Learning Objective 1.2... Show how European political thought provided the theoretical foundations of American Government
Describe: The mid-eighteenth century theorists Thomas Hobbes and John Locke largely influenced politics within the colonies. Thomas Hobbes' social contract theory holds the belief that people are free and equal by natural right and therefore requires that all people give their consent to be governed. Locke argued that a governments major responsibility was the preservation of private property. Locke also argued that the branch of government that makes laws should be the most powerful, and he believed that having a chief executive was important but that he should necessarily be limited by law or by the social contract with the governed. In 1749 Charles- Louis published Spirit of the Laws, which he said that the best form of government is one that fits best with the people. Louis argued for checks and balances, and believed that a community should provide absolute equality and freedom for individuals.Explain: The following theorists largely impacted the start of the U.S. Government, as well as the Constitution.
Give an Example: One of the framers influenced by the works of political theorists is Thomas Jefferson.
Learning Objective 1.4... Explain the functions of American government
Describe: As stated in the Preamble of the Constitution, the functions of American government are establishing justice, insuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare,and securing the blessings of liberty.Explain: These are the basic liberties Americans have.
Give an Example: These basic ideas are also mentioned within the Declaration of Independence, and are apart of the reason why the colonies separated from England.
Learning Objective 2.2... Identify the key components of the Articles of Confederation and the reasons why it failed
Describe: The Articles of Confederation create a friendship between the colonies. The major problems included Congress' inability to tax, no central government, no military, and no judiciary.Explain: The states did not want to give to much power to a strong central government as that is why they pulled away from England in the first place. Their caution led to an inadequate government.
Give an Example: Congress' power during the Revolutionary war is similarly compared to their power after the Revolutionary war.
Learning Objective 2.3... Outline the issues and compromises that were central to the writing of the U.S. Constitution
Describe: When each state met at The Constitutional Convention in 1787 they all came with different opinions of how the future government should be set up. As representatives they pushed for their states best interests. This can be seen in the Virginia (large state) and New Jersey (small state) plans. Virginia pushed for a bicameral legislature and an executive and judiciary chosen by the national legislature; while the New Jersey plan pushed for a one house legislature with one vote for each state, a congress with the ability to raise revenue, and a Supreme Court with members appointed for life. The next major compromise was the 3/5ths compromise. This compromise was a agreement that slaves should count for 3/5th of a person regarding population in the U.S. House of Representatives.Explain: These compromises show the vast amount of interests within the new nation, and the problems that the US must face in the future.
Give an Example: The same interests are partially represented within today's Congress.
Learning Objective 2.4... Analyze the underlying principles of the U.S. Constitution
Describe: The U.S. Constitution calls for three branches, the legislative branch, executive branch, and judiciary. The legislative branch makes laws, executive enforces those laws, and judiciary decides whether the laws are constitutional. The Constitution also made a system of checks and balances.Explain: With three branches it separates the powers tremendously.
Give an Example: This system continues to be in use, and is continuously successful.
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