“If men were angels, no government would be needed.” James Madison – Federalist 10

Origins of Government Two Schools of Thought Classical Republicanism Aristotle Human nature is good Humans are not self-sufficient, we desire to live in groups The “General Will” is the top priority Decisions based on what is good for all Few laws needed Natural Rights Theorists Thomas Hobbes and John Locke Humans desire to live as individuals, naturally free and equal. State of War naturally exists between humans. Self interest preservation is the top priority Laws needed to protect humans from each other

What is Government? Government is the institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

Government Theories – Where did government come from? The Force Theory: The force theory states that one person or a small group took control of an area and forced all within it to submit to that person’s or group’s rule. Example: Dictators

The Evolutionary Theory The evolutionary theory argues that government evolved naturally out of the early family. The leader of the family expanded their power as the family expanded. Example: Native American Tribes

The Divine Right Theory The theory of divine right holds that God created the government and that God gives those of royal birth a “divine right” to rule. Example: European Monarchs

Social Contract Theory The social contract theory argues that the government arose out of a voluntary act of free people in the interest of protection. People agree to give up certain freedoms in order to be protected from one another. Example: Democracy