Topic 1a – Early American Ideologies Objectives: By the end of the lesson students will be able to: Identify three major ideals of Enlightenment thinkers. Connect the Enlightenment thinkers and their ideals to specific democratic values present in early America. Explain how the American colonists were influenced by democratic Enlightenment ideas. What did they specifically do that represents the Enlightenment?

Topic 1a - Early American Ideologies The Enlightenment Enlightenment A European intellectual movement that emphasized logic & reason over tradition and faith. New ideas on the following topics: Math, Physics, Government, Nature, Humanity. Relevancy to US History: Made it acceptable for people to think about human nature (without God and the monarchy) and purpose of government in their lives. Before we even start, using one sentence, write down what you believe the governments role in your life should be. Make a “t-chart” on a separate sheet of paper. Label the left column Old Europe and the right column Enlightenment Europe. Now that you know the difference between the two, summarize Europe before the Enlightenment on the left side and after on the right side. (Critical Thinking) How did the Enlightenment reach North America? Why would it have a major influence on the American colonists? (Read the second question carefully, notice how it says WHY not HOW)

Enlightenment Thinkers Topic 1a - Early American Ideologies Enlightenment Thinkers Thomas Hobbes – The Social Contract You give the government its power You don’t owe the government and its leaders, it owes you If it isn’t working for you, change it John Locke – Natural Rights Right to life, liberty, and property Nothing can ever take those away Thomas Paine – “Common Sense” The Enlightenment in action vs. the British government How was Hobbes idea on the Social Contract different from what people were used to at the time? What would John Locke have to say if the British government took away the colonists right to life, liberty, or property? Why? (Opinion) What is your take on the role of government in your life? Do you have natural rights? Explain. Do you believe government acts like a social contract? Why or why not?

Enlightenment Influence in America Topic 1a - Early American Ideologies Enlightenment Influence in America Mayflower Compact – Massachusetts Majority Rules House of Burgesses – Virginia Representative Government Declaration of Independence Natural Rights Social Contract Define majority rules. Explain how the Mayflower Compact is an example of majority rules and why it was needed for the colony of Massachusetts Define Representative Government. Explain how a Representative Government also acts like a social contract.

Enlightenment in America Topic 1a - Early American Ideologies Enlightenment in America Social Contract influence The belief in changing government when it isn’t working for you American Revolution The Election in general (modern) Majority rules influence Allowing participation by all Americans in the direction of government (past and present) Representative governments Election of officials to run government from the people. Allows government to function based on interests. Allows everyone else to go about daily lives. How is government today like a social contract? Is majority rules fair? What if there were 100 people in a room and 51 all had the same opinion, is that fair? Why or why not? Why did the colonists have representative governments? Do you think this type of government is effective? Why or why not?