This unit will explore the fundamental question of why humans form governments. Students will analyze the core theories of government origin and the classical and Enlightenment philosophies that shaped modern political thought, culminating in an understanding of the beginnings of the concepts of American government and representative democracy.

Students will be able to analyze the key factors that led to the development of different forms of government throughout history and understand the fundamental purposes government serves in society.

Primary source document analysis 

Projects

Quizzes 

Writing prompts 

Group discussion