1. Why do we need a government?
Civics and Economics
Why do we need a government?

2. Warm Up-World Without Government
Copy:
Thomas Hobbes said life without government would be, “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”
Copy and Answer the question in italics:
According to Hobbes, humans naturally compete for territory, resources and power. Do you believe what Hobbes says is true? If so what would be the outcome? If not why?

3. Why do we need a government?
What is Government?
What are the functions of government?
What is the balance between citizens and government?
What are the foundations of the US government?

4. What is Government?
Government- the ruling authority of a community, an organization that has the power to make and enforce laws.

5. What are the functions of government?
Keep order
Provide services
Provide security
Guide the community

6. What is the balance between citizens and government?
Natural rights-
rights you have b/c you are human: Life, Liberty, and Property.
Social Contract-
people agree to give up certain freedom in exchange for protection and security.

7. What are the foundations of the US government?
republicanism- ex. Rome
People’s representatives administer gov’t.
Democracy- ex. Greece
Authority of gov’t rests with the people.
Montesquieu- French Philosopher
Gov’t powers should be separate, balanced and equal.
US Government
Representative democracy (democratic republic)

8. Warm Up-Locke Vs. Hobbes Get a copy of the Locke vs
Warm Up-Locke Vs. Hobbes Get a copy of the Locke vs. Hobbes handout and summarize their statements about these topics:
What does Locke think about:
Human nature
Conflict
Social Contract
Rights
Role of the State
What does Hobbes think about:
Human nature
Conflict
Social Contract
Rights
Role of the State

9. Warm Up/Review-Who Am I?
Copy the quote and identify the writer as either Locke or Hobbes:
“All mankind... being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions.”
“It is not wisdom but Authority that makes a law.”
“The condition of man... is a condition of war of everyone against everyone.”
“Government has no other end, but the preservation of property.”

10. Locke and Hobbes-W. W. L or H. D
Locke and Hobbes-W.W.L or H.D. What would each philosopher’s viewpoint be about the following topics:
Locke
Burning the American flag
Owning a gun
Voting for public officials
Following the laws
Owning a house
Hobbes
Burning the American flag
Owning a gun
Voting for public officials
Following the laws
Owning a house

11. Rights vs. Responsibility
With a partner, you are going to address the following questions. BOTH of you should record your responses and BOTH should be prepared to share your answers.
According to the author, how does the American way of thinking differ from other cultures?
What argument could a government make for denying a citizen his/her rights?
Do you think more about your rights or about your responsibilities? What are the effects of this way of thinking?

12. Rights and Responsibilities of a Citizen
You will be divided into 5 groups. Each group will be given a freedom/right to consider.
In your group, you will read the scenario out loud and answer the questions.
Each student in the group is responsible for writing all of the answers and should be ready to discuss his/her answer with the class.