Introduction to Government and Political Cultures

  • Transition from phase one (philosophy) to phase two (structure and policy)

  • Focus of Structure: Understanding the rules of the political game

    • What is the system?

    • What is the structure based on?

Mayflower Compact Discussion

Key Concepts and Purpose

  • Historical importance of the Mayflower Compact as the foundation of early governance in America.

  • Common misconceptions about the Mayflower:

    • Often reduced to just the ship that brought settlers to the New World.

    • True purpose was escaping persecution and establishing a new society based on freedom.

Opening Lines of the Mayflower Compact

  • The Compact begins with:

    • "In the name of God, amen."

    • Highlights the religious motivations behind coming to the New World.

  • Lists the sovereignty of King James, with the settlers acknowledging their loyalty and the divine purpose of their journey.

Formation of a Civil Body Politic

  • Establishment of governance for survival in the new land:

    • Covenants formed for law creation and societal order.

    • Connection between church and state: governance intertwined with religion.

  • Expectation of civil leaders to also be religious leaders, leading to a moralistic political culture.

Political Cultures and Expectations

  • Discussed three political cultures:

    1. Moralistic Political Culture: Emphasized in New England, where governance expectations are high based on moral standards.

    2. Individualistic Political Culture: Seen in the Western frontier regions.

    3. Traditionalistic Political Culture: Present in Southern states, particularly those with slavery.

  • Northeastern states (e.g., New Hampshire, Connecticut) tend to invest heavily in education and welfare due to moralistic beliefs about government responsibilities.

Discussion of Submission and Obedience

  • Emphasis on the depth of meaning regarding obedience in the Compact:

    • Obedience involves compliance, while submission suggests acceptance of authority for the community's welfare.

Massachusetts Orders Overview

  • Transition from aspirational goals of the Mayflower to practical governance through the Massachusetts Orders:

    • Democratic intentions but harsh penalties for defiance, e.g., punishments for idolatry and witchcraft.

    • Religious intolerance indicated by strict laws about worshipping only the true Christian God.

Government and Resistance to Tyranny

  • Examination of severe punishments in early Massachusetts governance:

    • Examples of punishable offenses include idolatry, blasphemy, and murder, with death being a recurring consequence.

  • Reflection on the oppressive nature of laws in the New World compared to the old world, questioning the idea of seeking freedom.

Declaration of Independence Introduction

Key Philosophers and Concepts

  • Linking of Jefferson's Declaration to Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau:

    1. Hobbes: Focus on protection from death.

    2. Locke: Defense of property and happiness.

    3. Rousseau: Creating a civil society to promote individual happiness.

Unalienable Rights

  • Exploration of the concept of rights given by a creator:

    • Life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness are fundamental rights that cannot be taken away.

    • Discussion of the legal implications of these rights, including the limitations placed on individuals by government.

Key Themes in the Declaration of Independence

  • The right and duty of individuals to alter or abolish their government when it becomes oppressive.

  • Discussion of the historical context of King George's tyranny.

  • Emphasizes the importance of attempting to address grievances in a structured manner before resorting to revolution.

Responsibilities of Governance

  • Society's collective responsibility to maintain and improve governance:

    • Importance of every individual contributing to societal happiness and wellbeing.

  • The necessity of mutual support and sacrifice for collective goals and vision for the country.