Founding/ Constitutional Basics, American Federalism_1.1,1.2,1.3 Flashcards
What is Government?
Explain what government is and what it does.
Government is the system that manages and governs a society. It creates and enforces laws, maintains order, and provides public services. There are different types of governments, such as democracies, monarchies, and dictatorships, each with its own structure. Governments play a crucial role in the economy, public services, national security, and addressing citizen needs.
Why did colonist fight for “self-rule” during the American Revolution and in the following centuries?
In the American Revolution (1775–1783), colonists fought for self-rule. Later, people pushed to remove property requirements for voting (When people pushed to remove property requirements for voting, it means they advocated for the elimination of the condition that individuals must own a certain amount of property in order to be eligible to vote. This movement aimed to expand suffrage and allow those who didn’t own significant property, to participate in the democratic process. By removing property requirements, more people would have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and have a voice in the political affairs of their country), allowing poor white men to participate in government. Over time, women, African Americans, and Native Americans also fought for their voting and office-holding rights.
What type is the US Government?
Identify the type of government in the United States and compare it to other forms of government
The government of the United States can best be described as a republic, or representative democracy.
The United States has a federal democratic republic government, where power is divided between a central government and individual states. The government is elected by the people, and decisions are made by representatives chosen by the citizens. This form of government is different from a monarchy, dictatorship, direct democracy, socialism, or communism. It balances centralized authority with regional autonomy, emphasizes individual rights, and allows for checks and balances among branches of government. It also provides opportunities for public participation through elections and civic engagement.
What are Politics?
Politics is about power, decision-making, and how societies function. It includes voting, governing, making policies, and solving conflicts. It affects governments, societies, and people’s lives in many ways.
Politics is the process of who gets what and how. Politics involves choosing which values government will support and which it will not.
Governmental systems are confused with economic systems, why?
Capitalism emerged alongside the ideas of democratic republics, self-government, and natural rights in Western Europe and North America.
Governments enact laws, policies, and institutions that have an impact on economic activities such as trade, taxation, and property rights. In addition, they may provide social welfare programs, regulate industries, or intervene in the economy to address issues such as inequality or market failures.
The interaction of governmental and economic systems is complex, and their close proximity can give the impression that they are inherently intertwined.
Who is John Locke…
An English political philosopher of the seventeenth century, who believed all people have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. From this came the idea that people should be free to consent to being governed.
Who is Adam Smith?
Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher, believed in the freedom of individuals to acquire property and operate independently without government or industry control. He argued that competition would keep prices low and remove faulty goods from the market, benefiting businesses and satisfying consumer needs. These ideas formed the basis for industrial capitalism, and Smith discussed them in his book The Wealth of Nations, published in 1776.
Although Smith theorized that capitalismwould lead to prosperity for all, this has not necessarily been the case.
When was Adam Smith born?
Born nineteen years after Locke’s death.
What is Capitalism?
Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership and profit. It means individuals and businesses can own things and make money from them. Competition and supply and demand determine prices. People have the freedom to choose what to produce and buy. It has been successful in creating wealth and encouraging innovation.
What is Democracy?
Democracy is a form of government where the people have the power to choose their leaders and participate in decision-making. It is based on the principles of equality, freedom, and individual rights. Citizens can vote, express their opinions, and have a say in how their country is governed. It promotes the idea that all people are equal and deserve a voice in shaping their society.
What is Socialism?
Socialism is an economic system where the government owns and controls key industries and resources. It focuses on promoting fairness and equality by redistributing wealth and providing social programs to support citizens’ needs. The aim is to create a more equal society where everyone has access to essential services and benefits.
What is Oligarchy?
Oligarchy is a system where a small group of people has all the power in a government. They make decisions and control the country, often without considering the opinions or needs of the majority of the population.
For example, in China, the government is run by members of the Chinese Communist Party.
What are Private Goods?
Private goods are things that individuals or specific groups own and use for themselves. These goods are not freely accessible to everyone and can only be obtained through ownership or purchase.
The market provides many goods and services needed by Americans. For example, food, clothing, and housing are provided in ample supply by private businesses that earn a profit in return. These goods and services are known as private goods.
In the United States, the democratic government works closely together with its capitalist economic system, why?
