Freedom in American Society Final Exam

Moral relativism

the notion that there are no absolute standards of right and wrong valid for all times and places. Its opposite is moral absolutism

Nihilism

the belief that there is no truth and no ethical purpose to human existence. (“nothingness”)

Isonomia

Greek for “same” or “equal” laws, is an early expression of the Western ideal of the Rule of Law (“Equality under Law”)

Libido Dominandi

the lust for power or will to power. Discussed by St Augustine in the City of God

Where there is no law, there is no freedom

John Locke

Give me liberty or give me death

Patrick Henry

The history of liberty is the history of the limitations placed upon government.

Woodrow Wilson

Justice is the end of government

James Madison

Without justice, what are kingdoms but great robber bands?

St. Augustine

We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Thomas Jefferson

There is no such thing as a free lunch

Milton Friedman

We have the right, as individuals, to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity, but as members of Congress we have no right to appropriate a dollar of the public money

Davy Crockett

Political as well as spiritual freedom is the gift of God through Christ.

Thomas Paine

Religion is the first of the [Americans] political institutions

Alexis de Tocqueville

Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God?

Thomas Jefferson

Religion is the opium of the masses

Karl Marx

The King is under God and under law

Bracton

Of all dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity religion and morality are indispensable supports. . . .The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. . . Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. . . .Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?

George Washington

I disagree with everything you say, but I will defend with my life your right to say it

Voltaire

The King is under God and under law

Bracton

Power tends to corrupt and absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely

Lord Acton