Natural Rights Philosophy
What are (in general) Natural Rights?
Rights inherent to all individuals by virtue of their humanity
What does classical republicanism emphasize above all else?
Civic virtue and the Common Good
Which purpose of government means maintaining peace and order at home?
Ensuring Domestic Tranquility
What type of government is the United States?
Representative Democracy
Which amendment guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition?
First Amendment
According to John Locke, name the three fundamental natural rights.
Why was education considered important in a republic?
It trained citizens to participate responsibly in civic life
What does “to form a more perfect Union” mean in the Preamble?
Creating a stronger national government than existed under the Articles of Confederation
How did the Founders attempt to prevent tyranny in the US?
By creating checks and balances and separation of powers
This part of the Constitution guarantees freedoms such as speech, religion, and press.
Bill of Rights
What is the main purpose of government, according to natural rights philosophy?
To protect individual rights
Define civic virtue.
Putting the common good above individual interests
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Name the five purposes of government listed in the Preamble.
Establish Justice
Ensure Domestic Tranquility
Provide for the Common Defense
Promote the General Welfare
Secure the Blessings of Liberty
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
What is the difference between a written and an unwritten constitution?
Written Constitution is a single formal document
Unwritten Constitution relies on traditions, customs, and legal precedents
The phrase “We the People” in the Preamble reflects this principle.
Popular Sovereignty
What does it mean to say that rights are “unalienable”?
They cannot be given up or taken away
Give a modern-day example of civic virtue
Ex: Participating in a neighborhood clean-up event
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of government in the Preamble: justice, defense, liberty, or economic opportunity?
Economic Opportunity
What is the difference between a democracy and a republic?
Democracy = direct rule by the people
Republic = elected representatives govern on behalf of the people
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Which system for electing the president reflects classical republican concerns about direct democracy?
Electoral College
Give one modern-day example of the natural right of liberty.
Ex: A citizen freely practicing any religion without government interference
Explain one key difference between classical republicanism and natural rights philosophy.
CR emphasizes the common good and civic virtue, while NR emphasizes individual liberties and protections
How does the Constitution promote the general welfare?
By providing public goods and services like public education and infrastructure
How did the Declaration of Independence challenge the idea of the divine right of kings?
It argued that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, not from God or hereditary monarchy
By guaranteeing property rights in the Fifth Amendment, the Constitution reflects this central natural right.
Right to Property