The interconnectedness of the two influences how goods and services are distributed.
What are Public Goods?
Such goods or services that are available to all without charge are called public goods. Two such public goods are national security and education.
What are Public Schools?
Public schools are government-funded schools that are open to all students and offer free education. Their goal is to provide quality education for everyone, regardless of their background or money.
What are Private Schools?
Private schools do provide some education in the United States; however, they charge tuition, and only those parents who can afford to pay their fees (or whose children gain a scholarship) can attend these institutions.
What are Toll Goods?
Private schooling is a type of good called a toll good. Toll goods are available to many people, and many people can make use of them, but only if they can pay the price. They occupy a middle ground between public and private goods.
What exactly are public goods?
The market cannot meet everyone’s needs (in sufficient quantity or at low enough prices).
Public goods are goods or services that are available to everyone for free. As a result, the government offers some services. Public goods are goods or services that are available to everyone for free.
What public goods does government provide in the United States?
Provides a military, police and fire departments, public education. Transportation, mail service, and food, housing, and health care for the poor.
What are Common Goods?
Common Goods are goods that all people may use free of charge but that are of limited supply, such as fish in the sea or clean drinking water. Because everyone can use these goods, they must be protected so a few people do not take everything that is available and leave others with nothing.
Whar are Fishing Regulations?
The government regulates public access to common goods, such as natural resources, which are limited in supply. Unlike public goods that are freely available to everyone, common goods require regulation to prevent overuse or depletion. **For example, the government sets fishing limits to ensure sustainable fishing practices and protect fish populations from extinction. **Environmentalists support strict limits to preserve resources for future generations, while commercial fishers may resist them due to potential business impact. Decisions on fishing limits involve input from scientists, politicians, local resource managers, and fishing interest groups.
How does government create a structure for making goods and services available to the people, and what are the roles of elected representatives in this process in the United States?
The government creates a structure for making goods and services available to the people. This is done through the enactment of laws by elected representatives, who govern at different levels such as city, state, and national. These laws regulate businesses, ensure fair practices, and protect consumers. The government also funds public goods and services by collecting taxes, which are used to allocate funds for education, public safety, infrastructure, and other priorities. Elected representatives play a vital role in decision-making, prioritizing funding, and representing the interests of the people in shaping the structure and availability of goods and services.
egalitarianism?
Egalitarianism is an ideology or belief system that advocates for equality and equal treatment among all individuals. It promotes the idea that everyone should have the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources, regardless of their social or economic status. Egalitarianism strives to minimize socioeconomic inequalities and create a more equitable society. It is often associated with principles of social justice, fairness, and the redistribution of wealth and resources to ensure a more equal distribution among the population.
What is Civic engagement?
Civic engagement is when people actively participate in their community and society. This can include things like voting, getting involved in community organizations, volunteering, and speaking up for important issues. It’s an important part of democracy and helps make positive changes in society.
What is Political Power?
Political power is the ability to make decisions and control the actions of a political system. It involves influencing laws, policies, and regulations. People, groups, or institutions can hold political power, using their authority and influence to shape how things are governed. It plays a significant role in determining how a society is governed and what policies are implemented.
What is a Representative Democracy?
Representative democracy is a system of government where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and enact laws on their behalf. Instead of direct participation in every decision, citizens vote for individuals who will represent their interests and make decisions on their behalf. These elected representatives form the legislative body and are responsible for creating and passing laws that reflect the will and needs of the people. Representative democracy allows for broader participation in decision-making while still maintaining an efficient and practical system of governance.
What is the Majority Rule?
Majority rule is a principle in democracy where decisions are made based on the preferences of the majority of people.
What are Minority Rights?
Minority rights refer to the protections and freedoms guaranteed to individuals or groups who are in the numerical minority. It ensures that their rights, interests, and perspectives are respected and safeguarded, even if they differ from those of the majority.
What is Direct Democracy?
Direct democracy is a system where citizens directly participate in decision-making. They have a say in laws and policies without electing representatives. It promotes citizen involvement and ensures their opinions shape government decisions. However, it is more practical at the local level and requires an engaged citizenry. It gives power to the people.
What is Totalitarianism?
