American Government: Day 3

Thank you for the lively discussion yesterday. Today you will be reading Chapter 1, Section 1 and completing Assignment 1 which is posted again below. Hopefully you got a head start on it as class is short today and the assignment is due first thing tomorrow. Whatever isn't completed is homework.

Parameters:

-Read Ch. 1, Section 1 and complete assignment 1.

-You may work with 1 partner (emphasis on the 1), however everyone must turn in the assignment. That means you and your partner must each do the assignment and each turn in a piece of paper.

-No internet answers please. I would like your answers to come from the text.

-Answers should be in complete sentences.

-Try to finish by the end of class. That way, you don't have any homework.

-This is your first grade for the class, so put some effort into these answers. I know you are all very capable.

CHAPTER 1, SECTION 1

Key Terms:

-state, nation, nation-state, consensus, sovereignty, government, social contract

Essential Ideas and People:

-evolutionary theory (of government), force theory, divine rights theory, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke

Assignment 1 (Based on Ch. 1, Sect. 1):

1.) Define all of the key terms and give an example of each

2.) What are the essential components of a state and why is each component necessary?

3.) Compare and contrast John Locke and Thomas Hobbes's view of the social contract and government.

4.) List at least four purposes of government and give an example of each.

5.) One function of government is to issue a national currency. Before and immediately after the Mint Act of 1792, foreign currency was circulating in the original thirteen colonies. Write a paragraph explaining what problems this lack of a uniform currency might have caused. Are these problems still problems today? Justify your answer.

Those who finish early should begin reading Ch. 1, Section 2. We will discuss this on Thursday, likely through powerpoint.