Honors Government
Unit 1: Foundations of American Government
Chapter 1: Foundations of Government
Lesson 1: Purposes and Origins of Government
Purpose: Government is their for order, to create laws to provide safety and security to people, they fund public education, they enforce rules, they communicate with other Nations and represent the people
Anarchy is the result of having a no government, known as chaos
Functions of Government
Leadership: Government officials making decisions on behalf of the people
Order: Conflict is inescapable, order is to enforce laws that mitigate the amount of the conflict that occurs between people
Services: Government services promote public health and safety. Examples: public schools, fire department, law enforcement, driver’s license
Security: Government has to protect the people against attack by another country or terrorists
Economic: Governments negotiate trade deals (taxes and tariffs) while protecting businesses important to their economy. Governments can set policies to protect the people’s economic security. Governments can provide economic assistance to their citizens
8/28/2024
What is the difference between a Nation, State, & Country?
Nation: a sizable group of people who believe themselves united by common bonds of race, language, custom, or religion.
State: a political community that occupies a definite territory and has an organized government
Country: has the same meaning as a state
Sovereignty: (which applies to a state) its government makes and enforces its own laws without approval from any other authority
Features of the State:
Population: States must have people, without them there is no one to govern, each state in individual with it own traditions and cultures
Territory: A state has established boundaries, the exact shapes of these boundaries are normally are determined through conflict with other states, it can be the result of war, negotiations for peace
Sovereignty: This is a key characteristic of a state, it means the state has supreme authority within its boundaries, it has complete power to make laws and foreign policy to determine the course of action
Government: States need someone in charge, a government makes and enforces laws for the people, it provides leadership maintains order, provides public services, offers defense and security, and makes decisions about how to establish economic security
Origins of the State
Why and how were governments created?
Theories on how the first governments came about
Theory | Evolution Theory | Force Theory | Divine Right Theory | Social Contract Theory |
Explanation | That a government was started by families and nations came from one family | One person or small group of people used violence or threat of violence to control people | The idea that certain people were chosen by “gods” to rule over them. Thus going against them was going against a “higher power” | Some believe that states exist to protect them so people gave up their rights to the government for the promise of order in protection. This eventually stemmed into the idea that the government shouldn’t take rights but protect the rights of the people |
There are many origin theories but that is all they are theories they have not been proven and a method to prove them has not yet come about.
Lesson 2: Types of Government
What principles guide different types of government?
Systems of Government
How is the federal system of government different from a unitary or confederate one?
Unitary System - of government gives all key powers to the central government
(In a unitary system, power is primarily held by the central government, and local governments have limited roles.)
Confederacy - a loose union of independent and sovereign states
(In a confederate system, the central government has limited power, and states or entities hold most of the authority.)
Federal System - government that divides and shares the powers of government between the national and state or provincial government
(In a federal system, power is divided between central and regional governments, with both levels having significant authority.)
Constitutional Governments
How is a Constitutional government different than a country without a constitution?
Constitution - a plan that provides rules for government, states the rights of the people
Constitutional Government - refers to a government in which a constitution has the authority to place clearly recognized limits on the powers of those who govern (limited government)
Constitution purposes:
Sets out ideals that the people bound by constitution believe in and share
Establishes the basic structure of government and defines the government’s powers and duties
Provides the supreme law for a country
Distributes power
Limits Power
States the rights of the people
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Major Types of Governments
Authoritarian - “Governments that control all the aspects of citizens” economic, political, and social lives
Democratic - Governments that give people economic, social, and political freedoms
Authoritarian Governments
Totalitarian - Governments has total control, break the rules you are killed or imprisoned
Some have the characteristics of a Democratic Government as they hold elections but with only one candidate
Assembly - political freedoms such as the freedom of speech or freedom of assembly are rare in Authoritarian Governments
Types of Authoritarian Governments:
Dictatorship:
Definition: Power is held by a single individual with total control.
Autocracy: One person holds unlimited power.