Totalitarianism is a political system where the government has absolute control over everything and restricts individual freedoms. In a totalitarian regime, a single party or leader holds complete power and controls all aspects of society. An example of a country that has been associated with totalitarianism in the past is North Korea. The government tightly controls every aspect of life, limits personal freedoms, and suppresses opposition or dissent.
what are Monarchy’s?
Monarchy is a government system where one person, typically a king or queen, has all the power and usually inherits the position. The monarch rules over the country and makes important decisions. A simple example of monarchy is Saudi Arabia, where the ruling monarch, currently King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, holds absolute authority.
Describe the pluralism-elitism debate
The pluralism-elitism debate is about how power is distributed in societies.
Pluralism says: power is shared among different groups, while…
Elitism says: power is controlled by a small, privileged elite. Some believe many groups compete for power, while others think a few elites hold most of it. Both views have different ideas about who has influence in society.
ELITISM VS. PLURALISM?
Elitism and pluralism are two contrasting views about who holds power in society.
Elitism suggests that a small group of privileged individuals has significant control over important decisions and policies. They have resources and influence that give them an upper hand in shaping society.
Pluralism, on the other hand, believes that power is dispersed among different groups and interests. No single group has absolute control, and decisions are reached through negotiation and compromise among competing voices.
The debate between elitism and pluralism revolves around how power is distributed and who has the most influence in shaping society.
Ivy League School and Elitism
Among members of the House of Representatives, 95 percent have a bachelor’s degree, as do 100 percent of members of the Senate. Fewer than 40% of U.S. adults have even an associate’s degree.
Why is the makeup of Congress important?
The makeup of Congress is important because race, gender, profession, education, and socioeconomic status have an important effect on people’s political interests. For example, changes in the way taxes are levied and spent do not affect all citizens equally. A flat tax, which generally requires that everyone pay the same percentage rate, hurts the poor more than it does the rich.
Currently, about half of the members of Congress are millionaires
Why is this cause for concern?
As of 2009, approximately 38 percent of Congress sent their children to private schools.
Overall, only 11 percent of the American population did so.
Therefore, a Congress dominated by millionaires who send their children to private schools is more likely to believe that a flat tax is fair and that increased funding for public education is not a necessity. Their experience, however, does not reflect the experience of average Americans.
According to pluralist theory…
People with shared interests will form groups in order to make their desires known to politicians. These groups include such entities as environmental advocates, unions, and
organizations that represent the interests of various businesses.
Who was the Author Robert Dahl?
Author of Who Governs?, was one of the first to advance the pluralist theory, and
argued that politicians seeking an “electoral payoff” are attentive to the concerns of politically active citizens and, through them, become acquainted with the needs of ordinary people.
They will attempt to give people what they want in exchange for their votes
What was the Tradeoffs Perspective?
The Tradeoffs Perspective recognizes that decisions involve making sacrifices and compromises. It emphasizes weighing the pros and cons to make the best choices.
And that means on everything, no one person has the power to do anything
Since the framing of the U.S. Constitution, “TRADEOFFS” have been made between
Those who favor the supremacy of the Central Government and those who believe that State Governments should be more powerful.
It’s a give and take kind of relationship
What is the First Amendment?
The First Amendment of the Constitution gives Americans the right to express their opinions on matters of concern to them; the federal government cannot interfere with this right. Because of the Fourteenth Amendment, state governments must protect this right also. At the same time, neither the federal government nor state governments can allow someone’s right to free expression to interfere with someone else’s ability to exercise their own rights.
Actually:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances
What is Fracking?
Fracking is a technique used to get natural gas and oil from deep underground.
It involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals to break apart rocks and release the gas or oil. However, it’s controversial because it can cause environmental problems like water pollution and earthquakes.
What is the NRA?
National Rifle Association
At the federal level, there has been widespread support in Congress to improve the background checking process. Indeed, despite objections from the National Rifle Association, the Fix-NICS Act passed the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Trump as part of an omnibus spending bill in March 2018.
Explain the importance of citizen engagement in a democracy
Citizen engagement is important in democracy because it allows people to have a say in decision-making, holds the government accountable, and helps shape policies. It promotes fairness, encourages transparency, and strengthens the democratic process.
How can Americans engage and get involved in Government?
