Enlightenment Philosophers
Who was Thomas Hobbes, and what was his argument?
Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher. He argued for the social contract theory, where people give up some freedoms for security under a single, absolute sovereign.
What is Republicanism?
A system that replaces or accompanies an inherited rule. There is an emphasis on liberty and a rejection of corruption.
Who are the important people to know for declaring independence? (list at least 2)
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston
Framework of the Articles of Confederation
A unicameral (a single) congress where each state had one vote, a single legislature branch w/o an executive or judiciary, and limited government from levying taxes or regulating commerce
What is the Legislative branch in charge of?
makes the law
How does John Locke view political power?
He views political power as necessary for security due to the fact that people are born free and equal under natural law, meaning they possess natural rights that cannot be taken away, such as being endowed with life, liberty, and property.
What is Representative Democracy?
Where citizens elect officials to represent their interests and make laws and policy decisions on their behalf.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Justified the break from Britain and proclaimed to the world the colonists' reason for independence
What is the Executive branch in charge of?
enforces law
What was Baron de Montesquieu's theory?
The separation of powers, which influenced the U.S. Constitution. Spirit of the law and checks and balances.
Depends on the direct participation in both government and public life. People vote directly on laws.
Who are the important people to know for creating the US Constitution? (list at least two)
James Madison (Father), George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton
How did Shay's rebellion happen?
What is the Judicial Branch in Charge of?
interprets the law
Why did John Locke reject the absolute monarchy?
What is Pluralist Democracy?
Non-governmental groups (interest groups) organize to try to exert influence on political decision-making. Interact with gov't officials to reach a consensus (agreement) among competing groups
Separation of powers, natural rights, popular sovereignty, the social contract, and the rule of law
What did Shay's Rebellion reveal about the Articles of Confederation?
It was weak and didn't have the power to stop a rebellion
What can the executive do?
Power to appoint Judges, veto bills (laws) and pardon power
What is Jean-Jacques known for?
The social contract, the agreement of free and equal people to give up some of their powers to give up some of their rights in return for protection from a go'v cimmited to the general good.
What is Elite Democracy?
Elected Representatives make desions an acts as trustees for the people. Recognizes an inequity in the spread of power among the people
What was the US Constitution replacing?
The articles of confederation
What did Daniel Shays demand from the government?
Print money, decrease taxes, and suspend mortgages
What is the difference between the judicial and legislative branches?
The legislative branch can impeach the president and override vetoes with a 2/3 vote, and approve federal judges. The judiciary can declare both laws and presidential acts unconstitutional.