Oligarchy: Power is held by a small group deriving authority from:
Wealth/ Social position/ Party leadership/ Military power
Monarchy
Monarchy - another form of government in which one person has great power; a king or queen, or emperor inherits the throne and heads the state
Feudalism - a system of government where nobles offered protection and land to their subjects in return for their service
Definition: Government where a king, queen, or emperor holds significant power.
Types of Monarchy:
Absolute Monarchy:
The monarch holds unlimited power.
Constitutional Monarchy:
Monarch’s powers are limited by law and often shared with elected bodies.
Historical Context:
Medieval Monarchies: Kings consulted with a council of nobles or noble judges for formal sanctioning of laws.
Feudalism: System where nobles provided protection and land in exchange for service.
Autocrats: Monarchs like the Tsars of Russia ruled with no checks on their power, often using intimidation or force.
Democratic Governments
Democratic Governments derive their power from the consent and trust of the people.
Republic: a government in which voters hold sovereign power; elected representatives, responsible to the people, exercise that power
Key Characteristics:
Rule by the People: Power is exercised directly or through representatives.
Accountability: Elected officials can be voted out or legally removed if they fail to respond to citizens’ interests.
Types of Democracy:
Direct Democracy:
Citizens vote directly on issues and laws.
Practicable only in small societies or specific instances, like some New England town meetings and Switzerland’s cantons.
Modern examples include referenda, recalls, and ballot initiatives.
Representative Democracy:
Citizens elect representatives to make laws and conduct government.
Efficient for representing individual rights in large societies.
Examples: The United States—a representative democracy and republic without a monarch.
Historical Evolution
Early Exclusions: Initially, voting rights were limited to wealthy landowners, merchants, or professionals in Europe, including Great Britain.
Expansion of Voting Rights: Over time, voting rights extended to workers, minorities, and women, marking a gradual shift towards more inclusive democracies.
Principles of Democracy
Institution: establishment, practice, or social organization
Misleading Government Labels
False Labels: Some governments claim to be “democratic” or “republics” while functioning as authoritarian regimes.
Key Principles of Democracy
Citizen Participation:
Definition: Active involvement of citizens in government is both a right and a duty.
Forms:
Becoming informed/ Debating issues/ Voting in elections/ Attending community meetings/ Serving in the military or national guard/ Paying taxes/ Serving on a jury/ Running for office/ Protesting
Importance: Strengthens democracy by ensuring that the government reflects the will and needs of the people.
Regular Free and Fair Elections:
Definition: Elections should be held regularly with every eligible citizen having the right to vote and run for office.
Requirements: Elections must be free from corruption and intimidation./ All votes should be counted equally./ There should be no obstacles to voting for any citizens.
Accepting the Results of Elections:
Definition: Accepting the outcome of free and fair elections is crucial for a functioning democracy.
Example: The January 6, 2021, riot in the U.S. The Capitol highlighted issues of accepting election results.
Significance: Ensures peaceful transfer of power and maintains democratic stability.
Rule of Law:
Definition: No one is above the law; all individuals and officials must obey and be held accountable under the law.
Application: Laws should be known, fair, and consistently enforced.
Majority Rule with Minority Rights:
Definition: Decisions are made based on majority rule, but minority rights must be protected.
Concern: Avoids “tyranny of the majority” where minority groups are oppressed.
Importance: Promotes tolerance and allows for civil dissent and non-violent protest.
Transparency:
Definition: Government actions should be open to public scrutiny.
Requirements: Public meetings/ Accessible information about decisions and decision-makers
Limited Government and a Bill of Rights:
Definition: Government powers are limited by a document outlining citizens’ rights and freedoms.
Purpose: Protects against government overreach and abuse of power.
Examples: The U.S. Bill of Rights.
Control of Abuse of Power:
Definition: Mechanisms to prevent corruption and misuse of power.
Structures: Checks and balances among branches of government./ Independent agencies and impartial courts.
Economic Freedom:
Definition: Citizens have the right to private ownership and choice in economic activities.
