Social Contract
Learning Target: Students will be able to answer the question: “What
are the philosophical and historical foundations of the American
political system.
1. Identify the purpose and history of the social contract.
Break down the first part of Locke’s second Treatise, Of Civil Government “Of the
State of Nature”
A. Compare to Classical Republicanism/Judeo Christian ideas
B. Activity: Think about a current event as related to Locke’s idea on
the purpose of government. Think about – Is government doing
its job/serving/protecting/satisfying its role etc.
1. Introduction: Questions to think about for Unit 1.
 What are some examples of people giving up their
freedoms for the benefit of society?
 Give examples of people giving their consent to be
governed
 What examples are there of smaller states not getting
a fair deal?
 Where do we see Locke’s theories being specifically
stated in the Constitution/Bill of Rights/Declaration of
Independence?
 Use the social contract theory to justify Southern
Secession during the Civil War.
 How may people withdraw their consent to be
governed?
 What role does the media play in the governmnent?
 What role do third parties play in our election process?
2. Homework – Lesson 1 questions 1-6 (last set of questions of page)
3. Donkey or Elephant if time