SS.7.C.1.9, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 Flash Cards - Influences on Founding Fathers, inc. Enlightenment Ideas
Limited Monarchy
a system of government in which the king or queen shares authority with an elected legislature and agrees to be bound by a constitution or a set of laws, also known as a constitutional monarchy
despotism
a system of government where the ruler has unlimited power
Duty
a tax
Citizen
A legal member of a state and/or country
Law
A rule established by government or other source of authority to regulate people's conduct or activities
Common Sense
a pamphlet published by Thomas Paine in 1776 to convince the American colonists to support becoming independent from England
tyrant
a single ruler that possesses and abuses absolute government power
Enlightenment
a period in European history when many educated people stressed the importance of learning and reasoning; education was considered the key to understanding and solving society's problems
Townshend Acts
1767: The Townshend Acts taxed many items imported into the colonies such as paper, tea, glass, lead and paints. In response, colonists decided to refuse to purchase (boycott), some of these items.
Tea Act
1773: Parliament passed the Tea Act which made the British East India Company the only company allowed to import tea into the colonies. In response to the Tea Act, a group of colonists boarded English ships in Boston and dumped hundreds of chests of tea into the harbor that same year (Boston Tea Party).
Compact
An official agreement made by two or more parties
Attached is a newspaper headline. "Daily News Approval Rating for President Reaches Record High!" What enlightenment idea is represented by the headline? A. Separation of Powers B. Checks and Balances C. Social Contract D. Natural Law
Attached is a newspaper headline. "Daily News Approval Rating for President Reaches Record High!" What enlightenment idea is represented by the headline? C. Social Contract (Social contract focuses on the relationship between government and the people. The headline suggests that the people strongly approve of the government (specifically, the president).)
President John Quincy Adams once stated that: "The Declaration of Independence was founded upon one and the same theory of government: the writings of Locke." Based on this statement, how would you summarize the impact of John Locke on the Founding Fathers?
Based on this quote from President Adams, I can summarize that John Locke had a large impact on the Founding Fathers. According to Adams, John Locke's ideas are the main ideas in the Declaration of Independence.
Below is a timeline. Year - Event 1918 - Latvia declares independence 1940 - Soviet Union takes over Latvia 1988 - Latvian people push for independence August 1991 - Latvia declares independence September 1991 - U.S. president announces full diplomatic recognition of Latvia September 1991 - Latvia joins the United Nations Which writing encourages the action demonstrated in the timeline? A. Common Sense B. U.S. Constitution C. Mayflower Compact D. Articles of Confederation
Below is a timeline. Year - Event 1918 - Latvia declares independence 1940 - Soviet Union takes over Latvia 1988 - Latvian people push for independence August 1991 - Latvia declares independence September 1991 - U.S. president announces full diplomatic recognition of Latvia September 1991 - Latvia joins the United Nations Which writing encourages the action demonstrated in the timeline? A. Common Sense (Common Sense promoted independence of the British colonists from Great Britain.)
How are the Enlightenment ideas that influenced the Founding Fathers reflected in modern institutions? A. Colonies have been re-established to preserve popular sovereignty. B. Oligarchies have increased to safeguard natural rights. C. The United Nations promotes universal human rights. D. The European Union encourages economic stability.
How are the Enlightenment ideas that influenced the Founding Fathers reflected in modern institutions? C. The United Nations promotes universal human rights. (The United Nations promotes universal human rights which includes the protection of natural law.)
John Locke
Idea of Natural Rights/Law & Social Contract People are born with God given (natural) rights that are protected by civil governments. Government can regulate human behavior as long as it does not infringe upon their God given freedoms - The people enter into a social contract voluntarily provided that the government is formed in a way that respects natural rights and is derived from the consent of the governed.
