Foundations+of+the+American+Political+Systems

What are the foundations of the american political systems?

"To love our neighbor as ourselves is such a truth for regulating human society, that by that alone one might determine all the cases in social morality." --John Locke After the American Revolution, the newly formed American society had to face the task of putting together a government that coincided with the ideals they believed to be very important for a great society. The government they chose to create, followed the concepts of the political philosopher, John Locke and the republican governments of Greece and Rome.

The following video is a parody of the Timbaland song "Apologize," featuring One Republic. It is a very entertaining look at the Declaration of Independence. Watch the video and take notes from the lyrics. Did they capture the essence of the Declaration? Open a new Google Doc and analyze the lyrics and video, then share your completed essay with Carrie.

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Define “natural rights.” What rights come to mind when you hear/read that word? What is the source of these rights? Who should be responsible for protecting these rights? Imagine that all the students in your school were transported to a place with enough natural resources for you to live well, but where no one had lived before. When you arrive, you have no means of communicating with people in other parts of the world. With this imaginary situation in mind, start a new Google document, title it "Foundations of Government" and answer the following questions:
 * Introduction **
 * Upon arrival would there be any government or laws to control how you lived, what rights or freedoms you exercised, or what property you had? Why?
 * Would anyone have the right to govern you? Would you have the right to govern anyone else? Why?
 * Would you have any rights? What would they be?
 * What might people who were stronger or smarter than other try to do? Why?
 * What might the weaker or less sophisticated people try to do? Why?
 * What might life be like for everyone?

Philosophical Beginnings
The framers of the Constitution based many of the ideas on two philosophies, natural rights and social contract. Each philosophy offers unique ideas to the concept of rights and responsibilities of the citizen's of a country. Using the provided sources, compare and contrast each philosophy. Which one did the founders of America tend to side with? Both philosophies offer truths about society, but which one do you agree with more? Write your notes on each philosophy and analysis on your "Foundations of Government" Google Doc. Finally compare each philosophy with your answers to the imaginary situation. Which philosophy did you tend to follow when your created your society? What experiences in your life have led you to this belief?

John Locke--Natural Rights Theory "The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. For in all the states of created beings capable of law, where there is no law, there is no freedom." --John Locke

The Social Contract

Harrison Bergeron
The following fictional story depicts a dystopian society where oppression and misery result from attempting to achieve perfect social equality. Download the story and read, while thinking about the role of government in your life. Once you have finished reading the story, answer the following question in your "Foundations of Government" Google Doc.



If the purpose of government is to provide security for the rights to life, liberty and property, under what circumstances, if any, should government be able to limit these rights? What criteria should be used to determine when, if ever, government should be able to limit an individual’s liberty to
 * believe as he or she wishes
 * practice his or her beliefs
 * use his or her property
 * equality
 * associate with whomever he or she wishes?

Types of Government
View the following presentation on types of government. After reading, choose one type of government and create an infographic, a graphic visual representation of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly. You will need to use Visual.ly or Infogr.am to create your infographic. Once you have completed your infographic, email it to Carrie. I have provided some examples of infographics here.

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