Everyone is free to make rational (good) or irrational (bad) decisions.
Ambition and mistrust dominate.
No one enforces rules or protects the people.
State of Nature
Rules are enforcedMinimizes irrational
choices
People are protectedIncreases survival
Add Government
Thomas Hobbes
"During the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such a war as is of every man against every man. . . .In such condition . . . the life of man [is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. "
- Thomas Hobbes, Philosopher
Theories of the Origin of Government
Evoluationary TheoryForce TheoryDivine Right TheorySocial Contract Theory
I. Origin (Creation) of Government
1. Evolution Theory Started with families The heads of these
families became the government.
Families grew=gov grew provide order and
protection.
Origin of Government
2. Force Theory An individual or
group claim control over a territory and forced the population to follow their laws.
Historical Examples
Mongol Empire Genghis Khan
conquered other nomadic tribes until he controlled all of Asia
Theories of Government
3. Divine Right Theory God created the
state, making it sovereign.
The government is appointed by god
The population must obey their ruler.
Historical Examples
Persuasion/Rewards Mandate of Heaven (China, 1100’s BCE)
the Chinese ruler was the “son of heaven” and had authority so long as he ruled in morally.
Divine Right of Kings (Europe, 1500’s) monarchs represented God on Earth and did not have to answer the people because they answered to God.
Origins of Government
4. Social Contract Theory (Hobbes)
People agree to give up some of their rights
The government agrees to provide order and security
Historical Examples
The United States of AmericaThe Constitution limits some of our rights and
grants authority to the elected leadersThe leaders protect our remaining rights
Brainstorming
Try and think of 3-4 broad categories that government should be responsible for. From there, think of more detailed responsibilities that fit within each category.
Government
Category 4
Category 3
Category 2
Category 1
What Should Governments Do?
A. Maintain order
B. Provide national security
C. Provide public services
D. Make economic decisions
E. Secure our rights
John Locke
Social ContractPeople have natural
rights Life, liberty, property
People have the right to rebel if gov does not protect natural rights
Gov should have branches to balance power
Top Related