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Philosophical Framework of American Government

Philosophical Framework of American Government. Political philosopher’s that impacted the Framer’s of the Constitution. Brainstorming. What might be some advantages & disadvantages to living in a state of nature? What rights would you expect to have in a state of nature?

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Philosophical Framework of American Government

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  1. Philosophical Framework of American Government Political philosopher’s that impacted the Framer’s of the Constitution.

  2. Brainstorming • What might be some advantages & disadvantages to living in a state of nature? • What rights would you expect to have in a state of nature? • Would anyone have the right to govern you? Would you have the right to govern anyone else?

  3. Who is John Locke? • 1632-1704 in England • Father served in English Civil War • Educated: Masters degree • Political Beliefs: Liberal • Whigs • Experiences: • Enlightenment • Glorious Revolution • Accomplishments: • Second Treatise on Government. • An Essay Concerning Human Understanding • Fundamental Constitution of the Carolina’s

  4. Locke’s Influence • Political philosophy later influenced: • Jean-Jacques Rousseau • Immanuel Kant • Framer’s of Constitution • Revolutionary ideas impacted: • American Revolution • French Revolution

  5. Locke’s Political Thinking • Government must be accountable to the people. • Purpose of government is to preserve natural rights. • A government must consist of institutions and the legally prescribed process for making and enforcing collective agreements. • An absolute monarchy is inconsistent with the purpose of government. • When government misuses power & authority, the people have the right to revolt.

  6. Second Treatise On Government • Written in 1689. • Why was it written? • To defend the Glorious Revolution of 1688. • Supported a limited monarchy. • Supported English Bill of Rights. • To counter thinking of Thomas Hobbes. • Human nature is good and reasonable, but may be driven by self-interest.

  7. Inalienable Rights: rights that cannot be taken away from anyone (free speech) Equality: The belief that all persons, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, age, etc. have the same rights as everyone else. Questions to consider: What is happening in this painting? How does this painting relate to the concept of inalienable rights? Equality? A key to John Locke “The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which treats everyone equally…[B]eing equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, or possessions.” -John Locke

  8. A Key to John Locke • Limited Government: A government that does not have absolute authority. • Consent of the Governed: The political theory that government’s gain their authority from the people. A government is not legitimate if the people do not give their consent. • “Whensoever…the [government] shall…put into the hands of any other an absolute power over the lives, liberty, and estates of the people, by this breach of trust they forfeit the power [of] the people…who have a right to resume their original liberty, and by the establishment of the new [government] provide for their own safety and security.” • -John Locke • Question to Consider: • What is happening in this picture and how does it relate to the topic of limited government?

  9. Key to John Locke • State of Nature: a state of perfect freedom where people do as they see fit within the bounds of the law of nature. (Problem is self-interest causes conflict!) • Law of Nature: a state of equality, where people have the same advantages, use of same authority; in which the rights of men are not invaded by others. (utopia) • “And that all men may be restrained from invading others rights, and from doing hurt to one another, and the law of nature be observed, which willeth the peace & preservation of all mankind, the execution of the law of nature is in that state put in every man’s hands… -John Locke

  10. A Key to John Locke • Social Contract: An agreement among men to create and live under government & give that government the power to make & enforce laws. • Government only exists when people choose to resign their state of nature and create it. • Government gets it’s power & authority from the people. • “…he authorizes the society, or which is all one, the legislative thereof, to make laws for him, as the public good of the society shall require…and puts men out of a state of nature into that of a common-wealth, by setting up a judge on earth, with authority to determine all the controversies, and redress the injuries that may happen…” John Locke • Questions to consider: • How does this photo communicate Locke’s belief about human nature? • In regards to the government of Iraq, if there is a social contract between the citizens and the government, why is there still conflict?

  11. Reflection on Locke’s Philosophy • What questions do you have?

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