Introduction to Political Philosophy

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from a lecture on political philosophy and its influence on the Constitution.

Political Philosophy

The study of fundamental questions about government, justice, rights, and the role of individuals in society.

Bernard Bailyn

An author known for his book 'The Ideology of the American Revolution' which discusses the intellectual origins of American constitutionalism.

Forrest McDonald

An author who wrote 'Novus Ordo Sekulorum,' challenging the importance of the intellectual origins in forming the Constitution.

Intellectual Origins

The foundational ideas and philosophies that influenced the development of American constitutionalism.

Judeo-Christian Tradition

A foundation of moral and ethical principles derived from Jewish and Christian teachings, influencing the framers of the Constitution.

Classical Antiquity

Ideas from ancient Greece and Rome, particularly regarding civic responsibility and republicanism, that influenced American governance.

English Constitutionalism

The principles of governance derived from English laws, customs, and traditions emphasizing rule of law and rights of Englishmen.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement advocating reason and individual rights, significantly influencing modern political thought.

Natural Rights

Rights believed to be inherent to human beings, which governments are created to protect.

Classical Republicanism

The political theory advocating the common good and civic virtue, derived from ancient democratic practices.

Framers of the Constitution

The group of individuals who drafted the United States Constitution, considering various philosophical influences.

Secular Government

A government that is neutral in matters of religion, ensuring separation between state and religious institutions.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, established a weak national government that was later replaced by the Constitution.

Bicameralism

A legislative body that has two chambers or houses, as established by the United States Constitution.

Rights of Englishmen

The rights and liberties traditionally recognized as belonging to English subjects, influencing American constitutional development.

Common Law

Law derived from judicial decisions and customs rather than statutes, influencing English constitutional practices.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement that led to the establishment of Protestantism and emphasized individual interpretation of the scriptures.

Civic Education

An education aimed at preparing citizens to participate effectively in democratic governance.

Colonial Experience

The historical experience of American colonies prior to independence, contributing to the development of democratic principles.

Window Dressing

Superficial embellishment meant to mask the true nature of something, as per McDonald's view on the framers' intentions.

Human Elements

The social and personal aspects that influence political decisions and frameworks beyond strict philosophical theories.

Constitutional Evolution

The changes and adaptations to the Constitution over time, both formally through amendments and informally through practice.

Mixed Government

A system of governance that incorporates various forms of government, such as democracy and aristocracy.

Rights Entitlement

The concept that individuals possess certain rights merely by being human, which the government must protect.

Moral Philosophy

The branch of philosophy concerned with questions of morality and ethical behavior.

Majority Rule

A decision-making principle where the option that receives the most votes is chosen, important in democratic governance.

Social Contract

An agreement among individuals to form a society and government, outlining the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Due Process

Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, reflected in the Constitution.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Civic Responsibility

The responsibilities of citizens to participate in civic and political activities, including voting and community service.

Philosophy of Governance

The study of fundamental ideas about government structure, function, and purpose as informed by historical and philosophical thought.

Public Good

The benefit or well-being of the general public, often a consideration in policy and governance.