The 4 Theories of Government
• Where did the state come from? Here are the 4
main theories on how the state originated:
• First, can we name them?
1. The Force Theory- “The state was born of force”.
2. Evolutionary Theory- developed out of the early
family
3. The Divine Right Theory- “Divine Right to rule”
4. The Social Contract Theory- the state arose out
of a voluntary act of free people.
The Force Theory
• “The State was born of Force”
• Based upon the idea that one person/small group
claimed control over an area and forced everyone
within that area to submit to their rule.
• Once their rule was established- all 4
characteristics of the state were present (name
them?).
The Evolutionary Theory
• Who is the head of your
household? Your Mom,
Dad, siblings, guardians?
• The Evolutionary Theory
says that the head of the
household was the
“government”.
• Eventually this “lead” family
evolved into a network of
related clans and tribes who
inhabited a piece of landthus creating the state.
The Divine Right Theory
• Very popular throughout the 15th-18th centuries.
• God created the state and chose individuals to be
given a “royal birth” and therefore the “divine
right to rule”.
• Opposition to ruler is both treason and a moral
sin.
The Social Contract Theory
•
•
•
•
•
Most significant theory in relation to American
Government.
Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau
Originally one’s safety, and allegiance, depended upon
their physical strength and intelligence.
In order to change this condition, people agreed upon a
contract (the constitution) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all.
Popular sovereignty, limited government, individual rights.
Quick Review
1. What is the definition of Government?
2. List and explain the three types of power that a
government exercises?
3. What does the Preamble of the Constitution list? Name
a few.
4. What are the 4 characteristics of a State?
5. Explain sovereignty and its importance.
6. Explain the difference between a nation and state.
7. List and explain the Four Theories of Government.
8. What three philosophers were most influential to the
beginnings of American Government?