1. Ideas Contributing to Becoming a Nation

2. John Locke  Famous English Philosopher  Natural Rights: Life, Liberty and Property  State of nature: people are free to do what want (freedom or rights) –rights NOT protected  Social Contract Theory: (Social Compact) Agree to give up some freedoms in exchange for protection and security

3. What might happen to your rights in a state of nature?

4. Under Social Contract Theory People have right to overthrow government if they are not protecting people Free to make own choices AS LONG AS do NOT interfere with liberty of others Jefferson uses Locke’s theory to prove that government in England was violating Natural Rights of colonists

5. Roman Republic ( 509 BC to 27 BC): influenced founding fathers-intrigued They were able to rule selves without a king Wealthy and common people shared power 3 Characteristics of Republican Government Citizens have power to govern Citizens give power to representatives they elect Representatives responsible for promoting welfare of people Characteristics of a Republican and Representative Government

6. Democracy: Direct Government ruled by a majority Republic: Representative government ruled by law (like a constitution) Civic Virtue: both citizens and leaders live hard working, modest lives. ALWAYS put common welfare above own individual interests Democracy vs. Republic Montesquieu: French Writer  Believed you needed to Separate and Balance the Powers of a government among Branches to make sure serves the welfare of the people  Make sure each Branch has ways to CHECK the others

7. FOUNDING FATHERS thought a republic was best form of government Important to teach and promote Civic Virtue among citizens 1.Describe a person you know or a leader in our nation who you think has Civic Virtue 2.Explain some situations in which you think you should put the common welfare above your own interests 3.Explain some situations in which you might not want to put the common welfare above your own interests 4.Explain some things a government could do that would be for the common welfare 5.Explain some situations in which people might disagree what is best for the common welfare. What should be done when there are such disagreements?