Why Do We Need Government?

Identifying Basic Rights

Think of a right you believe all people should have. For example, you probably agree that everyone in the United States has the right to be protected from robbers or burglars. The belief that everyone should have this protection is shared by most people in the United States. It is often discussed on television and in the newspapers.

In small groups, explain how you think rights like the one you have identifies can be protected. When you are complete, answer questions 1 and 2 on the study guide.

Natural Rights: right to life, liberty, and property* All people have these rights because they are human beings

John Locke: * English philosopher who lived from 1632 to 1704* wrote about natural rights* main purpose of government should be to protect these natural

rights* kings should not have absolute power (power without limits)* state of nature: no government and no law

It's your turn to think as a philosopher

Imagine what life might be life in a state of nature. Think what your classroom might be like if there were no rules. Think what might happen if the teacher didn't have the right to tell anyone what to do.

Working in groups, answer questions 7 to 9 about such a situation. Choose a person to explain your answers with the rest of the class. Compare your answers with John Locke's which follow.

Disadvantages in a state of nature

.Stronger smarter people might try to take away other people's lives, liberties, or property.Weaker people might band together and take away rights of stronger, smarter people.People would be unprotected and insecure

Solution to State of Nature

Social Compact or Social Contract: an agreement people make among themselves to create a government to rule them and protect their natural rightsIn return, the people agree to obey the laws created by that government