Theories of the Origin of the State

Essential Question What are the theories behind the origin of the state?

Evolutionary Theory The gov’t evolved from the family. The head of the family was the head of the gov’t.

Force Theory In the earliest civilizations, people worked together to accomplish large tasks. Constructed walled cities, places of worship, etc. Force theory states gov’t emerged when all the people in an area were brought under the authority of one person/group.

Divine Right Theory Belief that God/gods created the state and picked certain people to rule. Egyptians, Chinese, Aztecs, and Europeans believed their rulers were either descendants of God/gods or chosen by God/gods. European monarchs claimed opposing the monarch was treasonous and sinful. Charles I, being crowned by a hand from a cloud, possibly by God

Social Contract Theory: Thomas Hobbes In a “state of nature,” no gov’t exists. People are naturally evil & selfish. W/o gov’t life is “nasty, brutish, and short.” People give up certain rights to the state. State maintains order Citizens are protected

Social Contract Theory: John Locke Locke took the social contract theory a step further. Wrote people had natural rights: life, liberty and property. To protect their rights people enter into a social contract with a governing authority. Believed people have the right to break the social contract if the gov’t does not protect the rights of the people.

Talk to your neighbor: Explain one theory of the origin of the state to your neighbor. Which theory makes the most sense to you? *Don’t forget to write a four sentence summary at the end of your CN for full credit.