What makes a country/state?

In order to be considered your own nation you must meet all 4 of

the following:

1.Population

2.Territory/Land

3.Sovereignty

4.Government

Theories and Purposes of Government

Why do we have government? If you were in charge of the government what would be your goals/priorities?

2. Force• Strong leader most important

aspect of government• leaders took control by force

3. Divine Right• Royal power came from God• subjects obey ruler like they obey

God• ancient Egypt, China, 17th Century

Europe

Theories of Government

1. Evolutionary

• Grew from family relationship between parents and children

• Rulers (parents) had authority to guide and punish subjects (children)

4. Social Contract

• Thomas Hobbes - subjects surrender freedom to ruler & ruler protects subjects

• John Locke - Natural Rights – life, liberty, property

• subjects agreed to obey ruler & ruler would protect natural rights

Purposes of Government1. Maintain social order• Conflict is inevitable - property,

disagreements, etc. • Power to make and enforce laws –

taxes, military service, courts, etc.

2. Providing public services• Individuals cannot provide everything

on their own • Services make community life

possible and promote general welfare

3. Providing national security• Other nations/terrorists are a major

threat – nuclear weapons, etc.• Government makes laws and keeps

an army to protect its citizens

4. Making economic decisions• Gap between rich and poor is often

very large – can lead to revolt• Governments intervene in economic

activities – foreign aid, benefits, services, control economic environment