How did Montesquieu's ideas influence the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison.. liked the idea that each branch of government should have a clear role. As a result, the U.S. Constitution clearly explains what each branch is supposed to do: Congress makes laws, the President enforces laws, and the Courts interpret laws. Each branch has the power to check, or limit, the other branches. Due to Montesquieu's influence, the U.S. Constitution has set up our government into three separate branches that have the power to check and balance each other. Without Montesquieu's influence, we would not have the system of government that we have today. The ideas of separation of powers and checks and balances are vital to making our country function.
What event resulted in the British government being in significant debt that they would need to raise revenue (money) through taxes to pay off the debt?
In 1763, the end of the Seven Years War (French and Indian War) resulted in significant debt for the British government and this led to them trying to raise revenue (money) to pay off that debt with taxes.
Stamp Act
In 1765 Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which required that all printed materials be taxed including newspapers, pamphlets, bills, legal documents, licenses, almanacs, dice and playing cards. The colonists heartily objected to this direct tax and in protest petitioned the king, formed the Stamp Act Congress, and boycotted English imports. In 1766 Parliament repealed the Stamp Act, a major victory for colonists.
What is the meaning of the following complaint about King George III from the Declaration of Independence? "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good"
Meaning: He has refused to enforce laws
How did Montesquieu define liberty and how did he explain the relationship between liberty and government?
Montesquieu believed that liberty is the peace of mind that comes from being safe. He believed safety can only exist if everyone follows the law. If governments could provide and enforce clear laws that everyone would follow, it would increase liberty, reduce the problems of society, and improve human life.
The conversation below concerns lawmaking. Doug: I believe in making laws only when everyone can participate in public decision making. Nicole: I disagree with you; it is best for laws to be made by the people who have been chosen for that purpose. Which colonial principle is being discussed? A. Limited monarchy B. Self-government C. Social contract D. Natural Rights
The conversation below concerns lawmaking. Doug: I believe in making laws only when everyone can participate in public decision making. Nicole: I disagree with you; it is best for laws to be made by the people who have been chosen for that purpose. Which colonial principle is being discussed? B. Self-government (Both statements support the concept of self-government)
The conversation below took place between two U.S. citizens. Kevin: I do not want to visit a country where the police force operates like an organized crime gang. Peggy: I do not want to visit a country where the police make up evidence. What principle is important to these citizens? A. Representative democracy B. Freedom of speech C. Trial by jury D. Rule of law
The conversation below took place between two U.S. citizens. Kevin: I do not want to visit a country where the police force operates like an organized crime gang. Peggy: I do not want to visit a country where the police make up evidence. What principle is important to these citizens? D. Rule of law (Police who do not abuse their power is one important concept of the rule of law.)
Rule of Law
The idea that those who govern must follow the laws; no one is above the law
The image attached concerns government. Which Enlightenment idea is represented by the image? A. Separation of Powers B. Checks and Balances C. Social Contract D. Natural Law
The image attached concerns government. Which Enlightenment idea is represented by the image? A. Separation of Powers (The three branches of government are separated in the image. There is no evidence of interaction among branches in the image, therefore it cannot be checks and balances.)
The passage below was written by Thomas Paine in his 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense. "And as he hath shown himself such an ... enemy to liberty, and discovered such a thirst for ... power, is he, or is he not, a proper man to say to these colonies, "You shall make no laws but what I please"?" Based on this passage, how is the author's view reflected in the U.S. political system? A. The monarchy creates limited government. B. The monarchy supports self-government. C. Representatives are appointed. D. Representatives are elected.
The passage below was written by Thomas Paine in his 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense. "And as he hath shown himself such an ... enemy to liberty, and discovered such a thirst for ... power, is he, or is he not, a proper man to say to these colonies, "You shall make no laws but what I please"?" Based on this passage, how is the author's view reflected in the U.S. political system? D. Representatives are elected. (Representatives are elected in the U.S. political system, which is consistent with the author's perspective that a single person making laws is the enemy of liberty.)
