The Beginnings of Government

During today's episodes on the beginnings of government, you learned about the purpose that government serves, why government exists, and what it does. You also learned theories on how government developed over time. These include the evolution theory, the force theory, the divine right theory, and the social contract theory. Each of these theories has led to different types of government throughout history. The social contract theory, which is based on the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, was a major contributor to the foundation of the American government.

Additionally, you were introduced to some of the traditional forms of government. Some governments are autocracies, in which an individual holds all the power. Other governments are oligarchies, in which power is held by a group of people. Kings and queens hold the power in monarchies, while the people hold the power in democracies. Finally, theocracies are based on religious doctrine, and are sometimes led by a divine ruler known as a deity.