THE FOUR THEORIES OF STATE CREATION CHAPTER 1 SECTION 1
FORCE THEORY Explanation: A person or small group claimed control over an area and forced all within it to submit to that person’s or group’s rule. Historical Background: Comes from the theory of Anarchism and Marxism. Main goal is for the strong to oppress the weak. Main proponent: Karl Marx Type of Government Supported: Dictatorship Country Example: Cuba
EVOLUTIONARY THEORY Explanation: The state developed naturally out of the early family. Historical Background: Used by Anthropologists and sociologists to explain human social behaviors and tendencies. Type of Government Supported: Bands, chiefdoms, and tribes. Country Example: Native American tribes Main proponent: No one theorist.
DIVINE RIGHT THEORY Explanation: God created the state and God gives those of royal birth the right to rule. Historical Background: Government created to serve God. Theory originated in the 1600s. Type of Government Supported: Absolute Monarchy Main proponent: Thomas Hobbes Country Example: Current: Saudi Arabia Old: France under Louis XIV
SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY Explanation: The state arose out of a voluntary act of free people. Historical Background: Theory is as old as philosophy itself. Government is deliberately created by people for protection of their lives and security. Type of Government Supported: Democracy Main proponent: John Locke Country Example: United States