Theories of the Origin of Government

Vocabulary flashcards covering the four most commonly accepted theories on the origin of government based on lecture notes.

Force Theory

The theory that the state was created by force when one person or a group claimed control over land and forced the people to submit to their rule.

Evolutionary Theory

The theory that government originated from a primitive family where one person was the head, which evolved into a clan and then a tribe that settled once agriculture began.

Divine Right Theory

The theory that God created the state and gave those of royal birth a 'divine right' to rule, meaning the people were bound to obey the ruler as they would God.

Social Contract Theory

The theory that humans created government and agreed to give up some power in exchange for safety because they were tired of an 'unpleasant condition' where no authority existed to stop people from taking what they wanted.

Political Scientists

Individuals who have theorized for centuries about the origin of the state and government.

What are the FOUR theories on how Government began?

Force Theory, Divine Right Theory, Social Contract Theory, and Evolutionary Theory.