Unit 1
How is the democratic ideal of popular sovereignty reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution?
"We the people" reflects popular sovereignty
What difficult problem were delegates to the Constitutional Convention trying to solve in 1787?
They want to have a stronger central government but don't want it to be too strong.
How is the democratic ideal of natural rights reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution??
Blessings of Liberty
What is pluralist democracy? Examples?
Many different parties and competing interests. Groups like the NRA, if there are issues that happen with firearms NRA will be there
How does Madison define a republic?
A government where the people are being represented by others.
Why does Madison believe that a large republic is best?
A larger government will allow for more well educated people to be chosen for representation. Representatives will have to listen and be responsible for more people and will be less likely to gain power by shady means.
What argument does Madison make about participatory democracy? What evidence was used to support his argument?
A participatory democracy will not be able to safely control the interests of factions. He uses the past history of participatory democracy and shows how people's right and even lives have been lost.
What is limited government?
A political system in which certain restrictions are placed on the government to protect individual rights.
According to Madison, what is the benefit of pluralism in relation to factions?
A small society will not have enough points of view, so a majority can easily take over and infringe on the rights of the few. A large republic allows for many different factions so that no one faction can become all powerful and take up the majority of the people/power. The more pluralism, the better
What were the Articles of Confederation? Why was it needed?
A written document that establishes the functions of the national government of the United States after it declared independence.
Why isn't the Three-Fifths compromise or the slave trade compromise as debated today?
All human beings have natural rights and are counted by population.
Why is Brutus concerned about an elite democracy?
An elite democracy will be more concerned with their own ambitions than taking care of the country as a whole.
How did the economic situation of the United States in the mid-1780s impact poor farmers?
As crop prices declined, many farmers were unable to pay their taxes and the government seized their farms
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries [soldiers] to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy [dishonesty] scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. Analyze Structure: Why do the states list all of these grievances? (highlight or underline your answer) A. to encourage the King to send more troops to maintain peace and order B. to show that they are justified in declaring independence C. to convince the King to reorganize colonial government D. to ensure that the colonists agree on the terms of independence
B. to show that they are justified in declaring independence
Why do the compromises of the represent conflict for the framers?
Balance with representation
Why did the big states not like the New Jersey plan?
Big states thought the little states had too much power.
What is participatory democracy? Examples?
Broad participation by people.
Why was the Three-Fifths compromise needed?
By including three-fifths of slaves (who had no voting rights) in the legislative apportionment, the Three-fifths Compromise provided additional representation in the House of Representatives of slave states compared to the free states.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure [term] of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: For quartering [lodging] large bodies of armed troops among us: For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences: For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies: Draw Conclusions: Why has the king tried to stop the population of the colonies from growing? (highlight or underline your answer) A. to prevent the colonies from taking over more land B. to prevent the colonies from naturalizing more British citizens C. to prevent the colonies from growing more powerful D. to prevent the colonies from being taken over by foreigners
C. to prevent the colonies from growing more powerful
What are the benefits and drawbacks of participatory democracy?
Closest to the original democracy, representing the people well. It can get logistically difficult, harder to get larger groups of people together.
What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Congress had not had the power to tax
How did the Articles of Confederation have a strong sense of limited government?
Each state had one vote, nine out of thirteen states had to agree.
How does the electoral college relate to elite democracy?
Each state shall appoint a number of electors, equal to the number of senators and representatives.
How does the electoral college work?
Each state shall appoint a number of electors, equal to the number of senators and representatives.
What are the drawbacks of a world without government?
Everyone has the same rights
Who were the Federalists? Who were the anti-Federalist?
Federalists want a new constitution; wants a strong central government; Anti-Federalist wants the opposite as the Federalists; fearful of a very strong central government; protect natural rights
What was the New Jersey plan?
Gave one vote to each of the states so that the small states could have the same amount of representatives. Unicameral legislature. Legislative has one chamber.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of pluralist democracy?
Good ideas surface, no one group domination. Slow decisions/ no decisons
What claim does Madison make about republics? What evidence was used to support this argument?
He argues that a republic is better at governing over a large number of people, He believes that a chosen few will be able to represent the better good of the people than the people as a whole.
Why does Madison believe large republics can better control factions than participatory democracies?
He argues that a republic is better suited to control a larger population of people that might form larger factions (groups)
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish [give up] the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable [priceless] to them and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions [closing down], to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions [riots] within. Cite Evidence: What evidence does the Declaration provide for how the king has prevented laws from being passed?
He has taken away our right to representation (republicanism)
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress [correction of wrongs] in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity [generosity], and we have conjured [begged] them by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity [relation by blood]. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. Explain an Argument: Why do the states think that the king is not fit to be their ruler?
He is acting like a Tyrant by ignoring their pleas and taking away our rights.
How does Madison support the concept of elite democracy?
He is in favor of it, it is better suited for a large country and a stronger national government.
What argument does Brutus make about "free republics?" What evidence does he provide to support this argument?