The passages below are from Executive Order 13490, issued by President Barack Obama in 2009. "By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution ...it is hereby ordered as follows: ...Every appointee in every executive agency ...shall be ...committed to, the following pledge upon becoming an appointee: "As a condition, and in consideration, of my employment in the United States Government in a position invested with the public trust, ...I will not accept gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the duration of my service as an appointee."" Based on these passages, what is the purpose of this executive order? A. Government employees should be held to the rule of law. B. Government employees should work with interest groups. C. Government employees should support political candidates. D. Government employees should respect enforcement of law.
The passages below are from Executive Order 13490, issued by President Barack Obama in 2009. "By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution ...it is hereby ordered as follows: ...Every appointee in every executive agency ...shall be ...committed to, the following pledge upon becoming an appointee: "As a condition, and in consideration, of my employment in the United States Government in a position invested with the public trust, ...I will not accept gifts from registered lobbyists or lobbying organizations for the duration of my service as an appointee."" Based on these passages, what is the purpose of this executive order? A. Government employees should be held to the rule of law. (The president is requiring that government employees not accept gifts because doing so will violate the public's trust in the government. While the president is allowing government employees to work with interest groups, the purpose of the executive order is to prevent those interest groups from giving gifts to government employees)
The political cartoon below was created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754. Which action did colonists use this cartoon to support? A. Declaring independence from the British monarchy. B. Declaring loyalty to the British monarchy. C. Dissolving colonial legislatures. D. Dissolving colonial charters.
The political cartoon below was created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754. Which action did colonists use this cartoon to support? A. Declaring independence from the British monarchy. (The cartoon is encouraging the colonists in each state to join together to declare independence and afterwards form an independent nation (the Articles of Confederation))
Representation
a person or group acting on behalf of another person or group
Individual liberty
a person's ability to be free and independent
The quote below is from a 1977 interview with President Richard Nixon. "Well, when the President does it, that means that it is not illegal." Based on the quote, what can be presumed about the rule of law? A. It requires judicial review. B. It promotes fair procedures. C. It requires consistent application. D. It promotes institutional transparency.
The quote below is from a 1977 interview with President Richard Nixon. "Well, when the President does it, that means that it is not illegal." Based on the quote, what can be presumed about the rule of law? C. It requires consistent application. (The rule of law requires consistent application which is referenced in the quote. Specifically, all persons, whether they hold a government position, such as a president, or ordinary citizens, are expected to follow the rule of law. Nixon, therefore, was incorrect!)
The quote below is from a historical document. "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." How does this quote reflect the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the Founding Fathers? A. They had reservations about self government B. They were concerned with property rights C. They supported individual liberties D. They created a limited monarchy
The quote below is from a historical document. "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." How does this quote reflect the influence of Enlightenment ideas on the Founding Fathers? C. They supported individual liberties (The Founding Fathers' support for individual liberties is reflected in the quote because of the claim that tyrants (people who abuse power) are unfit to lead free people.)
How did John Locke influence the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence? "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The quote implies all men are created equal and all men have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This connects to John Locke's idea of Natural Rights (Life, liberty, property).
The quotes below are from historical documents. 1. "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent" - Declaration of Independence 2. "All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives..." - Article I Section 7 U.S. Constitution What is the relationship between these concepts? A. Both declare to the world why the colonists wanted freedom from England. B. Both represent actions taken by the colonists to enforce English policies. C. Both are in response to English policies imposed upon the colonists. D. Both are responses by England to the actions of the colonists.
The quotes below are from historical documents. 1. "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent" - Declaration of Independence 2. "All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives..." - Article I Section 7 U.S. Constitution What is the relationship between these concepts? C. Both are in response to English policies imposed upon the colonists. (Both quotes reflect policies imposed on the colonists by the English including taxes enacted without the consent of the colonists. The House of Representatives (elected directly by the people) is responsible for introducing tax bills.)
The stamp attached is from the front page of a 1765 newspaper. What was the significance of the stamp on the newspaper? A. It demonstrated that Parliament ignored the colonists' media communications. B. It demonstrated that Parliament controlled the colonists' press outlets. C. It represented the colonists' opposition to English tax policies. D. It represented the colonists' fulfillment of English tax policies.
