American Government: Roots, Context, and Culture

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts from a lecture on American Government, including authority, tyranny, the law, and foundational historical events.

What is authority in the context of government?

Authority is legitimate power.

What is tyranny?

Tyranny is illegitimate power.

In the United States, where is authority derived from?

In the United States, authority is derived from the law.

What did Demaratus say about the law in relation to freedom?

Demaratus described that while people are free, they have a master, and that master is the Law.

What concerns arise when we consider if a law is just?

We may consider if it is guided by reason, accords with morality, and is supported by the majority.

According to the founders, how can authority be protected in America?

Authority can be protected through a constitution.

What were some reasons for the immigration of the first colonists to America?

Reasons for immigration varied including plantation society in Virginia and religious fervor in New England.

What was the significance of the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration expressed the political ideas of the day and stated the colonists' grievances against British rule.

Who was John Locke?

John Locke was an English Political Philosopher known for his ideas about government and natural rights.

What does natural law tell us about property?

Natural law states that we own ourselves, our consciences, and our labor, and through our labor, we acquire property rights.

Tyranny:

Unlawful power

Authority:

legitimate power/ lawful power

Consent:

The difference between authority and tyranny.

The Columbian exchange:

Separated populations, such as animals, plants, etc.

The Columbian exchange leads to changes such as?

Larger economy for Natives, animal furs, economically, lifestyle, environment.

Cash crops:

Crops produced for commercial value, such as tobacco, sugar, cotton, and whiskey.

First english settlement in North America:

Virginia.

Plantation society:

South Virginia

Religious fervor:

North New England

Why did people move to Massachusetts from Virginia?

To escape religious persecution.

Protestants:

Protested catholic beliefs

Who won the french and indian war?

The british

Stamp Act:

raised revenue for tthe British crown/ taxed the british.

Declaratory act:

Declares sovereignty to the crown

Law of nature:

The rights that all people intrinsically possess bind the government

The constitution reduced?

Flexibility/limits

Why was the original constitution too weak?

They worried over tyranny, and an excess in powers would result in aggressive people, and they wanted to sustain autonomy.

The articles of confederation provided?

equal representation for all states.

What was a major problem with the articles of confederation?

A weak central government.