Americans can influence and engage in government by voting, contacting elected officials, joining advocacy groups, participating in community organizations, attending public meetings, running for office, supporting political campaigns, and staying informed. These actions allow individuals to have a say in decisions, express their concerns, and shape the direction of government.
Political scientist Robert Putnam, Who was he?
Putnam argues that when people have fewer connections and interactions with others in small groups, their social capital decreases. Social capital includes things like networks of individuals, a sense of belonging to something bigger, caring about the common good, and being willing to help others. This decline in social capital has negatively affected people’s willingness and ability to engage in representative government. According to Putnam, this is unfortunate because being active in government and community organizations is important for various reasons.
What is Social Capital?
Social capital refers to the value of social connections and the benefits that come from them. It involves having a sense of belonging to a community, caring about the common good, and being willing to help others. Social capital is important because it encourages people to engage in government and community organizations, work together to solve problems, and build trust among each other.
Who did the right to vote belong to solely at first?
White men until the Fifteenth Amendment gave the vote to African American men. The Nineteenth Amendment extended the vote to include women, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 made exercising the right to vote a reality for Black men and women in the South.
What do Civil Right Legislation focus on?
Besides focusing solely on the right to vote or to hold public office;
It integrated schools and public accommodations, prohibited discrimination in housing and employment, and increased access to higher education.
What is Activism?
Activism is when people take action to create change in society. They work together to fight for causes they believe in, like justice and equality. Activists may organize protests, campaigns, or other activities to raise awareness and push for positive changes. They are dedicated to making a difference and influencing public opinion and policies.
Individual Engagement is useful, why?
Individual engagement is useful because it allows people to actively participate in shaping society, expressing their opinions, and making a difference. It gives individuals a voice, holds institutions accountable, and promotes positive change. It also fosters a sense of community and personal growth.
Individuals can engage by attending political rallies, donating money to campaigns, and signing petitions
Who are chosen by Popular Vote?
City council members, mayors, state legislators, governors, and members of Congress are all chosen by popular vote.
Who are chosen by Electoral College?
The president of the United States is not chosen directly by popular vote but by a group called the Electoral College.
Why is it that College Students can vote nowadays?
Because of activism in the 1960’s,
Most states at that time required citizens to be twenty-one years of age before they could vote in national elections. This angered many young people, especially young men who could be drafted to fight the war in Vietnam.
They argued that it was unfair to deny eighteen-year olds the right to vote for the people who had the power to send them to war.
What are examples of Community Action?
Tending a community garden, building a house for Habitat for Humanity, cleaning up trash in a vacant lot, volunteering to deliver meals to the elderly, and tutoring children in after-school programs
“buycotts?”
Consumers purchase goods and services from companies that give extensively to charity, help the communities in which they are located, or take steps to protect the environment.
What are Factors of Engagement?
Factors of engagement are the things that influence people’s involvement in civic and political activities. Some important factors include personal motivation, knowledge about politics, access to information, belief in one’s ability to make a difference, support from social networks, trust in institutions, available time, and overcoming barriers or constraints. These factors affect whether people choose to engage or not.
Why are more young people shying away from Partisan Politics?
Young Americans are increasingly concerned about specific issues, such as same-sex marriage. People whose votes are determined based on single issues are unlikely to vote according to party affiliation.
Why was voter turnout low amoung the youth after Bernie Sanders?
**In the past, low youth voter turnout was partly due to a lack of connection between candidates and the issues relevant to young people’s lives.
**
When candidates didn’t address topics like college costs or student loan debt, young voters lost interest and in recent elections, candidates like Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden addressed this. Hillary Clinton tried it but the youth did not empatize with her. Focused on issues important to youth, such as free college tuition and student loan debt were a hot ticket.
Candidates like these led to increased participation and enthusiasm among young voters.
Ideology?
Ideology refers to a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape a person’s political, social, and economic perspectives. It provides a framework for understanding the world and guides individuals’ opinions and actions.
Political ideologies can range from conservatism and liberalism to socialism, libertarianism, and many others. These ideologies influence how people view government, policies, social issues, and the distribution of power and resources. Ideology plays a significant role in shaping political discourse, party platforms, and voter preferences.
What is the likelihood that people will become active in politics?
Depends not only on age but on such factors as
wealth and education.
