?

Answer 1

• The institution through which society makes and enforces its public policies
• Includes people who use their powers and those who have control over people

Question 2

What is civics?

Answer 2

• The study of citizenship and government

- Educates about obligations and rights within a government

Question 3

What are public policies?

Answer 3

Everything the government does

Question 4

What is a constitution?

Answer 4

Body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures and processes of a government

• Outlines the powers of a government
• Written government plan

Question 5

What are the 4 ways government acquire power?

Answer 5

• Force Theory
• Evolutionary Theory
• Divine Right Theory
• Social Contract Theory

Question 6

What are the four purposed of government?

Answer 6

• Keeping Order
• Providing security
• Providing public services
• Guide the community

Question 7

What are the three basic kinds of government power?

Answer 7

• Legislative
• Judicial
• Executive

Question 8

Describe the “Force Theory”

Answer 8

-Claiming control over an area of land and everyone living there is forced to submit to their rule

Question 9

Describe the “Evolutionary Theory”

Answer 9

• Says that The State developed naturally and that primitive families developed into tribes with a leader.
• Also says that The State began when agriculture began

Question 10

Describe the “Divine Right Theory”

Answer 10

• God created the territory and God gave those of royal birth the right to rule.
• Have to obey the ruler as you would God

Question 11

Describe the “Social Contract Theory”

Answer 11

• People voluntary agree with one another to create government. It should serve the will of the people.
• If the government abuses its power, the people may abolish it

Question 12

How does a government Keep Order?

Answer 12

It passes and enforces laws and establishes and maintains a court system

Question 13

How does a government Provide Security?

Answer 13

Prevents and fights crime and protects citizens from foreign attacks

Question 14

How does a government Provide Public Services?

Answer 14

It sets up libraries, schools, hospitals, and provides public safety (fire department, Ambulance service)

Question 15

How does a government guide the community?

Answer 15

-Managing the economy and conducting foreign relations

Question 16

Describe legislative powers

Answer 16

The power to make laws and shape public policy

Question 17

Describe Executive powers

Answer 17

Power to execute and enforce laws as well as to administer them

Question 18

Describe judicial powers

Answer 18

Power to interpret laws and settle disputes about the laws