Debate: The extent of government involvement in the economy varies, but total control is avoided.
Equality:
Definition: All individuals should be valued equally and free from discrimination.
Application: Equal protection under the law and political rights to advocate for equality.
Individual or Human Rights:
Definition: Basic rights granted to all individuals simply by virtue of being human.
Examples: Freedom of movement, religion, speech, and assembly.
Sources: Universal Declaration of Human Rights and national Bills of Rights.
Independent Judiciary:
In Democracy the judicial system needs to be fair and impartial
Judges in this branch should act without pressure from the branches
Competing Political Parties:
A political party is a group of individuals with broad common interests
Lesson 3: The Role of Government in Economic Systems
Fundamentals of Economics
Introduction to Economics
Economics - the study of how people and nations use their limited resources to attempt to satisfy wants and needs
Government regulation - rule or procedure that has the force of law
Every economy has these factors of production: Producers; Distributors; Consumers; Labor; Resources; Financial Capital; Entrepreneurs
Basic Definition: Economics is the study of how people allocate scarce resources to meet their needs and wants.
Key Aspects: - Scarcity: Limited resources versus unlimited wants.
Decision-Making: Choices made in the face of scarcity.
Resource Allocation: How resources are distributed to achieve various goals.
II. Basic Factors of Every Economy
Resources (Factors of Production)
Land - Definition: Natural resources available for production. -
Examples: Minerals, forests, water, agricultural land.
Labor - Definition: Human effort and skills used in production. -
Examples: Physical and mental work.
Capital - Definition: Tools, equipment, and facilities used in production. -
Examples: Machinery, buildings, infrastructure.
Entrepreneurship - Definition: The ability to combine other factors of production to create goods and services. -
Examples: Business owners, innovators, risk-takers.
Economic Systems
Market Economy - Definition: An economic system where decisions are guided by the interactions of citizens and businesses in the marketplace. -
Key Feature: Supply and demand determine prices and production.
Command Economy - Definition: An economic system where the government makes all decisions about production and distribution. -
Key Feature: Centralized planning.
Mixed Economy - Definition: An economic system combining elements of both market and command economies. -
Key Feature: Government and private sector both play a role in economic decision-making.
Economic Agents
Households - Definition: Individuals or groups living together making decisions about consumption and labor. -
Role: Provide labor and consumption needs.
Firms - Definition: Businesses or organizations that produce goods and services. -
Role: Employ resources to produce goods and services.
Government - Definition: The entity that makes and enforces rules for the economy. -
Role: Regulates markets, provides public goods, and redistributes income.
III. Government Regulation
Definition - Government regulation refers to the rules and laws enacted by government authorities to control or influence economic activities.
Purpose of Regulation
Market Failure Correction - Addressing issues like monopolies, externalities, and public goods.
Consumer Protection - Ensuring product safety and truthful information.
Economic Stability - Mitigating economic fluctuations and fostering stable growth.
Equitable Distribution - Promoting fairness and reducing income inequality.
Types of Regulation
Antitrust Laws - Prevent monopolies and promote competition.
Environmental Regulations - Control pollution and protect natural resources.
Labor Laws - Ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers' rights.
Financial Regulations - Oversee financial institutions to ensure stability and transparency.
IV. Conclusion
Summary of Basic Economic Factors
Resources (land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship).
Economic Systems (market, command, mixed). -
Economic Agents (households, firms, government).
Role of Government Regulation - Balancing efficiency with fairness, protecting consumers, and ensuring economic stability.
Capitalism
I. Introduction to Capitalism
Definition of Capitalism
Basic Definition: Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals or businesses own and control the means of production and distribution of goods and services.
Key Characteristics:
Private Property
Market Competition
Profit Motive
Limited Government Intervention
II. Goals of Capitalism
Economic Efficiency
Resource Allocation - Efficient use of resources based on supply and demand.
Market prices reflect the value of goods and services.
Innovation and Technological Advancement - Encouragement of innovation through competition and profit motives.
