Social Contract Theory

Open Ended

What question do the theories of government try to answer?

Poll

Which theory do you think best explains how the United State's type of government was created?

• Force Theory

• Evolutionary Theory

• Divine Right Theory

• Social Contract Theory

Multiple Choice

What is the Enlightenment?

• Government came about from a voluntary act of people wanting to work together for a common purpose

• a period of time when people developed new ideas about peoples' basic rights, levels of control, etc.

• Each branch of government had the ability to limit others so nobody had too much power

Multiple Choice

What is a state of nature?

• Society without government: Everyone would have a right to everything. In order to get what they wanted, people would always be at war with everyone else

• Society with government: There would be order and organization. People would be guaranteed their natural rights

Open Ended

Why are checks and balances important in the government?

Open Ended

What do you think is the most important concept from the Enlightenment that influenced the United States government? (think about separation of powers, social contract, or checks and balances)