Declaration of Independence / “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness- that to secure these rights; governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever an form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new government…”

Declaration of Independence / Includes some of the most important ideas on which our government is based / Major ideas based on Locke’s ‘natural rights philosophy’ / Includes some of the most important ideas on which our government is based / Major ideas based on Locke’s ‘natural rights philosophy’

Natural Rights Philosophy John Locke’s impact on American Government

What is a right? Right or reasonable claim to have or obtain something or act in a legal or moral way

Natural Rights? / Also known as unalienable rights. – rights given by a supreme being; should not be taken away / Life: live free from threats to safety / Liberty: free from the control of others, and ability to live as they please. / Property: freedom to work and gain economic needs necessary for survival. / Also known as unalienable rights. – rights given by a supreme being; should not be taken away / Life: live free from threats to safety / Liberty: free from the control of others, and ability to live as they please. / Property: freedom to work and gain economic needs necessary for survival.

Natural Rights Philosophy… / In a nutshell… / Based on what life would be like with NO government. (state of nature); government cannot exist until it has been created. / Law of nature - in a state of nature, no one would have the right to interfere with your life & freedom; but if someone did try to violate your life/freedom no one would defend you. / In a nutshell… / Based on what life would be like with NO government. (state of nature); government cannot exist until it has been created. / Law of nature - in a state of nature, no one would have the right to interfere with your life & freedom; but if someone did try to violate your life/freedom no one would defend you.

What did Locke believe would happen in a ‘state of nature’? / Most humans are reasonable, but self- interested / people would pursue self-interest / there were no government to interpret or enforce laws. / Rights would be insecure – stronger smarter would take away rights of others / Most humans are reasonable, but self- interested / people would pursue self-interest / there were no government to interpret or enforce laws. / Rights would be insecure – stronger smarter would take away rights of others

What is a “Social Contract”? the best way to solve the problems in a state of nature is for individuals to agree to create & live under a government; People need to give government the power to make & enforce laws (consent) / Social Contract: Agreement of individuals to create and live under government control, giving up some individual freedoms for the protection of individuals and the community. the best way to solve the problems in a state of nature is for individuals to agree to create & live under a government; People need to give government the power to make & enforce laws (consent) / Social Contract: Agreement of individuals to create and live under government control, giving up some individual freedoms for the protection of individuals and the community.

What makes government legitimate? / People give their consent

The ultimate purpose of government: / To protect our natural rights that the individual cannot effectively secure in a state of nature.