Philosophical Framework of American Government Political philosopher’s that impacted the Framer’s of the Constitution.

Brainstorming What might be some advantages & disadvantages to living in a state of nature? What rights would you expect to have in a state of nature? Would anyone have the right to govern you? Would you have the right to govern anyone else?

Who is John Locke? 1632-1704 in England Father served in English Civil War Educated: Masters degree Political Beliefs: Liberal Whigs Experiences: Enlightenment Glorious Revolution Accomplishments: Second Treatise on Government. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding Fundamental Constitution of the Carolina’s

Locke’s Influence Political philosophy later influenced: Jean-Jacques Rousseau Immanuel Kant Framer’s of Constitution Revolutionary ideas impacted: American Revolution French Revolution

Locke’s Political Thinking Government must be accountable to the people. Purpose of government is to preserve natural rights. A government must consist of institutions and the legally prescribed process for making and enforcing collective agreements. An absolute monarchy is inconsistent with the purpose of government. When government misuses power & authority, the people have the right to revolt.

Second Treatise On Government Written in 1689. Why was it written? To defend the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Supported a limited monarchy. Supported English Bill of Rights. To counter thinking of Thomas Hobbes. Human nature is good and reasonable, but may be driven by self-interest.

A key to John Locke Inalienable Rights: rights that cannot be taken away from anyone (free speech) Equality: The belief that all persons, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, age, etc. have the same rights as everyone else. Questions to consider: What is happening in this painting? How does this painting relate to the concept of inalienable rights? Equality? “The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which treats everyone equally…[B]eing equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, or possessions.” -John Locke

A Key to John Locke Question to Consider: Limited Government: A government that does not have absolute authority. Consent of the Governed: The political theory that government’s gain their authority from the people. A government is not legitimate if the people do not give their consent. “Whensoever…the [government] shall…put into the hands of any other an absolute power over the lives, liberty, and estates of the people, by this breach of trust they forfeit the power [of] the people…who have a right to resume their original liberty, and by the establishment of the new [government] provide for their own safety and security.” -John Locke Question to Consider: What is happening in this picture and how does it relate to the topic of limited government?

Key to John Locke State of Nature: a state of perfect freedom where people do as they see fit within the bounds of the law of nature. (Problem is self-interest causes conflict!) Law of Nature: a state of equality, where people have the same advantages, use of same authority; in which the rights of men are not invaded by others. (utopia) “And that all men may be restrained from invading others rights, and from doing hurt to one another, and the law of nature be observed, which willeth the peace & preservation of all mankind, the execution of the law of nature is in that state put in every man’s hands… -John Locke

A Key to John Locke Social Contract: An agreement among men to create and live under government & give that government the power to make & enforce laws. Government only exists when people choose to resign their state of nature and create it. Government gets it’s power & authority from the people. “…he authorizes the society, or which is all one, the legislative thereof, to make laws for him, as the public good of the society shall require…and puts men out of a state of nature into that of a common-wealth, by setting up a judge on earth, with authority to determine all the controversies, and redress the injuries that may happen…” John Locke Questions to consider: How does this photo communicate Locke’s belief about human nature? In regards to the government of Iraq, if there is a social contract between the citizens and the government, why is there still conflict?

Reflection on Locke’s Philosophy What questions do you have?