Ever questioned why we have traffic lights, schools, and laws? Dive into the fascinating world of political thought and explore the diverse reasons why humans choose to be governed!

This engaging worksheet unravels classic theories like the Social Contract and Divine Right, while introducing modern perspectives like Utilitarianism and Ecological Governance. Analyze a primary source from John Locke, answer thought-provoking questions, and discover how these justifications continue to shape our world today. Perfect for high school students in American Government or Civics classes!

Highlights:

• Engaging introduction: Captures student interest with relatable scenarios and intriguing questions.
• Exploration of diverse justifications: Covers classic and modern theories about government's origins and purpose.
• Primary source analysis: Provides an opportunity to engage with historical texts and develop critical thinking skills.
• Variety of question formats: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions assess different levels of understanding.
• Answer key included: Saves teachers valuable time and simplifies grading.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand different justifications for the existence of government.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various political theories.
• Evaluate the historical and contemporary relevance of different views on governance.
• Hone critical thinking and reading comprehension skills through interactive activities.
• Apply knowledge to analyze primary sources and engage in discussions about government.

Common Core Standards Alignment:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of complex, diverse sources.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to government and politics.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-10.7: Analyze various primary and secondary sources to understand historical events and issues.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.2: Write informative texts that explain complex topics, using evidence from the text.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SS.9-10.7: Integrate and interpret information from diverse sources, including primary and secondary, to draw evidence-based conclusions about the structure and function of government.

Unleash the inner political philosopher in your students with this captivating resource! Download today and watch them engage in critical thinking, debate diverse perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental question: Why do we choose to be governed?