Prior Knowledge
The first draft of this document was made in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Jefferson was most likely inspired the most by this philosopher.
Who is Aristotle?
This natural rights philosopher inspired Jefferson the most.
Who is John Locke?
British Common Law is a body of law derived from on these.
What are previously judicial decisions?
This "Father of Liberalism" spoke of people's natural rights, including the pursuit of "Life, liberty, and property.
Who is John Locke?
This type of government that Jefferson agreed with was conceived by a classic philosopher.
(Executive, Legislative, and Judicial)
What is "All Men Are Created Equal"/"Inalienable Rights"/"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"?
Being one of these, Jefferson took a lot from British Common Law.
What is a lawyer?
Before becoming the third president, Thomas Jefferson studied and practiced as one of these.
What is a lawyer?
Because Jefferson said the "will of people provided appropriate guidance", he most likely would've disagreed with this philosopher.
Who is Plato?
Jefferson's opinions on people under government rule said that it was their responsibility to do this.
What is aid the state and resist corruption?
After this was written, Jefferson believed there was no purpose in relying on British interpretations of the law and legal system.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
This philosophy covers human rights that do not change and aren't dependent on laws or customs.
What is natural rights philosophy?
Aristotle shared this belief about the government with Jefferson.
What is the separation of powers?
Jefferson was considered an anti-federalist and believed that the previous generation couldn't bind the current one. So, naturally, he believed in this
What is interpreting the Constitution liberally?
This 13th century document was the basis for British common law, and established, among other things, the right to justice and the right to a fair trial.
What is the Magna Carta?
This classical philosopher was the first to come up with three branches of government, although they're different from the ones we have today.
Who is Aristotle?
Jefferson disagreed with Plato because he believed that this could be good in certain circumstances.
What is tyranny?
This treatise written by John Locke contained a lot of the same sentiments Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
What is the Second Treatise of the Government (1689)?
Jefferson thought the teachings of this man would lead to the "degeneracy of legal science".
Who is Sir William Johnstone?