Government Theories and Functions

The video provides a concise overview of the purposes and origins of government, referencing a McGraw-Hill textbook. It explains the basic functions of government, including maintaining social order, providing public services, ensuring security, and making economic decisions. Different forms of leadership, such as democracy and monarchy, are discussed. The video also covers the concepts of nation, state, and country, and explores theories on the origins of the state, including evolutionary, force, divine right, and social contract theories.

What is one of the primary functions of government?

• To maintain social order

• To create chaos

• To eliminate all taxes

• To ensure everyone is wealthy

Which form of government involves leadership chosen by the people?

• Oligarchy

• Democracy

• Dictatorship

• Monarchy

What is a potential issue with government security measures?

• They always fail

• They can intrude on private lives

• They are too cheap

• They are unnecessary

Which of the following is an economic role of the government?

• Creating chaos in markets

• Eliminating all jobs

• Building private mansions

• Providing healthcare

What is a key feature that distinguishes a state?

• Having a large army

• Having a definite territory

• Being the largest country

• Having the most money

What does sovereignty mean for a state?

• Having the most powerful leader

• Being the richest state

• Having the largest population

• Absolute authority within its borders

Which theory suggests that states developed from family structures?

• Divine right theory

• Social contract theory

• Force theory

• Evolutionary theory

What does the force theory of state origin imply?

• States are created by divine intervention

• States are formed by mutual agreement

• States are established through force

• States evolve naturally over time

According to the divine right theory, how is a leader chosen?

• By divine selection

• Through inheritance

• By military coup

• By popular vote

What is the social contract theory about?

• States are formed by divine will

• People surrender some power to the state for protection

• Governments are always authoritarian

• States are naturally occurring phenomena