Intro to Civics Pt. 2

Origins of the State Force Theory: the state was born through force as soon as the strong preyed on the weak Evolutionary Theory: the state evolved out of the basic human family, which some claim to be the smallest unit of government Divine Right Theory: God created the state and gave those of royal birth the right to rule the state Social Contract Theory: government emerged when free men agreed to give up some freedom for safety

The Purpose of Government Libertarians, who favor minimal government, claim that government should exist solely to protect basic freedoms Leftists/Liberals will claim that the role of government should include providing people with social welfare The U.S. government provides a basic safety net and attempts to steer economic growth, though to a lesser degree than other first world countries

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” -Preamble to the Constitution of the United States

Purpose of U.S. Gov’t “Form a More Perfect Union”: to bind all the states and prevent the nation from being fragmented “Establish Justice”: to make sure that laws are reasonable, fair, and impartial “Insure Domestic Tranquility”: provide order within the country and avoid anarchy “Provide for the Common Defense”: protect America against foreign enemies

Purpose of U.S. Gov’t cont. “Promote the General Welfare”: to provide society with basic services that are of benefit to the nation (mail service, public schools, maintain a clean environment, etc) “Secure the Blessings of Liberty”: to make sure that basic liberties are protected for Americans