U. S. Government

Unit 1

What is government?

Definitions: -the political direction and control

exercised over the actions of the members, citizens, or inhabitants of communities, societies and states

-the form or system of rule by which a state, community, etc. is governed

Fancy word for – who’s in charge?

Why is government necessary?

Keep peace Trade with other countries Law and order among citizens Citizen’s rights protected

Earliest Governments

The majority of early governments started with a monarchy – supreme power or sovereignty held by a single person, usually a king or queen

Many citizens and rulers considered the king or queen a direct representative of the divine.

New forms of government began to arise in ancient Greece and Rome.

Greece

Greece became split into city-states, where government was up to each.

Some would become a monarchy Some would be an oligarchy, political

power rest with few Some would be a democracy, political

power rests with all. Athen’s constitution is considered a

democratic one because it is in the interests of all citizens.

Jewish Ten Commandments - Moses

“I am the Lord your God…You shall have no other gods before me.

You shall not make for yourself a carved image… You shall not take the name of the Lord your God

in vain… Remember the Sabbath… Honor your father and mother… You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness… You shall not covet…”

Rome

Rome started out in its earliest days as a monarchy

Rome took many ideas from the Greeks.

They created a form of republic. The senate had a lot of political

influence Rome also had a balance of power

between three branches of government.

Religion and Government

For many early countries and civilizations religion and government went hand in hand.

Many of the citizens were required to follow the religion of the land they lived in.

In Greece, worship of the Greek gods was required…etc.

When Jewish lands became part of the Roman empire, they would not worship foreign gods.

Christianity and Muslim influences have clashed for hundreds of years. Many wars have been fought between countries and regions.

Religion and Government

Why does it matter?

Religion and Government

In the colonies, religious groups were some of the very first to set up their own government.

Rule of Law

Should the authority figures have to obey the laws just like the civilians? Or are they above the law somehow?

Many governments would have to figure out this dilemma.

Why do you think we should study government?

Write down your thoughts on this.

My goal with this class is to help you understand how our government works and help you make educated decisions when it comes to voting for representatives and laws.