The Origin of the State

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a state?

• Population

• Orderliness

• Territory

• Sovereignty

In Ancient China, the emperor came to be viewed as the “Son of Heaven” who had a mandate, or order, from heaven to rule. But if he ruled poorly, the people believe heaven had withdrawn its mandate and sought a different leader. Which theory would best explain how this government originated?

• The Force Theory

• The Evolutionary Theory

• The Divine Right Theory

• The Social Contract Theory

More than 2,000 years ago in the Middle East, Assyrian King Ashurnasirpal inscribed in stone, “Ashurnasirpal, the Great King, the Mighty King, King of the Universe, has brought into submission at his feet the whole of the land.” Which theory would best explain how this government originated?

• The Force Theory

• The Evolutionary Theory

• The Divine Right Theory

• The Social Contract Theory

In his Second Treatise of Government, John Locke argued, “The only way whereby any one divests [surrenders] himself of his natural liberty, and puts on the bonds of civil society, is by agreeing with other men to join and unite into a community...” Which theory would best explain how this government originated?

• The Force Theory

• The Evolutionary Theory

• The Divine Right Theory

• The Social Contract Theory

Based on your knowledge of American history, which theory best describes the creation of the United States?

• The Force Theory

• The Evolutionary Theory

• The Divine Right Theory

• The Social Contract Theory

In YOUR opinion, which theory best describes how the state first came into being?

• The Force Theory

• The Evolutionary Theory

• The Divine Right Theory

• The Social Contract Theory