Ideas Behind our Government

European Middle Ages Absolute monarchy was accepted Monarchs ruled through divine right. Believed God, not people, created society If the people suffered under a tyrannical king, it was God’s will. Disobeying a despot was a sin, so people had a duty to obey their leader no matter what

The Enlightenment 1600s – 1700s Human beings are rational All men are equal Small/limited gov’t better than absolute monarchy Government rules with the consent of the governed (we give them some of our freedom) Individual rights are important: freedom of speech, religion freedom to own property, earn money political equality

Why is the U.S. considered to have its roots in the Enlightenment? Key ideas appear in the founding documents, particularly the Declaration of Independence. (Our founding fathers were well-educated & had read the famous political thinkers of their time.)

The Ideas Behind our Government I. The Power of any government should be limited

Formative Documents a. THE MAGNA CARTA An agreement signed by King John of England in 1215 Nobles insisted he limit his power Guaranteed right of Parliament (nobles) to approve new taxes Guaranteed right of people to own property Guaranteed right to trial with a jury

b. ENGLISH BILL OF RIGHTS Passed in 1689 by British Parliament Nobles insisted king must follow all laws Re-stated right of to trial with a jury Guaranteed right of HABEAS CORPUS (can’t be held without being charged with a crime) Restated right of Parliament to approve new taxes, increase military

What we learned from this… Rulers are not OMNIPOTENT Rulers are UNDER the law Ruler must work with the LEGISLATURE

All people have the right & ability to govern themselves Formative Documents a. MAYFLOWER COMPACT Signed 1620 by Pilgrims Decision of the members of Plymouth to work together Social Contract - All members consented to the rules of the community

What we learned from this… Representative government (adult males elect a ruling council) Majority rule Power of a written contract

III Government Power Should Never Be Too Concentrated Philosophers a. Baron de Montesquieu French philosopher 16-1700s Studied by all US forefathers Described the ideal government: Legislative Branch – makes laws Executive Branch– enforces laws Judicial Branch– interpret laws Power should be limited and shared!

b. Jean Jacques Rousseau French philosopher 1700s Studied by all US forefathers Believed man is by nature generous However, too much power will corrupt ANYONE!

What we learned from this… Government must maintain a balance of power No one in gov’t should be too powerful Citizens should be treated equally by the law (democracy)

IV People’s Natural Rights Should be Protected by their Gov’t Philosopher a. John Locke British philosopher 16-1700s Studied by all US forefathers Believed all humans have rights to life, health, liberty and possessions that no one should harm To secure their rights, therefore, people give up some freedom and form government If government fails to protect rights of citizens, they are free to make a new government.

What we learned from this… A gov’t only rule by consent (permission) of the people Rulers must respect/protect citizens’ rights If they don’t, citizens have right to replace them.