Unit 1: Power, Politics, and Government

A political community united by common bonds that occupies a definite territory and has organized government that can make and enforce laws without approval from any higher authority.

1. Population  Every country needs citizens!  These citizens may be united by race, language, custom, tradition, religion, or a combination of these factors How does a population affect the stability of a state?

2. Territory  Established boundaries  How can territories be determined?  War  Negotiations  Purchase

3. Sovereignty  The state must have supreme authority within the state  The state must be independent, power to make laws, and be able to shape foreign policy. No state has the right to interfere with the internal affairs of another state.

4. Government  The institution through which the state:  Maintains social order  Provides public services  Enforces decisions

Force Theory Evolutionary Theory Divine Right Social Contract

Government =extension of family relationships. Even in prehistoric times, families were organized under a system that gave parents authority over children. Over time, families banded together to form tribes. Parental rule  Tribal rule Evolutionary Theory

Government =the result of one group's conquest of another. The victorious group would then impose its rules on the conquered group, forcing it into submission. Force Theory

Governments were established by rulers who were thought to inherit their power from God. Once blessed with this power, the royal family and its heirs become God's representation on Earth. Defying the ruler wasn’t just a crime, but a sin! Divine Right

“…for kings are not only God’s lieutenants on Earth, and sit upon God’s throne, but even by God himself are called gods.” - King James I

 A “give-and-take” agreement between the government and the people.  The government agrees to provide the people with certain rights in return for giving up certain freedoms.  By agreeing to cooperate with each other and follow a set of rules, people brought order and safety to their lives. Social Contract

 If Cliff Lee enters into a contract with the owners of the Phillies, what does this obligate him to do?  What does it obligate the owners of the team to do?  A CONTRACT is an agreement in which there are agreed upon rules/regulations that are to be followed and honored. A CONTRACT promotes the COMMON GOOD: what is good for both parties/all people involved.

Have you ever played a game in which people didn’t follow the rules?

 Think of a world where there are no rules, laws, government, or civilization.  People could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, with no consequences.  What would this world be like?  A STATE OF NATURE is a hypothetical place in which people are unrestrained by any higher power.  We agree to a “social contract” with our government to ensure that our natural rights are protected.

Thomas “Not to be confused with Calvin and” Hobbes John Locke (aka J.Lo, aka NOT the bald guy from Lost)

 Your task is to explain the similarities and differences of Locke and Hobbes in their views of the relationship between government and citizens.  As you read the article, you should complete your Social Contract Theorists “T-chart”.  You should work with a partner to complete your task. Please arrange your desks so that you are facing opposite from your partner.  You have 15 minutes…starting NOW!

Thought that humans were naturally selfish, rude, and needed to be controlled. In nature, men were always fighting, alone, poor, nasty and lived short lives. Government exists because men are naturally evil and needed a higher power to keep them in line. Once a king comes to power, they cannot/should not be overthrown. Thought that humans were basically good and would do what’s best for the common good (with a few exceptions). In nature, men were all equal and sensible. Government existed in order to protect natural rights: LIFE, LIBERTY, and PROPERTY. Once a government comes to power, the people can overthrow it if it does not protect the rights of its citizens.

Social Contract: A Visual Montage  Your next task is to create a visual illustration of the opposing views of Hobbes and Locke.  You will create a montage that explains both Locke and Hobbes’ views of human nature AND the relationship between government and its citizens.  You will pair up with another pair, creating groups of 4. It is recommended that one person is in charge of 1 section of your montage. For example, your poster may look like this: Hobbes’ Ideas of Gov’t Locke’s Ideas of Gov’t Locke’s View of Nature Hobbes’ View of Nature

What did Hobbes imagine the state of nature to look like? What were men like? What was the environment like? What did Locke imagine the state of nature to look like? What were men like? What was the environment like? For Hobbes, what was the purpose of government? Who should rule? Why? For Locke, what was the purpose of government? Who should rule? Why?  Remember, this is just a suggestion- be creative!  If your poster includes all of these components, you’re on the right track. Make sure each scene is LABELED.  You have 45 minutes…starting NOW!

Your poster will be graded on the accuracy and effort of each depiction. Remember, you aren’t being graded on your artistic ability- just show me what you know! 5 points (Accuracy) + 5 points (Effort) = 10 points per scene. 10 x 4= 40 POINTS TOTAL