Constitutional Underpinnings Intro

• How can our Enlightenment Thinkers inform us about the role of government and of the citizens in a free society?

• How are these ideas represented in our founding documents–

Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation?

• What do these sources tell us about the type of government the Founding Fathers wanted to create?

Use your charts/graphic organizers to prepare answers for discussion to follow.

As we discuss the foundations of our government, keep this in mind . . .

“Philosophy is common sense with big words. “

-James Madison

Philosophies/Types of Government

Who has the power?Who has the power?

No one rules!

Anarchy -rule by individuals/groups

-absence of organized government

Heredity rules!

Monarchy-ruled by a member of a hereditary family

Parliamentary Monarchy

Constitutional Monarchy

Absolute Monarchy

The rich rule!

Oligarchy• Rule by a small group of

people. • Power is derived

primarily from economic control and class systems.

I rule!

Authoritarian/Totalitarian-single ruler-power through force or

fear-individuals have no say in

government decisions

The people rule!

What are the characteristics of a democracy or republic?

• Universal Suffrage• Opportunities for political participation• Political awareness• Popular influence over political agenda• Rights of Citizenship• Majority rule• Majority rule with minority rights• Tradition and stability

Whose voice should be heard?

Rank the types of government on the spectrum.

No Gov. Power

No Citizen Power

Total Gov. Power

Total Citizen Power

Let’s think about how these theories work . . .

Rights and Responsibilities

The Elite theory: Money talks . . .

Let’s look at some Western Philosophers and their ideas on

Government…

Thomas Hobbes John Locke Jean-

Jacques Rousseau

Charles Montesquieu