Foundations of Government Part 3: Theories of Government Part 4: The State of Nature

Review What are the essential features of a state? What are the purposes of government? 3rd question: So how does a government come to be?

Theories of Government There are four theories on how government emerges. Evolutionary Divine Right Force Social Contract

Evolutionary Theory A government evolves from the family unit. Using the primitive family unit, in which the head of the family would equal the head of the government. Example: The daimyo (大名) The daimyo were clan lords in pre-modern Japan, similar to feudal lords, but different because they were also the heads of major families within the major regions Japan. These lords were chosen by the shogun to control the countryside, often wound up causing chaos there, thought closed ranks quickly to overpower the shogun on multiple opportunities. This lasted until they were reorganized during the Tokugawa shogunate.

Divine Right The head authority is given their power by a divine power. The rulers in the ancient cultures of the Egyptians and the Aztecs, for example, were descended from gods, while in Europe and China, the rulers were chosen by gods.

Force Theory States and their governments are born out of necessity. Decisions and protection were needed causing, or “forcing,” leadership and government to simply emerge. Perfect spot for “Meanwhile in Korea….” warring states period to provide protection from both China and Japan.

Social Contract Theory Government comes from the people. Essentially, the people reach a consensus that government is needed. A contract exists between the government and the people because the people put the government in power. There are two theories about the social contract.

Social Contract Theory Both Locke and Hobbes begin with their ideas on the state of nature. The state of nature is the state of human existence before government existed. This is also where the differences in their theories start. Start reading here.

John Locke’s Two Treatises The State of Nature People are inherently good. But not above temptation. They are also given certain natural rights. Life, liberty, property. Because people want protection of their rights, they create government.

Overall message: Because people value their rights, they willingly accept the presence and authority of government. Because the government is out to protect these rights, the people have the authority to get rid of a government that fails to protect them. Right to Revolution: The right of the people to abolish the government when it fails to do protect them.

Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan The State of Nature People are inherently bad. This makes life cruel and short. In order to gain protection, the people give up their rights in return for a government.

Once a government is established, it will stay in place as the people no longer have rights. If the government ever does wrong, it is technically the fault of the people, who established it. Trying to get rid of the government once it has been established is treasonous.

Review What are the four theories on how government emerges? Explain them. What are the natural rights? Who came up with this idea? What was the other right he said existed? Who opposed this? Why?