1. When Did Governments Begin?

6th SS

Government Unit

May 13, 2013 Class Notes

Overarching questions:

1. When did governments begin? 2. Why? 3. What if there was no government?

Developed a sequence chart similar to the one created at the beginning of the year: WHEN? Hunters/gatherers (small number of people) -> farming (clans, civilizations developed along rivers) -> food surplus -> population increase -> permanent settlements -> cities/towns -> government formed, job specialization, trade

So basically, the beginning of government is closely related to (1) the size of population and (2) the food surplus.

WHY? The most powerful in the community was the one in charge of the food. Rules had to be made probably originally to divide the food. First set of written laws: HAMMURABI’S CODE

Didn’t need rules when there were 2 to 3 people working together – why? Didn’t need rules when the clan (closely related group of people) existed – why?

Because they had the same goals: find food, survive!

When the population grows, GOALS can VARY, so rules are needed so no single person’s goals infringe on another’s

WITHOUT GOVERNMENT?

Confusion, chaos, theft, violence, anxiety, etc. !!!!

Situation in which there is no government: ANARCHY

Anarchy sometimes occurs when there is a transition between rulers, such as between dynasties in China where no single person was in charge How many types of government are there? Answer: tons! It could be said that there are almost as many types of government as there are countries in the world, because every country might tweak the government a little to suit their needs

TYPES OF GOVERNMENT WE WILL BE STUDYING IN THIS UNIT

1. Democracy/ Republic 2. Monarchy 3. Theocracy 4. Dictatorship

Your task:

For note-taking purposes, designate a page to each of these types. Put the government type at the top of the page and put all the notes you see for this unit on the appropriate page. Get a new notebook if you are running low!

At the end of this unit:

1. You will be able to compare and contrast governments. 2. You will be able to list the pros and cons of each type. 3. You will be able to give examples of where each type is practiced today. 4. You will be able to describe what type (or combination!) exists in your family. 5. You will develop a new government form that will improve society.

Do not bring your text book to class until further notice.