Investment in research and development (R&D).
Wealth Creation
Economic Growth - Promotion of increased production and economic expansion.
Creation of new industries and job opportunities.
Increased Standards of Living - Provision of a variety of goods and services.
Improvement in overall quality of life through increased wealth.
Individual Freedom and Choice
Consumer Choice - Wide range of products and services for consumers to choose from.
Freedom for consumers to spend according to personal preferences.
Entrepreneurial Freedom - Opportunities for individuals to start and manage businesses.
Incentives for entrepreneurs to innovate and take risks.
Profit Motive
Incentive for Efficiency - Businesses seek to maximize profits by minimizing costs and increasing revenues.
Drives efficient production and distribution practices.
Investment and Risk-Taking - Encouragement of investment in new ventures and technologies.
Willingness to take financial risks for potential returns.
Market Competition
Price Mechanism - Competition drives prices down and improves product quality.
Market forces balance supply and demand.
Consumer Benefits - Increased choices and better prices for consumers.
Encouragement of continuous improvement and innovation.
III. Challenges and Criticisms of Capitalism
Income Inequality - Potential for significant disparities in wealth and income distribution.
Market Failures - Issues such as monopolies, externalities, and public goods that may not be efficiently provided by the market.
Economic Instability - Susceptibility to economic cycles of boom and bust.
Environmental Impact - Potential for overexploitation of resources and environmental degradation.
IV. Conclusion
Summary of Goals
Economic Efficiency
Wealth Creation
Individual Freedom and Choice
Profit Motive
Market Competition
Balancing Goals with Challenges
Recognizing the benefits of capitalism while addressing its limitations and impacts.
Mixed Economics
I. Introduction to Mixed Economies
Definition of Mixed Economy
Basic Definition: A mixed economy is an economic system that combines elements of both capitalism and socialism, incorporating aspects of both market-driven and government-regulated approaches to economic management.
Key Characteristics: - Coexistence of private and public sectors.
Government intervention alongside market mechanisms.
Integration of market signals and state planning.
II. Features of Mixed Economies
Private Sector
Ownership - Private individuals or businesses own and operate enterprises. - Free enterprise with profit motives driving production and innovation.
Market Mechanisms - Supply and demand determine prices and production levels. - Competition influences efficiency and consumer choice.
Public Sector
Government Ownership - Public enterprises owned and operated by the state.
Examples: Public utilities, transportation, healthcare.
Government Regulation - Rules and laws to regulate and guide market activities.
Address market failures and protect public interests.
Economic Planning
Strategic Planning - Government involvement in long-term economic planning and development.
Examples: Infrastructure projects, social programs.
Regulatory Framework - Setting standards and regulations to ensure fairness and stability. -
Examples: Environmental regulations, labor laws.
Social Welfare Programs
Public Services - Provision of essential services like education, healthcare, and social security.
Aimed at reducing inequality and supporting vulnerable populations.
Redistribution of Wealth - Taxes and social benefits to address income inequality.
Progressive taxation and welfare programs.
III. Goals of Mixed Economies
Balancing Efficiency and Equity
Economic Efficiency - Utilizing market mechanisms to drive efficiency and innovation.
Economic Equity - Using government intervention to promote fairness and reduce disparities.
Stability and Growth
Economic Stability - Implementing policies to mitigate economic fluctuations and prevent crises.
Sustainable Growth - Promoting balanced and sustainable economic development.
Social Welfare
Access to Basic Needs - Ensuring that all individuals have access to essential services and opportunities.
Quality of Life - Improving the overall standard of living through social programs and public services.
IV. Examples of Mixed Economies
Countries with Mixed Economies
United States - Combination of free-market capitalism with government regulation and social programs.
Canada - Market-driven economy with significant government involvement in healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Sweden - Social democracy with a strong welfare state, extensive public services, and market-based economic activities.
V. Advantages and Disadvantages of Mixed Economies
Advantages
Flexibility - Ability to adapt to changing economic conditions and needs.
