Unit one: What is Government? Why do we need government? We the People - Lesson One

Introduction Founders read and discussed books written by political philosophers. Founders read and discussed books about the history of governments over the past 2,000 years. Founders had experience with government themselves. Founders used their knowledge and experience to create the best kind of government they could. 55 men met in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 to write our Constitution. Understanding the founders knowledge and experience will help you understand why they created the kind of government we have today.

What is government? The form or system of rule by which a state, community, etc. is governed.

Why do we need government? - Purpose of government is to protect people’s natural rights. - Without government and laws, we would be in a state of nature. Government is necessary to the existence of civilized society.

Natural [Basic] Rights The belief that everyone should have “Natural Rights” (protection and a right to life, liberty, and property) is shared by most people in the United States. How should these rights be protected? John Locke and other philosophers felt the same way. . .

The Social Compact Agreement people make among themselves to create a government to rule them and protect their natural rights. To avoid a state of nature, people agree to give up some of their freedom in exchange for protection and security. Citizens consent to follow laws in exchange for the protection that these laws will give them. John Locke was a famous English philosopher that lived from 1632 - 1704. He wrote a book about natural rights in 1690 called Two Treatises of Civil Government. He believed that government should protect people’s natural rights, and that kinds should not have absolute power and deprive people of their natural rights.

Think like a philosopher Imagine what life might be like in a state of nature. Think of what your classroom would be like if there were the case and what might happen if the teacher didn’t have the right to tell anyone what to do. Work in groups of 4-5 to answer the following questions. Compare your answers with John Locke’s philosophy. What might be the advantages and disadvantages of living in a state of nature? What might happen to people rights? What might life be like for everyone?

Seatwork Center Questions What is the purpose of government according to the natural rights philosophers? Where does government get its rights to govern, according to the natural rights philosophers? What is a social compact? Do you think this is the best way to create a government? Why or why not? What beliefs about rights were important to the American colonists? What rights do you think you should have?