1. What is a social contract and what is the purpose of creating one?

2. Definition of Government
Institution used to enforce public policies
Public policies are anything a government decides to do
Government Power
Governments must have power to enforce public policy
Typically, governments exercise three powers:
Legislative Power (power to make laws)
Executive Power (power to enforce laws)
Judicial (power to determine meaning of laws and settle disputes of laws)
U.S. Capitol Building - a symbol of the U.S. Government

3. The U.S., and any other country, is an example of a state
The State
Governments are parts of states
A state has:
A body of people
A defined territory
An organized political unit (a government)
Sovereignty – absolute power within its own borders to determine domestic and foreign policy
In popular terms, a state can be thought of as a “country”
The U.S., and any other country, is an example of a state

4. Government Origins Theories
Force Theory – American Colonists ruling over Native Americans
Force Theory
Governments formed as a result of a person or group of people using coercion to force others under their rule.
Evolutionary Theory
Governments evolved from family structures.
The family became a group of families, which then became a tribe.
Divine Right Theory
Governments formed as a result of God giving ”royalty” the right to rule.
Leading practice in West from 15th to 18th centuries.
Evolutionary Theory – Native American Tribe formed from smaller families
Divine Right Theory – Egyptian Pharaoh being given power from a god

5. Social Contract Theory
Philosophers began to question Divine Right Theory in 17th Century
John Locke
English philosopher
Publishes two treatises (essays) in 1690
Second treatise proposes Social Contract Theory
Social Contract Theory redefined people’s understanding of governments
John Locke

6. What is a social contract and what is the purpose of creating one?

7. Social Contract and the Purpose of Government
Social Contract defined as:
People agree with one another to create a state
People agree to give up power and freedom in return for safety and security
According to Social Contract Theory, the purpose of government is:
Establish justice through law
Insure domestic peace/tranquility through law
Provide common defense
Promote citizen welfare
Secure freedom
Social Contract Theory in a Nutshell