Samantha Fick
Government Lesson Plans
ED 393: Methods of Teaching Social Studies
March 5, 2013
Lesson 1: Why Government
Ideas About Government
State of Nature
Natural condition of mankind
Nothing to restrain human nature
Hobbes said war of all against all in which human beings constantly seek to destroy
one another to pursue power. Life in state of nature is nasty and brutal.
Locke said that it would be perfect freedom and equality, but only for those who act in
accordance with Nature's law
Cannot be obtained
Lesson 1: Why Government
Ideas About Government
Absolute Freedom
Similar to state of nature
Freedom to do, act, and think without limits
No higher authority over the individuals
Example: Absolute highest authority, meaning no one is above them. Can
make own decisions
Lesson 1: Why Government
Ideas About Government
Natural Rights
Political theory
All individuals have a certain basic right and that no government can deny them
Life, liberty and property have been identified as natural rights over time example
Social Contract
Is an idea about government
Based on the notion that people can give their consent to limitations on their thoughts
through a social contract.
Example: Constitution
Lesson 1: Why Government
Ideas About Government
Equality
Has served as one of the leading ideals of government in the United States
Central tenant of natural rights philosophy, demonstrated by the idea that all people
have the same natural rights.
Example: Everyone can vote in elections as long as you are 18 and over and register
to vote and are not a felon in all but 2 states
Civil Society
Created by voluntary participation of individuals
Includes not just the individuals who participate, but the institutions they participate in
When people form a social contract, they willingly enter a civil society
Example: Washington D.C.
Lesson 1: Why Government
Ideas About Government
Sovereignty
Use of power with authority
Under natural law, every individual is sovereign
When people enter into a social contract, they give up some of their sovereignty in
exchange for participation in a civil society
Example: Leaving home to live in the world give up something to get something
Authority
Legitimate use of power Example: Bus driver requiring student to sit
down
Power
Ability to get something done Example: Bully on the bus forcing a kid to
sit down
Lesson 1: Why Government
Legitimacy
Created by voluntary participation of individuals
Includes not just the individuals who participate, but the institutions they
participate in
When people form a social contract, they willingly enter a civil society
Example: Washington D.C.
Government
Governing body of a nation, state or community
Political direction and control exercises over the actions of citizens
Examples: country, state and city politics