He refuse the Greeks and Romans, he talks about how they started out as free republic, but then they got too large, too powerful, and became empires
Why does Brutus advocate for not adopting the Constitution?
He wants to keep power in the states. Keep their sovereignty. Just fix the Articles of Confederation not get rid of them
According to Madison, how does the Constitution provide balance between local and national interests?
He's arguing that the new Constitution will allow for a balance between national and local (state) interests. People can participate on the national level through their elected representatives and they can still be active in local issues through the power retained by local (state) governments.
How did Thomas Hobbes describe the "state of nature" in his book Leviathan (1651)?
Hobbes describes it as a miserable state of war in which none of our important human ends are reliably realizable. Force and fraud
What is the big picture of Federalist 10?
How do you control factions?Madison argues that a large representative government, with a large chance at a pluralist society will be able to control and prevent a majority faction from taking over. To do this, you need a Union of states, not 13 separate sovereign states.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude [justness] of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. Draw Inferences English philosopher John Locke wrote that government should protect "life, liberty, and estate." How do you think Locke's writing influenced ideas about government put forth in the Declaration of Independence?
I think his idea influenced ideas about government put forth in the Declaration of Independence because these rights are rights that were born with.
What examples are of limited governments?
If a police officer comes into your home they have to show you a warrant
What argument does Madison make about representation in a republic?
If they are too small, they will just control everything. If it is too large, it will be too confusing.
What is one anti-slavery aspect of the Constitution? How come this did not end slavery in the United States?
It outlawed international slave trade
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude [justness] of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. Analyze Style and Rhetoric: How do the states affirm in this declaration that they are making the correct decision in declaring independence?
It says all men are created equal, so this may have influenced all people being created equal.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude [justness] of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. Identify Cause and Effect: How might the ideas about equality expressed in the Declaration of Independence have influenced later historical movements, such as the abolitionist movement and the women's suffrage movement?
It says all men are created equal, so this may have influenced all people being created equal.
What is the origin of the term democracy?
Rule by the people
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude [justness] of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. Identify Key Steps in a Process: Why was the Declaration of Independence a necessary document for the founding of the new nation?
It was a necessary document because it was when we gained our independence from Britain.
How did the concept of natural rights influence Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence?
Jefferson was inspired by the English Enlightenment, the writings on government raise two ideas that would be important to Jefferson: That all human beings are born with "natural rights", including the right to protect their lives, their freedom, and their property.
What was the Virginia Plan? What were the key features of this plan?
Legislative - law making; bicameral legislature. Gives way too much power to big states. Legislative has two chambers. Number of vte depends on the state's population.
According to John Locke, what are natural rights?
Life, Liberty, and Property
How is the democratic ideal of natural rights reflected in the Declaration of Independence?
Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness
What was the Great (Connecticut) Compromise?
Lower house became the House of Representatives, each state has representatives, based on population, people directly vote. The Upper house became Senate, two votes.
According to Madison, how are factions a problem?
Madison is fearful of violent factions (groups). A majority faction can take away the rights of a minority faction.
Historically (before 1776), what types of governments did people form?
Monarchy, Oligarchy, Popular Sovereignty - Democracy, Limited Government
What are the benefits and drawbacks of elite democracy?
More educated than the general public, more decisive Do they really represent the people
What is elite democracy? Examples?
More limited participation. Electoral college
Why was the Three-Fifths compromise a huge victory for slaveholders?
More representation and more power.
How did Shays' Rebellion show the weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
National government cannot tax or pay off their debt. It could not regulate trade or keep the states from circulating their own currency. Couldn't impose taxes, regulate commerce, or raise an army hindered its ability to defend the nation or pay its debts.
How do natural rights affect the social contract?
Natural rights developed as part of the social contract theory, which addressed the questions of the origin of society and the legitimacy of the authority of the state over the individual.
How does Brutus describe the new central government proposed by the Constitution? How does he describe the sovereignty of state governments?
One large republic. He says that with this new republic states will lose their sovereignty.
How did James Madison define a republic in Federalist 10?
Our republic should be a representation of the people.
What were the Federalist Papers? Why were they needed?
Papers written by James Madison, they tried to conceive people that a new constitution was needed with a stronger national government
How is the democratic ideal of the social contract reflected in the Declaration of Independence?
People agree to give up some of their rights in order to have the government protect their truly important rights
How is the democratic ideal of limited government reflected in the Declaration of Independence?
Protecting the unalienable rights of its citizens
Who was Publius and Brutus? What is the significance of these pen names?
Publius is Madisons pen name, Brutus is the pan name for Anti-fedeeralist papers. Publius was responsible for helping create the Roman Republic.
What was Shays' Rebellion?
Shays' Rebellion was a series of violent attacks on courthouses and other government properties in Massachusetts that began in 1786. The weakness of the Articles of Confederation became apparent to all as a result of an uprising of Massachusetts farmers known as Shays' Rebellion.
How did Shays' Rebellion impact the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
Showed the articles of confederation wasn't going to work
How did slavery create conflict over representation?
Slaves were "property" so they didnt count as citizens
Why is the Great Compromise controversial today?
