East Penn Academic Government Notes

How is government able to form? Government must be based on the consent of the people. People must be willing to give up certain freedoms in order for government to provide them certain protections. Governmental Relationships A unitary system means that power is in the hands of the national government, and that state and local governments are dependent on its will. A confederal system  is a loose union of independent states where the national governent can only do what the states permit it to do. A federal system  is when the power of government is shared between the national and state governments. Certain matters in which the national government is supreme and others in which the states are supreme.

What types of responsibilities does government have and which should it be responsible for? Purposes of Government Maintain social order Provide ways of resolving conflicts in society that could otherwise potentially cause disarray. Taxes, currency, court systems and drafts help to prevent chaos. Provide public services Things that make societal life possible and promote general welfare. Driving centers, police, and inspection of prescription drugs and food. Providing national security Protect people against attacks from orhter states or threats of terrorism Major concern in the 21st century, eespecially after 9/11. Making economic decisions Using power to pass laws and shape the economic environment of a state Distribute benefits and services to citizens Payments to farmers for crtain crops, tax preferences to certain industries, veteran hospitals

State and Government What is a state? A state is a political community in a specific territory operating independently of other governments. Our fifty states are not this type of state. Same as a country. What is a nation? A nation is a group of people united by bonds of race, language, custom, tradition, or religion. Does not need to be a country. Examples of a nation: Kurds, who reside mostly in Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey Basque, who inhabit parts of northern Spain and southern France What is a nation-state? A nation-state is when the territories of the nation and state are the same. Countries: France Japan Egypt Hungary What makes a state a state? Four primary categories: A permanent population Population fluctuations are acceptable Migratory people would not be considered a state An established territory The existence of pre-defined borders Examples: Spain, Canada, Chile, etc. Non-examples: ISIS Government Maint...