1. Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy
Lecture & Discussion 2: Democratic Ideals

2. Enduring Understanding
A balance between governmental power and individual rights has been a hallmark of American political development.

3. Objective(s)
To explain how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence.

4. Do Now
Read Handout A on one of the following Enlightenment philosophers: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Charles Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. As you read, annotate the text by circling unfamiliar words, highlighting main ideas, and writing notes in the margins regarding the political thinkers views on…
human nature;
the “social contract” and role of government;
the type of government best suited for society.

5. A. The Colonial Mindset Causes of Revolutionary War
repayment of war debt
“taxation without representation”
colonial unity and sense of independence
Goal was liberty
Colonist believed English constitution violated “natural rights” ordained by God and shared vision of a legitimate government that secured personal liberties

6. B. Influence of Enlightenment
Thomas Hobbes ( )
wrote The Leviathan after witnessing the English Civil War
in the state of nature, man is naturally selfish
people enter into a social contract by which freedom is sacrificed to a supreme power in exchange for law and order in society
advocated an absolute monarchy, BUT theory established idea that government was formed by consent of people

7. B. Influence of Enlightenment
John Locke ( )
wrote Second Treatise on Government after Glorious Revolution to justify end of absolutism
in the state of nature, all people are entitled to “natural rights”
people enter into a social contract for security, but agreement is provisional and government should be overthrown if rights not protected
favored a representative democracy

8. B. Influence of Enlightenment
Baron de Montesquieu ( )
wrote Spirit of the Laws in response to absolute rule of King Louis XIV
in the state of nature, individuals are fearful of violence and seek to live in society with others
no social contract, but believed war among individuals and nations led to government
proposed a separation of power in which three branches would serve to prevent any one person or group from dominating others

9. B. Influence of Enlightenment
Jean-Jacques Rousseau ( )
wrote The Social Contract
in the state of nature, man is naturally good but corrupted by society
extended the social contract by adding the idea that for a government to be legitimate, it must be based on popular sovereignty or will of the people
favored a direct democracy

10. C. Declaration of Independence
Directions: Read the Declaration of Independence and annotate the text by circling unfamiliar words, highlighting main ideas, and writing notes in the margin. Then, complete the table to explain the principles of government outlined in document.

11. C. Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Jefferson with help from Adams and Franklin, provides a foundation for popular sovereignty. While the U.S. Constitution drafted at the Philadelphia Convention and led by George Washington, with important contributions from Madison, Hamilton, and others, provides the blueprint for republicanism.