Origins of Government

According to the Force Theory, what is the primary method by which a state is established?

• Through peaceful negotiations

• By divine intervention

• By the use of force and conquest

• Through family lineage

What was the situation before the establishment of government according to the Social Contract Theory?

• The strong took what they wanted without any authority to stop them.

• Everyone lived in harmony and peace.

• There was a democratic system in place.

• People had equal rights and protection.

Which theory suggests that the state developed naturally out of the early family?

• Force Theory

• Evolutionary Theory

• Divine Right Theory

• Social Contract Theory

According to the Social Contract Theory, what is the primary reason individuals agree to form a state?

• To gain protection and ensure mutual benefit

• To expand territory through force

• To fulfill a divine mandate

• To maintain family traditions

According to the Divine Right Theory, how were people expected to view their ruler?

• As a representative of the people.

• As a servant of the state.

• As they would view God.

• As a temporary leader.

Read the quotation below.

"The Government of [the United States], then, is  . . .  truly a government of the people. . . .  Its powers are granted by them, and are to be exercised directly on them for their benefit."

—John Marshall, 1810

Which of these constitutional principles best applies to Marshall’s quotation?

• Judicial review

• Checks and balances

• Separation of powers

• Representative democracy

Which type of government does Abraham Lincoln describe?

• Democracy

• Dictatorship

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

Select all correct answers: During a history lesson, Samuel and Ava discussed why the Magna Carta was important. They concluded that:

• It was the foundation for human rights.

• It was the starting point for democratic governments.

• It left a great legacy: that everyone, including leaders, should follow the law.

• There are still some laws today that originate from it.

• It was only important for people in the year 1215.

During a class debate, William argued that humans are naturally selfish and need a strong central authority. Whose philosophy was he likely referring to?

Which theory of government suggests that rulers are chosen by a divine power?

• Force Theory

• Evolutionary Theory

• Divine Right Theory

• Social Contract Theory