A brief review about political philosophy

1. A short guide to political
philosophies

2. Key words and ideas
• State
• Sovereign
• Constitution
• Divine right
• Absolutism
• Evolution
• Social contract
• Preamble
• Natural Rights
• Popular sovereignty

3. • State/Country: refers to a large nation
with its own government and economy.
• Constitution: a body of fundamental
principles or established precedents
according to which a state or other
organization is acknowledged to be
governed.
• Theocracy: a system of government in
which priests rule in the name of God or a
god.

4. Sovereign: a : one possessing or held to
possess supreme political power
or sovereignty. b : one that exercises
supreme authority within a limited sphere.
Popular sovereignty is the principle that the
authority of a state and its government are
created and sustained by the consent of its
people, through their elected representatives
(rule by the people), who are the source of
all political power.

5. Government and the State
• Q: What is government?
• A: institutions through which a country or society
makes and enforces policy.
• Q: Why do people need governments?
• A: protection, maintain public order, conflict
resolution, ensure economic stability, provides
basic public services.
• Q: What are the different parts of government?
• A: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

6. • Secularism: secularism is the principle of the
separation of government institutions and
persons mandated to represent the state from
religious institution and religious dignitaries (the
attainment of such is termed secularity).
• Liberalism: Liberalism is a political and moral
philosophy based on liberty, consent of the
governed and equality before the law
• Westernization: the social process of becoming
familiar with or converting to the customs and
practices of Western civilization.

7. Theories of Government
Evolution Theory-
Parental rule transforms into tribal rule where the strongest
naturally become leaders.
Force Theory-
Base on conquest and subjugation. Weaker
groups are forced to submit to stronger ones.
Divine Rights Theory-
God selects the rulers usually absolute monarchy.
Faith in an interpersonal God is required
We give up our right to ourselves exact retribution for
crimes in return for impartial justice backed by
overwhelming force. We retain the right to life and liberty,
and gain the right to just, impartial protection of our
property .
Social Contract-

8. Principals of Government
• Elites: People who hold power in society
• Marxist Ideology: The capitalist owners have the power
and government a tool to control the masses. (proletariat
and bourgeoisie)
• Power elite: Business owners and heads of corporations,
top military generals and government officials
• Bureaucrats: government officials who work behind the
scenes usually unanswerable to the public
• Pluralist society: many have the chance to influence
public policy

9. Geographic Distribution of Power
• Unitarian Government: Power all centrally
located. Eg. Great Britain
• Federal System: Power divided between a
central and several state and or local
governments Eg. United States
• Confederation: A loose alliance among
several nations or states brought together
for common interests such as defense and
economic prosperity. Eg. CSA and Delian
League

10. Types of Governments
• Democracy
• Republican
• Constitutional
Monarchy
• Dictatorship
• Oligarchy
• Aristocracy
• Absolute
Monarchy
• Theocracy
• One Party Rule

11. Legislative and Executive Branches of
Government
B. Presidential
*Legislative and executive powers
combined
Chief Executive is the Prime Minister
* Member of Legislature
* Leader of Majority
Party
•Chosen by Party
•No Fixed Term
* Separates Legislative & Executive
* President
* Checks and Balances
* Popular Vote
* Fixed term
A. Parliamentary