Efficiency and Equity - Combines market efficiency with efforts to promote social welfare.
Stability - Government policies help stabilize the economy and provide safety nets.
Disadvantages
Complexity - Balancing private and public interests can be challenging.
Potential for Government Overreach - Excessive regulation may hinder economic performance.
Resource Allocation Issues - Risk of inefficiencies in both private and public sectors.
VI. Conclusion
Summary of Mixed Economies - Integration of private and public sector elements.
Balance between market forces and government intervention.
Aimed at achieving efficiency, equity, and stability.
Future of Mixed Economies - Evolving approaches to address contemporary economic and social challenges.
Socialism
I Introduction to Socialism
Definition of Socialism
Basic Definition: Socialism is an economic and political system where the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated by the community as a whole, often through the state, with the aim of achieving greater equality and social welfare.
Key Characteristics: - Collective or public ownership of resources and production.
Central planning or regulation by the state.
Focus on reducing economic inequalities and providing social services.
II. Goals of Socialism
Economic Equality
Wealth Distribution - Aim to reduce income and wealth disparities among individuals.
Progressive taxation and wealth redistribution mechanisms.
Equal Opportunity - Ensuring that all individuals have equal access to economic resources and opportunities.
Support for marginalized or disadvantaged groups.
Social Welfare
Universal Services - Provision of essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing.
Goal to meet the basic needs of all individuals irrespective of their economic status.
Social Safety Nets - Implementation of social programs to support the unemployed, elderly, and those in need.
Examples: Unemployment benefits, pensions, and social security.
Collective Ownership and Control
Public Ownership - Ownership of major industries and resources by the state or community.
Examples: Public utilities, transportation, and key infrastructure.
Democratic Management - Participation of workers and citizens in decision-making processes.
Goal to ensure that economic and political decisions reflect the interests of the community.
Economic Planning
Central Planning - Use of planned economies to allocate resources and direct production.
Aim to coordinate economic activities and avoid market failures.
Regulation and Control - Government regulation to manage and direct economic activities.
Control over prices, production levels, and distribution of goods and services.
Sustainable Development
Long-Term Goals - Focus on sustainable and equitable development for future generations.
Integration of environmental and social considerations into economic planning.
Environmental Protection - Implementation of policies to protect natural resources and reduce environmental impact.
III. Variants of Socialism
Democratic Socialism
Features - Combines democratic governance with socialist principles.
Emphasis on political democracy alongside economic and social reforms.
Examples - Countries like Sweden and Denmark, which have strong welfare states and democratic institutions.
Marxist Socialism
Featurers - Based on the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
Advocates for a classless society through revolutionary means and collective ownership.
Examples - Historical examples include the Soviet Union and Maoist China.
Utopian Socialism
Features - Early form of socialism focused on creating ideal societies based on cooperation and communal living.
Emphasis on voluntary and experimental communities.
Examples - Historical experiments like the Brook Farm community in 19th-century America.
IV. Advantages and Disadvantages of Socialism
Advantages
Reduced Inequality - Aim to reduce economic disparities and improve social equity.
Enhanced Social Services - Comprehensive social safety nets and public services improve quality of life.
Worker Participation - Increased opportunities for worker involvement in decision-making and management.
Disadvantages
Economic Efficiency - Potential for inefficiencies due to lack of market competition and central planning.
Government Overreach - Risk of excessive government control and reduction in individual freedoms.
Innovation and Incentives - Challenges in maintaining incentives for innovation and productivity.
V. Conclusion
Summary of Goals
Economic Equality
Social Welfare
Collective Ownership and Control
Economic Planning
Sustainable Development
Impact and Future of Socialism
Reflection on the practical implementations and outcomes of socialist policies.
Consideration of how socialism continues to evolve and address contemporary challenges.
Communism & Command Economies
I. Introduction to Communism and Command Economies
Definition of Communism
Basic Definition: Communism is a political and economic ideology advocating for a classless society where all property and resources are communally owned and controlled by the state or the community, with the aim of eliminating social inequalities and promoting collective welfare.
