Theories of origin of the State

Coach O'Brien

6-Weeks Review

Theories of the origins of State

Think of the theories of the origin of the state as just that......theories. An anthropological look at the origins of government. Why do humans choose to organize themselves in such a way? Why was it necessary? We don't know for sure but these concepts are thought to be the reasoning, motivations and the purpose for people forming government.s

Force Theory

The belief that the state was formed as a result of war and a means to control/manage the people and territory in an orderly structure. (Think Ghengis Khan, after he conquered other people/regions, how did he maintain order)

Divine Right Theory

Chosen by "God"......also called Divine Right of Kings. This is how a monarchy was maintained. The king is the king because he was chosen by god to rule over his subjects. All major religions have always had a hierarchy. In Christianity King David and Moses were chosen as leaders by god. How might this have been determined by early man? Many ancient civilizations seemed to be guided by cycles of the moon, stars and events from the sky.......

Social Contract

Originating with Thomas Hobbes that people exist together under agreement of mutual understanding only sacrificing some freedoms in exchange for security. John Locke added to this theory with the belief that it was the obligation of the people to create a new government if the government failed to serve the people. (Example, the Mayflower Compact)

Evolution Theory

The theory that governments were eventually formed from families. As the patriarch of a family was often the wisest this may have eventually been the basis for devlopment of the state/government. (The chief of an indian tribe, the oldest and wisest of the people is chosen as a leader)

Multiple Choice

What theory was thought to originate with philosophers of the age of enlightenment like Thomas Hobbes and John Locke?

• Divine Right

• Evolution

• Force

• Social Contract

• Families

Multiple Choice

What theory was developed out of the idea that the state was born out of the family structure?

• Force

• Social Contract

• Evolution

• Divine Right

• Families

Multiple Choice

What theory was likely created out of necessity after a group of people or territory was conquered?

• Force

• Families

• War

• Social Contract

• Evolution

Multiple Choice

What theory was the explanation for the right of the monarch to be followed by his son or daughter?

• Force

• Divine Right

• Evolution

• Monarchy