The stamp attached is from the front page of a 1765 newspaper. What was the significance of the stamp on the newspaper? C. It represented the colonists' opposition to English tax policies. (The colonists opposed English tax policies which included the requirement that stamps be placed on the front of the newspaper in order for that newspaper to be eligible to be sold.)
The statement below is from the Magna Carta written in 1215. "To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay, right or justice." Which political principle justifies this statement? A. The right to trial protects political institutions. B. The rule of law guarantees fair legal treatment. C. Checks and balances prevent tyranny in government. D. Separation of powers permits shared government authority.
The statement below is from the Magna Carta written in 1215. "To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay, right or justice." Which political principle justifies this statement? B. The rule of law guarantees fair legal treatment. (Fair legal treatment, which is part of the rule of law, includes the right to justice that is not delayed or held up.)
The statements below are from the English Bill of Rights (1689). "That the pretended power of suspending laws ... without consent of Parliament is illegal; That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted; And that for redress of all grievances, and for the amending, strengthening and preserving of the laws, Parliaments ought to be held frequently." Which purpose of government can be traced to these statements? A. Provide for the common defense B. Promote the general welfare C. Ensure domestic tranquility D. Establish justice
The statements below are from the English Bill of Rights (1689). "That the pretended power of suspending laws ... without consent of Parliament is illegal; That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted; And that for redress of all grievances, and for the amending, strengthening and preserving of the laws, Parliaments ought to be held frequently." Which purpose of government can be traced to these statements? D. Establish justice (Several themes associated wish establishing justice including protection from excessive bail or fines, and preserving laws, are included in the statements.)
Checks and Balances
a principle of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches
Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu
Theory of Separation of Powers & Checks and Balances 1748 wrote The Spirit of the Laws, said "government should be set up so that no man need be afraid of another" Montesquieu argued that government should be created to accommodate separate branches of government with equal but different powers. This way, power would not be concentrated with one individual or group of individuals. Liberty was threatened if power became concentrated in one place; thus, no branch of government could threaten the freedom of the people.
How did John Locke influence the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence? "...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it..."
This quote is about "the right of the people to change or end government if it becomes destructive." This goes with John Locke's idea of consent of the governed and social contract.
How did John Locke influence the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence? "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."
This quote is about the idea that a tyrant is unfit to rule a free people. It goes with the idea of natural rights & social contract because a "free people" have natural rights that a tyrant or dictator cannot take away from them.
How did John Locke influence the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence? "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."
This quote's main idea is that government gets its power from the consent of the governed. This connects to John Locke's idea of consent of the governed which goes with the idea of a social contract between the government and the governed.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense (1776)
Thomas Paine's Common Sense was published in 1776. This pamphlet advocated a movement for sovereignty of the people, a written constitution, and effective governmental checks and balances.
grievance
a complaint
Rights
a set of things that people believe they should be free to do
Which document addressed colonial concerns about English policies? A. Declaration of Independence B. Mayflower compact C. U.S. Constitution D. Bill of Rights
Which document addressed colonial concerns about English policies? A. Declaration of Independence (The Declaration of Independence listed the colonists' concerns about English policies and the impact of those English policies on the lives of the colonists.)
Which idea is from the Magna Carta? A. The people should be completely free from the government. B. The people should support a strong central government. C. The government should give people a fair and speedy trial. D. The government should have unlimited power to tax.
Which idea is from the Magna Carta? C. The government should give people a fair and speedy trial. (The Magna Carta includes the statement that the people should have a fair and speedy trial.)
Which principle is included in the U.S. Constitution? A. Rule of Law B. Right to trial C. Capitalism D. Confederalism
Which principle is included in the U.S. Constitution? A. Rule of Law (The U.S. Constitution is organized around the principle of the rule of law; the principle of the rule of law is that the law rules over all persons and no person is above the law. - The right to a trial is found in the Bill of Rights which was added to the U.S. Constitution in 1791.)
