The Beginnings of Government

There was not always a need for government. For thousands of years, humans survived by hunting and gathering food. Traveling was a necessity. However, with the development of agriculture, people no longer needed to travel to find food. They could plant and harvest crops while remaining in one location. Populations in areas began to increase as numerous groups of people began settling into communities. As the number of people grew, it became necessary to develop rules to maintain order within the community.

In this lesson, you will explore the purpose of government, the development of government, and traditional forms of government.

Essential Questions

• Which theories led to the development of states?
• How did John Locke and Thomas Hobbes contribute to the development of government?
• What traditional types of government have developed over time?