Small states have more representation power in the senate than larger states.
How did the Founding Fathers view a republic?
Something that would prevent the passion of a pure democracy, more practical
What were the states agreeing to in the Articles of Confederation?
State-by-state voting and proportional state tax burdens based on land values
How does the tone of the Articles of Confederation differ from the Constitution?
The Constitution is "We The People". The Articles start with "To all to whom these Presents shall come". The Articles talk about all the new states.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude [justness] of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. Analyze Structure: How does the declaration organize its key points from beginning to end?
The Declaration is organized by 5 distinct segments with each one addressing an issue
Why did some of the framers support elite democracy?
The Framers believed that the best form of government is one in which elected leaders represent the interests of the people. This is known as republicanism. The Framers wanted the will of the people to be reflected in the daily decisions of government and to prevent a tyrannical government from rising.
What were the consequences of the Three-Fifths?
The Three-Fifths compromise gave southern states disproportionate representation in the House of Representatives relative to free states, thereby helping the southern states to preserve slavery.
How did the framers have sharply divided opinions over slavery?
The framers of the Constitution believed that concessions on slavery were the price for the support of southern delegates for a strong central government.
How is the democratic ideal of limited reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution?
The making of the US Constitution
Why does Brutus question the practicality of representative democracy over a large territory?
The more people in a republic the less likely they are to fully understand all the needs and beliefs of other parts of the country.
Why has been the consequence of the Electoral College system in presidential elections?
The most popular candidate doesn't always have to win. (Bush v Gore: 2000) and (Trump v Clinton: 2016)
According Jean-Jacque Rousseau, what is the social contract?
The social contract is "for the government to protect the natural rights of American citizens, the people should see the government as an authority that they respect."(Unit 1. Ideals of Democracy - Slide 13)
How does the Articles of Confederation deal with the issue of sovereignty? What is the significance of this?
The states are sovereign themselves, like 13 independent countries.
How is the United States different today than 1790?
There are more people and the population is different in each state. 4 million people to 300 million people today.
The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel [force] them to the separation. Analyze Style and Rhetoric: Why is it significant that this document begins with a declaration by the "Thirteen United States" and not by the thirteen colonies?
There are no longer colonies, they are breaking away from Great Britain.
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries [soldiers] to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy [dishonesty] scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. Distinguish Among Fact, Opinion, and Reasoned Judgment: Are these grievances facts, opinions, or reasoned judgments, and how do you know?
There are some facts listed, for example, British soldiers did kill some Americans. The part where he describes how "the most barbarous ages" is probably opinion-based.
Thinking about the United States today, what elements of participatory, pluralist, and elite democracy do you see?
They all come together and form one democracy.
Why were the Founding Fathers suspicious about pure democracy?
They didn't think democracy was right.
The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel [force] them to the separation. Summarize: According to the preamble, why are the states writing this declaration?
They feel that their natural rights are being violated.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude [justness] of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. Compare and Contrast: What powers will the new nation have that it did not have as a colony?
They won't rule over a country that restricted them to their own house.
What is republicanism?
To feel that the government listened to their wants and needs, the colonist wanted direct representation, but the British were unwilling to grant it to the colonies.
How is the democratic ideal of the social contract reflected in the Preamble of the Constitution?
To form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare.
Why does Hobbes advocate for a strong central government?
To keep everyone in check; A government to keep everyone in check
How does Brutus argue against pluralism?
To many groups means that nothing will ever get done. There will be too many arguments.
How is the democratic ideal of popular sovereignty reflected in the Declaration of Independence?
To secure their individual rights, the people institute governments for themselves
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed [gifted] by their Creator with certain unalienable [cannot be taken away] Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence [cautiousness], indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations [unjust uses of power], pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism [rule of absolute power], it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. Determine Meaning: What does it mean to be "endowed with unalienable rights"? What examples of unalienable rights are listed in this passage?
Unalienable rights are those that cannot be taken away from you. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What are the benefits of a world without government?
Unlimited rights, Freedom of Religion, own whatever, go wherever, tax from others or steal others stuff, imprison others
Why did small states not like the Virginia Plan?
Virginia got the most representatives.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed [gifted] by their Creator with certain unalienable [cannot be taken away] Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence [cautiousness], indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations [unjust uses of power], pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism [rule of absolute power], it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. Determine Central: Ideas What does it mean for the government to become destructive, and why do the states believe they must declare independence from Britain?
When a government is getting in the way of disrupting those rights. Because Britain's government is destructive of those rights, we then have a right to throw off that government and create a new one.
Who could vote in 1790?
White men with property.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress [correction of wrongs] in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity [generosity], and we have conjured [begged] them by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity [relation by blood]. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. Assess an Argument: Have the states done enough to justify declaring independence from Britain?
Yes, there is a long list of abuses and most importantly Britain has taken away our natural rights.
How does the social contract relate to Thomas Hobbes' ideas about government?
You would give up some rights in order to protect the people that are most important
What is popular sovereignty?
the idea that the authority of government comes from the people
