WHERE Does government get it's power?

Governments get their power from several sources which can vary depending on the type of government and the political theory that society subscribes to. Here are three common sources:

1. Social Contract: Many governments operate under the concept of a social contract, which is the idea that people give up certain freedoms and submit to government authority in exchange for protection and the maintenance of social order. This idea is deeply rooted in political philosophy and has been popularized by thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. According to this theory, the power of government is derived from the consent of the governed.

2. Constitution or Legal Framework: In many modern states, the government's power is outlined and limited by a constitution or similar foundational legal document which establishes the structure, functions, and limitations of the government. Citizens and representatives come together to create this constitution which serves as the highest legal authority.

3. Democratic Processes: In democracies, governments often derive their power from the will of the people, exercised through voting and free elections. The citizens elect their leaders and representatives, who are then granted the authority to govern. This system is based on the concept of popular sovereignty, where the people are the ultimate source of governmental power.

Extra: Governments and their powers are central to how societies are organized and operated. Here is some expanded information on the concepts mentioned above:

1. **Social Contract Theory**: This is a philosophical idea that originates from the Enlightenment period. The proponents of this theory argued that the state of nature was solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short, according to Thomas Hobbes. To escape this state, humans came together to form societies and governments by mutually consenting to surrender some of their freedoms in exchange for order and protection.

2. **Constitution or Legal Framework**: A constitution is a body of fundamental principles according to which a state is to be governed. It can be written or unwritten, comprehensive or framework-oriented. This document establishes governmental structures, procedures, powers, and duties, as well as the fundamental rights of citizens. In many countries, the constitution also includes checks and balances to prevent any branch of government from becoming too powerful.

3. **Democratic Processes**: This term refers to the ways in which citizens in a democracy express their will such as through voting in elections, referendums, or participating in civic activities. The concept of democracy is predicated on the ideals of political equality, majority rule, and the protection of minority rights. In a democratic system, the legitimacy of the government is closely tied to its adherence to democratic processes and principles.

It's important for students to understand that the source of a government's power varies by country and the structure of its legal and political system. It’s also necessary for the students to recognize that governments can only function effectively if they maintain the trust and confidence of their citizens, and if they operate within the limits of the power granted to them by laws and constitutions.