Declaration of Independence We hold these truths to

Declaration of Independence “ We hold these truths to be self evident”

We hold these truths to be self evident: -All men are created equal -they are endowed with certain unalienable rights -those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness -consent of the governed -when government fails, the people have the right to abolish it and institute a new government

Lawyer’s Brief- Defendant- King George Plaintiff-Colonists Complaint: 27 issues: -refused to agree to laws -refused right of representation -called legislature at places where no one can get to -dissolved representative bodies -refused to establish a judiciary (in colonies) -standing armies without consent of legislature -quartering of troops -cutting off trade with everyone except Britain -imposing taxes without consent -depriving trial by jury -constrained citizens into British navy to fight against colonists Redress- ignored by King and by the British people “declare that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states”

Three Main Philosophers: Locke, Hobbes, and Montesquieu Who was the most influential and how?

John Locke: Second Treatise of Civil Government -natural state -”state of perfect freedom” -equality -“that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions” Most Important?

Montesquieu The Spirit of the Laws -no book was cited more except the Bible by FF’s -Separation of powers -Federalism -Commercial Republic -checks on power -against slavery “ The aim is not to make the reader read, but to make the reader think. ” Most Important?

Thomas Hobbes Leviathan -Social Contract -because people act in their own self interest, need strong government (ruler) to keep citizens under control -absolute monarchy- old order---new order? -commonwealth must have absolute authority -”every aspect of human nature can be deduced from materialistic principals

How about Rousseau? -Social contract -free individuals to create a society and government, free choice. -direct democracy -will of the people -eliminate aristocracy Why wasn’t his philosophies embraced by the FF’s?

So? Questions to be pondered-What was our original human condition prior to formal government? What is the nature of humans? Are we essentially creatures who live “nasty, brutish and short”, or are we capable of self governance for the common good? What is the conflict between externally imposed order versus internal restraint and self regulation, and how does that relate to the challenges of our system of government?