american gov and enlightment

What was the traditional form of rule in England before democracy?

Absolute monarchy, where kings ruled by divine right.

What does 'divine right' mean?

It means that kings believed their right to rule was granted by God.

What significant legal development did King Henry implement to expand royal power?

He appointed royal judges throughout England, leading to the establishment of English Common Law.

What was the purpose of the Magna Carta signed in 1215?

To limit the powers of King John and outline the rights of the nobles.

What was the significance of the Magna Carta in relation to divine right?

It was the first time the idea of divine right was questioned.

Who were the members of the Great Council that evolved into Parliament?

Lords and barons who advised the King.

What major event marked the decline of the divine right of kings in England?

The beheading of King Charles I during the English Civil War.

What did the English Bill of Rights establish regarding the source of royal power?

It acknowledged that royal power comes from Parliament, not God.

What form of monarchy did England officially become after the English Bill of Rights?

A limited or constitutional monarchy.

What are the three inalienable rights identified by John Locke?

Life, liberty, and property.

What is the 'state of nature' according to John Locke?

A condition where there is no government or laws, and all men are equal.

What is the Social Contract theory proposed by John Locke?

An agreement where people give up some natural rights in exchange for protection by the government.

What did Jean Jacques Rousseau believe about the form of government?

He believed the only true form of government was direct democracy.

According to Montesquieu, what must be done to prevent the abuse of power in government?

Safeguards must be put in place, including separation of powers and checks and balances.

What did Thomas Hobbes argue about human nature and governance?

He believed all men were corrupt and that a strong absolute ruler was necessary for order.

What is the main idea of Niccolo Machiavelli's 'The Prince'?

The ends justify the means, and a ruler must maintain order even through questionable actions.

what does a Machiavellian politic mean?

a politic who uses dirty work to achieve their goals.

What did Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu agree on regarding government?

They all believed that legitimate government requires the consent of the governed.

How did the Magna Carta affect the relationship between the monarchy and the nobility?

It established that the king could not arbitrarily take away the rights of the nobles.

What was the role of Parliament in the power struggles of the 1600s?

Parliament and the king were constantly involved in a power struggle, influencing governance.

What was the outcome of the English Civil War for the monarchy?

It led to the questioning and decline of the divine right of kings.

How did the English Bill of Rights change the power dynamics in England?

It shifted power from the monarchy to Parliament, requiring royal actions to gain Parliamentary approval.

What was the impact of Enlightenment philosophy on American government?

It influenced the foundational ideas of democracy and individual rights in the U.S. Constitution.

What was the enlightment?

A cultural movement in Europe that sought to use reason and logic to reform society and advance knowledge