ENLIGHTENMENT The light bulb has finally flickered on

ENLIGHTENMENT The light bulb has finally flickered on……

LOOK TO THE ELDERS…… • Ancient Greek Ideals and philosophies…. . • No single ruler • Too much power in one person’s hands • Government has the responsibility to its people • People have a say ……. . example: Writing their own laws

MAGNA CARTA……. . Right to “control the gov’t” through. . Consent And Advice

DIVIDE IN ORDER TO SUCCEED • Separation of Powers • Enables the parts of the gov’t to have separate “jobs” • Branches – not just one “trunk” (Bodin)

YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOUR RIGHTS ARE… • Written set of laws (Harrington) • Need to know what is allowed and not allowed • Privacy to vote how you feel/want (secret ballots) • Bicameral Legislature – two houses • Indirect elections (Electoral College)

“LOCKE” IT DOWN. . • Blank Slate – ideas are formed through time and experience • If the gov’t doesn’t do its job, people have the “right” to overthrow it and start a new one. (justification for Rebellions/Revolutions)

LET PEACE BE AMONG YOU. . • Hobbes – People are competitive and disorderly by nature. • Central gov’ts help create the peace and security that is needed. • Gov’t can only rule if it does its job and follows the agreement with the people.

BINDING CONTRACTS • Rousseau • Social Contract – The gov’t and the people agree on their roles • Citizens give support to the gov’t who is in turn guarantees liberty and freedom