Chapter 1 Flashcards
(44 cards)
What do the solution to major problems faced by man?
Government
What are some major problems faced by man?
- Survival
2. Getting along with society
Define government
an institution through which society resolves conflicts and allocates resources
Define politics
a process by whereby collective decisions are made
What are some basic principles of government?
- It is the only legitimate institution that can exert force
- Government can obtain compliance through consent or force
- Individuals must lose freedom under a government
What are some basic objections to government?
- Certain groups are neglected
- In an emergency, government assumes too much power
- Citizens lose individual freedom
Why do we have government?
- Maintain social order
- Protect national security
- Provide for the collective good
What are some common assumptions about government?
- Public officials operate within the law
- Government decisions are responsive to public need
- Public officials are accountable
- Government belongs to the people
Define state (nation state)
a body of people living in a defined territory that is organized politically and has the power to make and enforce law without the consent of a higher authority
Nation States must have:
- population
- territory
- government
- sovereignty
Define sovereignty
supreme power within the borders
What is the problem with democracy?
The issue of balancing individual freedom against the collective good of all citizens
What are some factors that influence government?
- Nationalism
- Religion
- Private Property
- Popular culture
- Education
- Participation and Cooperation
How can religion influence government?
It can:
- re-enforce nationalism
- provide an ideology for conquest
- set limits on wants
How is private property an influence on government?
- It is a conservative force
2. It discourages riot and civil disorder
How does popular culture influence government?
It gives us a sense of belonging
How does education influence government?
- Trains workers, who are voters
2. Affects the educated’s morality
How does participation and cooperation influence government?
It has more influence on a democracy
What theories are behind the origins of the state?
- The Force Theory
- Evolutionary Theory
- Divine Theory
- Social Contract Theory
What does The Force Theory say?
Someone must eventually become leader by force
What does the Evolutionary Theory say?
The state grew from a family situation to a government as generations grew
What does the Divine Theory say?
God has chosen these people to rule
What is another name for the Divine Theory?
“The Divine Right of Kings”
What does the Social Contract Theory say?
Government is in agreement with the people
