The Foundations of American Government Unit 1 Biographies

Essential Question Pick five of the historical figures Explain the impact each had on the United States (not what, rather explain their impact has done and why)

Aristotle 384 BC – 322BC One of the most influential Greek philosophers, student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. Studied and wrote on subjects ranging from physics to ethics, logic, zoology, politics, and government. Credited with creating the foundation of Western Political Philosophy in his book Politics. Created classifications of Gov (Autocracy, Oligarchy, Democracy) “man is by nature a political animal”

Thomas Hobbes 1588-1679 English philosopher and political scientist, wrote Leviathan, in which he described the social contract theory. According to Hobbes, in the state of nature life is “nasty, brutish, and short” as men are concerned for their own survival. In order to live in peace, people must give up some freedom/power to the government so that the government can protect society and maintain order. He called this system the Social Contract - people did not have the right to break this contract.

John Locke 1632-1704 English philosopher and Enlightenment thinker, influenced Voltaire, Rousseau, and our Founding Fathers. His writings influenced the French and American Revolutions. Unlike Hobbes he believed that people were born as blank slates (not good or bad). He believed that all people were born with natural rights (life, liberty, property) and that government exists to protect these rights. Wrote about the idea of checks and balances in government. Believed that revolution was not only a right but an obligation in some cases. His ideas greatly impacted the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Charles-Luis Montesquieu 1689-1755 French political scientist and Enlightenment thinker, wrote The Spirit of the Laws. Credited with the concept of separation of powers. Believed that governmental powers should be divided into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) each no more powerful than the other two. This was considered radical because it went against the French Monarchy and called for the end of feudalism. Also believed that women could be the head of governments (but not families) and was opposed to slavery.

Alexis de Tocqueville 1805-1859 French political thinker, historian, and early sociologist. Traveled to the US in early 1800s and recorded his observations in his book – Democracy in America. He saw democracy as an equation that balanced liberty and equality (concern for the individual as well as the community). He believed that market capitalism and the belief that hard work and money determined your place in society had replaced aristocracy. He suggested that the balance of power was determined by the balance of property.

James Madison 1751-1836 One of our most influential Founding Fathers, 4th President of the U.S. Wanted a strong national government (solution to the failure of the Articles of Confederation). Considered to be the “Father of the Constitution” (author of the basic plan that was adopted by the Constitutional Convention). Also known as the “Father of the Bill of Rights” as he drafted the first ten amendments. Wrote over a third of the Federalist Papers in which he argued for protection against factions (special interests).

Adam Smith 1723-1790 Developed the Laissez-faire economic theory stating that government should have a “hands-off” approach to the economy. Provided the best-known intellectual rationale for free trade, free enterprise, and Capitalism. Credited with establishing the modern principle of market economics. Believed in the “invisible hand”. “Greed is Good!” Scottish philosopher and early Economist Known as the “Father of Economics” Book – The Wealth of Nations Division of labor (pin factory)

Karl Marx 1818-1883 Wrote The Communist Manifesto Believed that conflict was the result of class struggles Thought that capitalism would be replaced by communism Originally wrote on socialism but became known as the “Father of Communism”

Thomas Jefferson 1743-1826 Provided justification for the revolution and put forth the founding principles of a new nation Defender of separation of church and state, individual liberty. Held many positions in government and was considered an expert in many fields (architecture, horticulture, inventor, writer, etc.) Started the University of Virginia. Colonial Leader, influential Founding Father, 3rd President of the U.S. Primary author of the Declaration of Independence

King George III 1738-1820 King of Great Britain and Ireland (UK) from 1760 – until his death. Wanted to deal more firmly with American Colonies Issued the Stamp Act (taxing the colonists) which set in motion several events leading to the Revolutionary War. Was the longest reigning of the male British monarchs Widely remembered for two things: Losing the American Colonies and going mad

Thomas Paine 1737-1809 Born in Britain, moved to the Colonies just before the American Revolution. Argued that King George III was an enemy to liberty Wrote the Pamphlet Common Sense Advocating independence for the American Colonies from Great Britain and supporting the revolution. It convinced many colonists, including George Washington and John Adams, to seek political independence Later, Paine was a major influence on the French Revolution.