1. “If men were angels, no government would be needed.”
James Madison – Federalist 10

2. Origins of Government Two Schools of Thought
Classical Republicanism
Aristotle
Human nature is good
Humans are not self-sufficient, we desire to live in groups
The “General Will” is the top priority
Decisions based on what is good for all
Few laws needed
Natural Rights Theorists
Thomas Hobbes and John Locke
Humans desire to live as individuals, naturally free and equal.
State of War naturally exists between humans.
Self interest preservation is the top priority
Laws needed to protect humans from each other

3. What is Government?
Government is the institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

4. Government Theories – Where did government come from?
The Force Theory:
The force theory states that one person or a small group took control of an area and forced all within it to submit to that person’s or group’s rule.
Example: Dictators

5. The Evolutionary Theory
The evolutionary theory argues that government evolved naturally out of the early family. The leader of the family expanded their power as the family expanded.
Example: Native American Tribes

6. The Divine Right Theory
The theory of divine right holds that God created the government and that God gives those of royal birth a “divine right” to rule.
Example: European Monarchs

7. Social Contract Theory
The social contract theory argues that the government arose out of a voluntary act of free people in the interest of protection. People agree to give up certain freedoms in order to be protected from one another. Example: Democracy