AMSCO Ch. 1

Thomas Hobbes

Wrote the Leviathan, advocating for absolute sovereignty and the belief that humans are naturally bad.

The Leviathan

A work that argues for individuals giving up some rights to achieve harmony through absolute sovereignty.

Limited Government

A government that maintains control without violating individual rights.

John Locke

Author of the Second Treatise of Civil Government, emphasizing natural law and consent of the governed.

Second Treatise of Civil Government

A text asserting that people are born free and equal, and can rebel if consent is violated.

Montesquieu

Wrote On the Spirit of Law, advocating for a republican government with separation of powers.

On the Spirit of Law

A work promoting limited government power and liberty for citizens through separation of powers.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to individuals, as discussed by John Locke.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the people hold ultimate authority over the government.

Representative Republic

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Republicanism

A political ideology where elected leaders make and execute laws in the public interest.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Author of The Social Contract, emphasizing popular sovereignty.

The Social Contract

A work that reflects Rousseau's belief that man is born free but is constrained by society.

Elite Democracy

A system where elected representatives act as trustees for the electorate.

Interest Group

Organizations that compete to influence legislation and make their ideas heard.

Participatory Democracy

A system where every citizen votes on all issues, exemplified by town hall meetings.

Pluralist Democracy

A democracy where diverse interests are represented, but can lead to inefficiencies in decision-making.

Representative Democracy

A system where elected officials represent the concerns of the people.

Anti-Federalist

Individuals who opposed a strong central federal government.

Federalist

Supporters of the Constitution and a strong federal government.

Initiative

A process allowing citizens to place topics on the ballot for a vote.

Referendum

A mechanism for citizens to question or discuss legislative actions.

John Adams

A member of the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration of Independence

A document providing moral and legal justification for American rebellion against British rule.

Alexander Hamilton

A key figure in shaping the new government of the United States.

James Madison

The first delegate to arrive at the Confederation Congress.

U.S

The supreme law of the land establishing the framework of the U.S. government.

George Washington

The president of the Constitutional Convention.

Factions

Groups with extreme interests that can influence politics, similar to interest groups.

Federalist No

An essay addressing concerns about factions and advocating for a strong central government.

Brutus No

An anti-Federalist essay expressing fears of a powerful central government and potential monarchy.