Which right is an example of an Enlightenment idea? A. Fifth Amendment self-incrimination protection B. First Amendment freedom of speech guarantees C. First Amendment freedom of religion guarantees D. Fourth Amendment search and seizure protection
Which right is an example of an Enlightenment idea? B. First Amendment freedom of speech guarantees (Freedom of speech allows persons to participate in the social contract by giving them the freedom to communicate with government.)
Why did Parliament eventually repeal the Stamp Act, which taxed goods such as newspapers and playing cards? A. The colonists established a blockade against British goods. B. The colonists were able to produce their own goods. C. The colonists started destroying British goods. D. The colonists began boycotting British goods.
Why did Parliament eventually repeal the Stamp Act, which taxed goods such as newspapers and playing cards? D. The colonists began boycotting British goods. (The colonists boycotted British goods which eventually led Parliament to repeal the Stamp Act.)
English Bill of Rights
a government document that expanded the powers of the English Parliament and expanded the rights of the people, as well as further limited the rights of the king; written by the members of the English Parliament in 1689
Magna Carta
a government document that limited the power of the king of England and protected the rights of the nobility; written by the English nobles in 1215. Influenced: Writ of Habeas Corpus, Rule of Constitutional Law, Development of Common Law
tyranny
a government that abuses its power
Limited Government
a government that has been limited in power by a constitution, or written agreement
Mayflower Compact
an agreement between individuals that created a government that would provide order and protect the rights of the colonists; written by a group of English Puritans in Massachusetts in 1620. Ideas: Fair & equal laws for the general good of the settlement, will of the majority, social contract where settlers agreed to follow the Compact's rules for the sake of the survival of the new colony, John Adams referred to it as the foundation of the U.S. Constitution.
Consent of the Governed
an agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws
consent of the governed
an agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws
Social Contract
an implied agreement among the people of an organized society that defines the rights, duties, and limitations of the governed and the government
unalienable (inalienable) rights
basic rights of the people that may not be taken away
Import
goods brought into a country
Export
goods sent to another country
Legislature
governing body responsible for making laws
Influence
having an effect or impact on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of another or others
The Intolerable Acts
in response to Boston Tea Party, 4 acts passed in 1774, Port of Boston closed, reduced power of assemblies in colonies, permitted royal officers to be tried elsewhere, provided for quartering of troop's in barns and empty houses These acts included: 1.Closing the port of Boston until all Tea Party damage was paid back and putting Massachusetts under military rule; 2.Making it illegal for royal officials to be brought to trial in the colonies; 3.Ending the colonial government in Massachusetts and allowing the royal governor to appoint the colonial legislature; 4.Ordering the colonists to house troops, even in colonists' homes.
Natural law
laws passed by government to protect natural rights
Goods
merchandise or objects for sale or trade
Tax
money charged by a government for specific facilities or services
self-evident
obvious, having no need of proof
Self-government
popular or representative system where the people create and run their own government
Individual rights
rights guaranteed or belonging to a person
Parliament
the English legislature
usurpation
the act of exercising power by force
natural rights
the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments
Natural rights
the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments; life, liberty, and property
Thomas Paine
the colonial journalist who wrote Common Sense in 1776 Ideas: Advocated a movement for sovereignty of the people, a written constitution, and effective governmental checks and balances. Document advocated that the colonists declare their independence from the British crown. Challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy.
Taxation without representation
the idea that it is unfair to tax someone without giving them a voice in government
Preamble
the introduction to the U.S. Constitution
Due process
the right of people accused of crimes to have laws that treat them fairly, so that they cannot lose their life or freedom without having their legal rights protected
Separation of Powers
the structure of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities
Oppression
the use of authority or power in a cruel or unjust manner
endow
to be given something naturally
Levy
to collect by legal authority
impose
to establish by using authority or power
