Unit 1 A2: Origins & Elites of Government Notes We don’t know how humans began having governments. Some form of them have existed throughout known human history

Evolution Theory Government is a natural extension of the family In prehistoric clans one family / leader typically ruled. Clans united but one ruler managed to maintain power

Force Theory Governments were formed as a result of one group’s conquest of another. Victorious groups impose will on others Warfare is an example, economic influence is another

Divine Right Theory Rulers inherit their power from a God / Deity Rulers rule in place of the deity on earth Religion and government were united

Social Contract Theory Governments developed in response to a chaotic world People agree to live by a set of rules which increases their own safety Power derives from the people, bottom up

Famous Social Contract Philosophers Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) -- Human nature is bad, government needs to be a “Leviathan” to keep people in check. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) -- Human nature is good…man is born free, yet everywhere lives in chains. John Locke (1634-1704) -- “Limited government” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhNl4Ntmbgw

Elites--Page 8 Read about each of the 4 theories of Elites. Create a general statement and a symbol for each in its own box (so 4 boxes total) The different elite theories argue about who uses government for their advantage the most. If true, which of these theories is the most troubling to you and why? (5th box) Which is the least troubling and why? (6th box)