Key Characteristics:
Absence of private property.
Centralized control of economic activities.
Focus on eliminating class distinctions and promoting equal distribution of resources.
Definition of a Command Economy
Basic Definition: A command economy is an economic system in which the government or central authority makes all decisions about the production and distribution of goods and services, with little to no input from market forces.
Key Characteristics:
Centralized economic planning.
Government control over resource allocation and production.
Absence or minimal role of market mechanisms.
II. How a Command Economy Works
Central Planning
Economic Planning
Development of comprehensive economic plans by the central authority.
Setting production targets, resource allocation, and investment priorities.
Five-Year Plans: Plans outline goals and quotas for various sectors over a specified period.
Example: Historical use of Five-Year Plans in the Soviet Union.
Resource Allocation
Government Control
The government determines the distribution of resources such as labor, raw materials, and capital.
Central authority makes decisions on what and how much to produce.
Production Quotas
Setting of production targets for different industries and enterprises.
Ensuring that goods and services meet the needs outlined in the central plan.
Price Setting
Fixed Prices
Prices for goods and services are set by the government, not by market forces.
Aim to control inflation and stabilize the economy.
Lack of Market Signals
Absence of supply and demand dynamics in determining prices.
Potential for misalignment between production and consumer needs.
Distribution of Goods and Services
Centralized Distribution
Government determines how goods and services are distributed to the population.
Focus on meeting basic needs and ensuring equal access.
Provision of Public Goods
Emphasis on providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing.
Public services are often prioritized over private consumption.
Role of State Enterprises
Public Ownership
All major industries and businesses are owned and operated by the state.
Example: State-owned factories, farms, and utilities.
Operational Control
The state manages the day-to-day operations and decision-making within enterprises.
III. Goals of a Command Economy
Economic Stability
Prevention of Economic Fluctuations
Aim to avoid economic cycles of boom and bust through central planning.
Controlled Inflation
Stabilization of prices and control of inflation through fixed pricing.
Social Equity
Reduction of Inequality
Elimination of wealth disparities and provision of equal access to resources.
Provision of Basic Needs
Ensuring that all individuals have access to essential goods and services.
Focused Development
Strategic Investment
Targeted investment in key sectors as per the central plan.
Long-Term Goals
Pursuit of long-term economic and social objectives set by the government.
IV. Advantages and Disadvantages of a Command Economy
Advantages
Equality and Fairness
Aim to reduce economic inequalities and ensure equal distribution of resources.
Stability
Potential for reduced economic volatility and stable prices.
Public Services
Provision of essential services and infrastructure.
Disadvantages
Lack of Efficiency
Potential inefficiencies due to absence of market competition and incentives.
Limited Innovation
Reduced incentives for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Bureaucracy and Centralization
Risk of bureaucratic inefficiencies and centralized decision-making challenges.
V. Examples of Command Economies
Historical Examples
Soviet Union
Implementation of comprehensive Five-Year Plans and central planning.
Maoist China
Use of central planning and collective farming during the Great Leap Forward.
Contemporary Examples
North Korea
Continued use of central planning and state ownership of resources.
Cuba
State control of major industries and central planning in economic activities.
VI. Conclusion
Summary of How Command Economies Work
Centralized planning and control over economic activities.
Government decision-making in resource allocation, production, and distribution.
Impact and Evaluation
Consideration of the effectiveness and challenges of command economies.
Reflection on the outcomes and lessons learned from historical and contemporary examples.
