If men were angels no government would be

“If men were angels, no government would be needed. ” -James Madison – Federalist #10 Are you an angel?

What will I learn today? § I can explain the four theories on why government exists. § I can identify examples of government that comes from each of the four theories. § I can explain why the U. S. practices the social contract theory.

What would you do? You pull in to a gas station to fill your car up. The list price of gas is $3. 60 a gallon, but on the pump you are using the decimal point is one place to the left. Therefore it is charging you $. 36 a gallon. You put in 10 gallons and go inside to pay. The cashier charges you $3. 60 (instead of $36). You plan to pay in cash, so there will be no record identifying you. In other words, you can get away with it if you want. What would you do, take the gas cheap, or tell the truth and pay what you actually owe? Why?

GOVERNMENT Two Schools of Thought Little Government Big Government § Human nature is good § Humans desire to live in groups § The “General Will” is the top priority § Decisions based on what is good for all § Few laws needed § Human nature is bad § “State of Nature” § Self interest/preservation is the top priority § Breeds conflict § Laws needed to protect humans from each other

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

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

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

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

Social Contract Theory The Social Contract Theory: The social contract theory: 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

Exit Ticket (back of the w. s. ) § Identify a freedom we give up (there is a law against it) under the Social Contract in the United States. § Pick a law you don’t like. § Justify why the law exits. § Explain why you think the law should be repealed.