Government: Cornerstone of Civilized Society

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Government Cornerstone of Civilized Society

• Mr. Oberholtzer
• Dictator of K-212

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Government

• Governmenta political organization comprising
  individuals and institutions authorized to
  formulate public policies and conduct affairs of
  state
• Government regulates the behavior of its
  citizens and forms the supreme administrative
  body of the state
• Government does what the individual cannot do!

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History of Government

• Government has existed since the dawn of
  civilization
• In order for human beings to live harmoniously
  with each other, some regulatory agency is needed
• Government acts in the common interest
• Government minimizes conflict and maximizes
  cooperation
• Government is Good!

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Early Governments

• The first governments were tribal chiefs and
  elders who guided our early human groups
• Early civilizations featured kings who ruled
  despotically for their own ends, ignoring the
  will of the people.
• Government in the ancient world generally was
  about the perpetuation of power!

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What is Government About?

• All governments rely on a combination of consent
  and force
• All governments rationalize the societies they
  represent!
• The objective of government is to provide for the
  general welfare of all!
• Includes military defense, formation of laws and
  administration of justice, promotion of civic
  peace and the provision of a forum for people to
  live their lives in peace.

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The Greeks, Romans Government and Rule of Law

• The early Greeks were the first to think about
  the nature of good government
• Platothe first political scientist, wrote The
  Republic, a blueprint for a perfect society
• Both Greeks and Romans developed a concept known
  as the Rule of Law, the idea that laws are to be
  obeyed by all, for the betterment of society

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Government in America

• American ideas on government are rooted in the
  18th century Enlightenment
• Most influential thinker was Englishman John
  Locke government needs the consent of the
  governed in order to function!
• Social Contract- voluntary agreement between the
  people and their government. When government
  fails to deliver on its promises, the people
  have the right to overthrow it! Locke stated that
  man was meant by God to govern himself in this
  manner.

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American Democracy

• Thomas Jefferson borrowed from Locke in drafting
  the Declaration of Independence
• The operating principle of American democracy is
  consent of the governed without this the
  government is illegitimate!
• Sovereignty is with the people! Government is a
  servant of the people!
• The concept of Social Contract is in our
  Constitution.

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What is Good Government?

• Good Government provides for the general welfare
  of all
• Good Government reflects the popular will of the
  people
• Good Government achieves what the individual
  cannot for the greater good
• Good Government rationalizes society, organizes
  and regulates activity to reduce conflict and
  increase cooperation