What are Latent Preferences?
Latent preferences are hidden or underlying preferences that affect people’s attitudes and choices, even if they don’t openly express them.
What are Intense Preferences?
Intense preferences are strong and passionate preferences that people have on specific issues or candidates. They drive individuals to actively engage and express their views with great enthusiasm.
The more money that one has and the more highly educated one is, the more likely one will form intense preferences and take political action
Majority Rule?
A fundamental principle of democracy; the majority should have the power to make decisions binding upon the whole.
Minority Rights?
Protections for those who are not part of the majority.
Monarchy?
A form of government where one ruler, usually a hereditary one, holds political power
Oligarchy?
A form of government where a handful of elite society members hold political power.
Partisanship?
Strong support, or even blind allegiance, for a particular political party.
Pluralist Theory?
Claims political power rests in the hands of groups of people.
Political Power?
Influence over a government’s institutions, leadership, or policies
Politics?
The process by which we decide how resources will be allocated and which policies government will pursue.
Private Goods?
Goods provided by private businesses that can be used only by those who pay for them.
Public Goods?
Goods provided by government that anyone can use and that are available to all without charge.
Representative Democracy?
A form of government where voters elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on behalf of all the people instead of allowing people to vote directly on laws.
Social Capital?
Connections with others and the willingness to interact and aid them.
Toll Good?
A good that is available to many people but is used only by those who can pay the price to do so.
Totalitarianism?
A form of government where government is all-powerful and citizens have no rights
Example, North Korea
Who Governs? Elitism, Pluralism, and Tradeoffs
Those who support the elite theory of government argue that a small, wealthy, powerful elite controls government and makes policy to benefit its members and perpetuate their power. Others favor the pluralist theory, which maintains that groups representing** the people’s interests** do attract the attention of politicians and can influence government policy. In reality, government policy usually is the result of a series of tradeoffs as groups and elites fight with one another for influence and politicians attempt to balance the demands of competing interests, including the interests of the constituents who elected them to office.
Engagement in a Democracy?
Civic and political engagement allows politicians to know how the people feel. It also improves people’s lives and helps them to build connections with others. Individuals can educate themselves on important issues and events, write to their senator or representative, file a complaint at city hall, attend a political rally, or vote.
Wealthier, older, more highly educated citizens are the most likely to be engaged with their government, especially if they have intense preferences about an issue, younger, less wealthy people can do much to change their communities and their country.
What goods are available to all without direct payment?
a. private goods
b. public goods
c. common goods
d. toll goods
b. public goods
In which form of government does a small group of elite people hold political power?
a. direct democracy
b. monarchy
c. oligarchy
d. totalitarian
c. Oligarchy
What is the difference between a Representative Democracy and a Direct Democracy?
People elect representatives to make decisions and govern on their behalf in a representative democracy. The elected representatives are accountable to the people through regular elections and are responsible for enacting laws and policies. Citizens participate in the democratic process by electing their representatives.
In a direct democracy, on the other hand, citizens directly participate in decision-making. Individuals have the ability to vote on laws and policies rather than electing representatives. This is frequently accomplished through referendums or initiatives, in which citizens can express their preferences and make decisions on specific issues.
The primary distinction between a representative democracy and a direct democracy is the level of citizen participation in decision-making. Citizens elect representatives to make decisions in a representative democracy, whereas citizens directly participate in decision-making in a direct democracy by voting on specific issues.
What does government do for people?
Government provides services and protection, makes and enforces laws, manages the economy, supports social welfare, and represents the country internationally.
The Elite Theory of Government Maintains That —————.
a. special interest groups make government policy
b. politicians who have held office for a long time are favored by voters
c. poor people and people of color should not be allowed to vote
d. wealthy, politically powerful people control government, and government has no interest in meeting the needs of ordinary people.
d. Wealthy, politically powerful people control government, and government has no interest in meeting the needs of ordinary people.
According to the pluralist theory of government, —————-.
a. government does what the majority of voters want it to do
b. government policy is formed as a result of the competition between groups with different goals and interests
c. ordinary people acting on their own have a significant influence on government
d. wealthy people decide what government policy will be, and politicians have no interest in pleasing anyone else
b. Government policy is formed as a result of the competition between groups with different goals and interests.
