Characteristics of Government:

Governments have:

Power: the ability to exercise control

Authority: Power given to individuals in

government to carry out specific duties

Legitimacy: Citizens and other nations

recognize and respect the Power and
Authority of the government

Sovereignty: The right of a geographical

area to rule itself without other countries
exerting control over it.

“Ask not what your country can do for

you; ask what you can do for your
country.”
-John F. Kennedy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLdA1ikkoEc&feature=related

Actually, John, let’s ask: what does our

country do for us? What is the purpose of
even having a government? Why do we allow
others (the govt) to exert power and
authority over us (the citizens)?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IblL_rXpdu8&feature=fvw

Purposes of Government
A)Protection
-Governments protect their
citizens and their interests
Ex: Police, Military
B) Maintain Public Order
-Governments seek to keep
their citizens from hurting
each other
Ex: Laws
C) Resolve Social
Conflicts
-Governments try to
promote fairness in society
Ex: Courts
D) Stabilize the
Economy
-Governments regulate the
economy to keep it growing
Ex: Taxes, Interest
Rates
 E) Provide Public Service
-Governments provide their
citizens with several
benefits
Ex: Schools, Welfare

Assignment: Find a news article that

illustrates the US government
fulfilling one or more of the purposes
of government

OK, John, so what can I do for my

country? What is the trade-off?

Citizens’ role in civic life:

– Pay taxes
– Participate in governing (vote, jury duty, civil

service/military service)
– Engage in politics
• Run for office/ support a campaign

• Influence change in government

✔ promote the common good
✔ advance solutions to public problems

✔ achieve justice
✔ promote self-interest
For a government to keep Power and
Authority, Citizens must respect and obey
it (Legitimacy). Therefore, there is a
constant relationship between the
government and the governed.
-Some governments keep power and authority
by keeping their citizens happy …
…others keep power and authority by
force!