The Origins and Evolution of American Views of Government Chapter 4 Outline Introduction When the U S government was created the founding fathers had no idea what was coming in terms of technology and growth The majority of the population lived on farms when America was born o These people were sustained on what they produced on their farms vs commerce o They received little from the government o Taxes were low o Didn t really care much about government or decision making Today the majority of Americans live in metropolitan areas and much has changed since then Our government has seen many changes since the Revolutionary Era Different states reached these different periods at different times and the dates represent the dominant tone of the time No Government Period 1776 to 1850 Families are self dependent but you can count on your neighbors There is a sense of community Government is not an institution that you turn to when there is trouble When you have contact with any government it usually affects you adversely The best government is the least government Government should do what it traditionally has done very little o Other facts Central government had to take the lead after the revolution because there were external threats from other countries Even though the state and county government undertook substantial infrastructure projects the average American living on a farm had very little interaction with the government If you needed a service you typically did it on your own Rarely completely tax forms or paperwork Sometimes you reported marriages and births Maybe cooperated with county clerks when there was theft property disputes and deaths Accountability with government workers didn t really matter to people because they were so unaffected by the government if you lived on a farm and did whatever you wanted TRADITIONAL government government defined ownership of property kept records and protected property THE BEST GOVERNMENT WAS THE LEAST GOVERNMENT Municipal Government Period 1850 1895 Government can help solve problems especially local government because it Candidates are more likely to gain voter support if they promise certain Those who win public office can make decisions affecting everyone elections is close to the people actions if elected matter By being organized you can win elections Inefficiency and corruption in government can cost individuals higher
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