Which of the following is a good example of a tradeoff?
a. The government pleases environmental activists by preserving public lands but also pleases ranchers by allowing them to rent public lands for grazing purposes.
b. The government pleases environmental activists by reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone National Park but angers ranchers by placing their cattle in danger.
c. The government pleases oil companies by allowing them to drill on lands set aside for conservation but allows environmental activist groups to protest the drilling operations.
d. Groups that represent a variety of conflicting interests are all allowed to protest outside Congress and the White House.
a. The government pleases environmental activists by preserving public lands but also pleases ranchers by allowing them to rent public lands for grazing purposes.
Supporting the actions of the Democratic Party simply because one identifies oneself as a member of that party is an example of —————–.
a. partisanship
b. ideology
c. latent preference
d. social capital
d. Social Capital
When a person is asked a question about a political issue that person has little interest in and has not thought much about, the person’s answer will likely reflect .
a. ideology
b. partisanship
c. intense preferences
d. latent preferences
d. Latent Preferences
What kinds of people are most likely to become active in politics or community service?
People who are passionate about issues, have strong values, and possess a sense of civic responsibilityare more likely to become active in politics or community service. Additionally, individuals who have higher levels of education, financial stability, and free time tend to be more engaged in such activities.
What political activities can people engage in other than running for office?
People can engage in various political activities without running for office. They can volunteer, advocate for causes, join organizations, participate in grassroots movements, vote, donate, use social media for activism, attend community meetings, contact elected officials, and educate themselves and others about political issues. These activities help individuals actively participate in politics and make a difference.
Is citizen engagement necessary for a democracy to function? Explain
Citizen engagement is crucial for democracy. It means people getting involved in decision-making and holding elected officials accountable. It helps create better policies, strengthens communities, and encourages active citizenship. In a nutshell, citizen engagement is essential for a healthy and functioning democracy.
Which is the more important reason for being engaged: to gain power or improve the quality of life? Why?
Both gaining power and improving the quality of life are important reasons for citizen engagement. However, the primary focus should be on improving the quality of life for all. By actively participating in government and community affairs, citizens can work together to create positive change and address societal issues, leading to a better overall quality of life.
Are all Americans equally able to become engaged in government? What factors make it more possible for some people to become engaged than others?
What could be done to change this?
NOT all Americans have equal opportunities to engage in government. Factors like socio-economic status, education, resources, and representation can make it easier for some people to get involved. To address this, we should promote inclusivity, equal access, diverse representation, and encourage community participation.
Are there any redeeming qualities to elitism and any downsides to pluralism?
Elitism:
Good: Efficiency and expertise in decision-making.
Bad: Unequal power distribution and limited representation.
Pluralism:
Good: Inclusivity and diverse perspectives.
Bad:Slow decision-making and potential dominance of interest groups.
Both have strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to balance expertise and representation while avoiding concentrated power and limited inclusivity.**
Are there benefits to having Elites rule?
Benefits of elite rule:
1. Expertise and knowledge in decision-making.
2. Efficient and effective governance.
3. Consistency in policy implementation.
However, it’s important to ensure that elite rule does not lead to an unfair concentration of power or neglect the interests of the broader population.
Are there problems with allowing interest groups to exercise influence over government? Explain
Allowing interest groups to influence government can be problematic. It can lead to unequal representation, narrow policy focus, lack of transparency, policy manipulation, and marginalization of certain voices.
The U.S. Constitution:
It is described as one of the world’s most enduring symbols of democracy and the oldest, shortest written constitution still in existence. The chapter addresses how the Constitution was written, the compromises made for its ratification, and why it remains a living, changing document.
John Locke’s ideas:
John Locke, a seventeenth-century English philosopher, is mentioned as the most important political thinker who influenced American beliefs about government. His ideas about the relationship between government and natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property, had a significant impact on American political thought.
Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights:
These historical documents played a role in shaping American political thought. Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1215, protected rights such as life, liberty, and property. The English Bill of Rights, influenced by Locke’s ideas, enumerated the rights of English citizens and guaranteed similar rights.
Origins of American political thought:
The roots of American political thought can be traced back to various European traditions and historical events. The belief in self-government, representative government, and the limited power of government were key tenets of American political thought.
