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Limited Government, Locke and Hobbes, Popular Sovereignty, Republicanism, Social Contract, Declaration of Independence
What is limited government?
A political system in which the government's power is restricted by laws or a written Constitution.
Why did the Framers choose a limited government?
Because of the violation of their rights that they felt they endured from the British monarchy.
What was limited government influenced by?
The Enlightenment.
Who was John Locke?
One of the most influential philosophers read by the colonists.
What did John Locke do?
Described natural rights as the rights to one's own "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness," and can not be taken away.
What did John Locke write?
"The Second Treatise of Civil Government"
Who did John Locke influence?
American political leaders.
What did John Locke believe in?
Consent of the governed and limited government.
What is consent of the governed?
The idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people.
What limits were important to Locke?
-The government must provide standing laws so that people know in advance whether their acts will be acceptable.
-The supreme power cannot take from any man any part of his property without his consent.
What did Locke and Hobbes argue for?
A theoretical state of nature which comes before any kind of government.
Who was Thomas Hobbes?
He believed that the government's purpose is to protect the natural rights of the people.
What did Thomas Hobbes argue?
Man's natural state was war and a strong absolute ruler was necessary to restrain man's bestial tendencies and that people will look for a reputation/glory and will fight to protect it.
What did the Framers believe in regards to Hobbes argument?
The government should play a key role in containing the natural self-interest of people.
What is popular sovereignty?
Power belongs to the people/consent of the governed.
What happens of the government violates the will of the people?
Americans have the right to change it.
What plays a vital role in popular sovereignty?
Political parties because they represent the opinions and needs of the people of the government.
What is republicanism?
The people elect representatives who are responsible to make and carry out laws.
Who thought of republicanism?
Baron de Montesquieu.
What is a must in republicanism?
Separation between 3 branches of government.
What did the Framers believe about republicanism?
There would be less of a chance of a government that would hold onto power and refuse to give it up.
What is social contract?
An agreement between people and government in which citizens consent to be governed so long as the government protects their rights.
Who thought of social contract?
Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
What did Hobbes theorize about social contract?
It was the foundation of government.
What happens in a social contract?
The people give up some of rights for protection and the people can overthrow the government and create a new one if it oversteps its power.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
A political argument announcing and justifying a revolution.
How many paragraphs of the Declaration listed the ways that the King had abused the colonies?
27 of the 32.
What was the Declaration the foundation for?
Popular sovereignty, natural rights, and social contract.
Who drafted the Declaration?
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.
When was the Declaration drafted?
June 7, 1776
When was the Declaration approved by Congress?
July 2, 1776
When was the Declaration adopted by Congress?
July 4, 1776
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