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Essential Questions

Essential Questions. Who are the philosophers that influenced out founding fathers? Political philosophy- Machiavelli Political philosophy- Hobbes Political philosophy- Locke Political philosophy- Rousseau Political philosophy- Secondat How would the founders have used Machiavelli?

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Essential Questions

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  1. Essential Questions • Who are the philosophers that influenced out founding fathers? • Political philosophy- Machiavelli • Political philosophy- Hobbes • Political philosophy- Locke • Political philosophy- Rousseau • Political philosophy- Secondat • How would the founders have used Machiavelli? • What are the philosophies that are outlined in the Declaration of Independence • How did the founders incorporate these philosophies into the Constitution?

  2. Constitutional Underpinnings Meet the men

  3. Machiavelli • Machiavelli’s name is synonymous with tough and dirty politics • Author of The Prince. One of history’s first political scientists.

  4. Machiavelli Quotes • “The ends justify the means.” • “It is better to be feared than loved.” • “By no means can a prudent ruler keep his word. Because all men are bad and do not keep promises to you, you likewise do not have to keep your promises to them.”

  5. Thomas Hobbes

  6. Thomas Hobbes • Wrote Leviathan “…during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war; and such a war as is of every man against every man" (Leviathan, ch. XIII). Essentially…without government chaos ensues

  7. John Locke • Social Contract Theory • “The only valid government is one based on the consent of the governed.” - Locke • Rulers and citizens enter into an agreement, or a social contract • Government by the people, masses

  8. Locke’s influence on the US • “A state also of equality, wherein all the power and jurisdiction is reciprocal, no one having more than another… - John Locke, of Civil Government • “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal.” - Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence

  9. The Purpose of Government • Maintaining Order • Providing Services • Promoting Equality

  10. Locke vs Hobbes Thomas Hobbes believed the state’s only job is to stop disorder, protect against war; actually encouraged democratic thought while defending royal absolutism John Locke believed the state’s job is to protect property, commerce and economic growth

  11. Locke vs. Hobbes

  12. Jean Jacques Rousseau • The Social Contract • Freedom of Thought and Action • All citizens could and should join in the making of laws agreed on by the basis of the general will

  13. Charles Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu The Founding Fathers were heavily influenced by French philosopher Charles Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu when drafting the Constitution, most notably in connection with the separation of powers.

  14. Montesquieu argued that the best way to secure liberty and prevent a government from becoming corrupted was to divide the powers of government among different actors who would check each other.

  15. How ideas were used The American political system is rooted in the ideal that a just government can exist, and that its citizens can experience a good measure of liberty, rights, and equality in their personal lives. Although many of us disagree on political issues, most of us can agree on the main ideals that come with being a democracy.

  16. The characteristics of American democracy have changed throughout history, and are continuously changing today. In the beginning, "We, the People," did not include women, African Americans, non-land owners, or slaves. However, the fundamental ideals, which include liberty, equality, and self-government remain the same today.

  17. Liberty -The freedom to act, choose, think, and do as we please • Equality - The idea that all people are of the same worth in all aspects of life; politically, socially, and economically • Self-Government- Members of a state have the opportunity to rule themselves

  18. Characteristics of a Democracy Individual Liberty- people are as free as possible to develop their own capacities both socially and politically.  People can never be completely free - we have to have some laws, or rules to govern us, but the government works to provide equal access to as many opportunities as possible. Majority Rule with Minority Rights- people accept the decisions made by their elected representatives.  The government in return should work to protect the rights of everyone, not just the majority. Free Elections- almost everyone should have the opportunity to vote freely without having to pay a poll tax or fear of being threatened. Political Parties- people should be free to express their beliefs through political activities.

  19. Essential Questions • Who are the philosophers that influenced out founding fathers? • Political philosophy- Machiavelli • Political philosophy- Hobbes • Political philosophy- Locke • Political philosophy- Rousseau • Political philosophy- Secondat • How would the founders have used Machiavelli? • What are the philosophies that are outlined in the Declaration of Independence • How did the founders incorporate these philosophies into the Constitution?

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