Supreme Court Case: Caperton vs. Massey Coal Company
Due Process
The Legal system fairness
Did the 3 million dollars affect the outcome of the trial
Chapter 2: Origins of the American Government
Lesson 1: Government in Colonial America
Our Political Heritage
1600’s Europeans migrated to north america settling along the atlantic coast
Majority were christians so brought judeo-christian values
Old testament discussed how laws should apply to all people equally
Most colonists considered themselves british- former 13 colonies were charters
2 basic principles
Limited government
Representative government
Limited Government
1215 english nobles upset with king john- including taxation and cruel treatment of prisoners
Nobles forced king to sign the magna carta- later establishing principles of government
Magna carta believed to protect citizens from unjust punishments and levying taxes without the consent of the people
Petition of Right
1628 parliament- the english government's law making body- sent the Petition of Rights to king charles 1
Document lays out specific protections-no taxation without representation- no imprisonment without cause from the state
Petition of rights essentially limited the king's power reclaiming rights from Parliament
King still ignored the principles- but is regarded as an important part of the english constitution
English Bill of Rights
1688 parliament removed king james 2 from the throne
New monarchs- william and mary- recognized parliament as the supreme.
Essentially giving lawmaking power to parliament from the monarchy
1689 english bill of rights
Monarchs do not have absolute power- must have consent of the people
Must default to parliament to laws, taxes, military
Monarchs cannot interfere with elections or debates
The people have the right to petition the gov- also ensured a public trial with jury of peers
The people should not be subject to cruel and unusual punishment or excessive fines
English Law
English system of law had major influence in the colonies
Sir william blackstone- commentaries on the law of england 1776 helped codify english common law and was widely followed by the founders.
He believed that all human law is derived from “law of nature and the law of revelation”
Representative Government
A government in which people elect delegates to make laws and conduct government
Familiar to british colonies as parliament was representative
Parliament has 2 chambers
House of lords- 1st sons of noble families and later members inherited their positions
House of commons- elected members of parliament are often younger sons of noble families or wealthy commoners
New Political Ideas: Social contract and Natural Rights
European philosophers and their ideas heavily influenced american colonies during the 1600’s -1700’s
Enlightenment period europeans challenged the rule of leaders who claimed to have power because of “divine right”
Questions what makes a government legitimate
Thomas hobbs argued that people create a society by entering into a social contract
People need government to maintain order because they have not yet learned how to live in groups without conflict
In this theory people give up their individuality sovereignty to the government in exchange for peace and order.
John locke- people have natural rights- it is the government's duty to protect those rights
Jean-jacques rousseau- property rights and other basic rights (speech,religion) came from working cooperatively in communities
Charles-louis de montesquieu wrote about separating powers of government
All of these “enlightenment ideas” are found in the declaration of independence
Colonial Government
English heritage and political philosophers influenced the colonists' ideas of representative government, republicanism, constitutionalism, and law.
Each of the 13 colonies had its own government consisting of a governor, legislature, and court which exercises local authority
British still believed that colonists owed allegiance to the monarchy
Original colonial government were not democratic- as we would define it today- as only white landowning males were allowed to vote and have their opinions heard
9/13 colonies had an official church and many colonists were intolerant of religious dissent
The puritans only allowed members of the community church to vote
Written Constitutions
The mayflower compact that the Pilgrims signed in 1620 was the first of many plans for self-government
Men of the pilgrim families drew up the document that established rules to government themselves and to survive in the new land
The fundamental orders of connecticut gave people the right to elect a governor, judges, and representatives to make laws
King's privy council reserved the right to review legislatures and courts but colonists were able to practice their own self-government
Charters divided power to the governor, legislature, and the courts
The governor had executive power
Legislature had power to pass laws
Colonial courts applied law in court
Colonial Legislatures
Composition of the colonial legislature varied.
King exercised his role as the head of the church and appointed bishops and clergy to serve in the colonial legislature
Others rejected king acting as the head of the church- Puritans had moved to america for religious freedom and believed that each congregation should choose its ministers and government
1636 puritans in massachusetts forced leaders to allow each town to elect 2 members to the general court- the colony legislature
By the mid 1700’s legislative bodies were dominant in political life- rapidly growing colonies needed new laws to control land distribution and law out plans for public buildings
By1776 representative government was well established for more than100 years and became the foundation of the declaration of independence and the constitution.