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Chapter 2: Foundations of the American Political System

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1 Chapter 2: Foundations of the American Political System

2 Social Contract theory:
a theory used in philosophy, political science, and sociology to denote a real or hypothetical agreement within a state regarding the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens, or more generally a similar concord between a group and its members. All members within a society are assumed to agree to the terms of the social contract by their choice to stay within the society.

3 Thomas Hobbes : Social Contract Theorist
Natural rights/survival = social contract & Leviathan Believed in right to life only and state provides protection State of extreme peril

4 John Locke: Social Contract Theorist
More optimistic view of natural state People motivated by self-interest Rights to life, liberty and property Grounds for revolution under his theory more numerous and varied in civil society

5 **The United States Constitution is a social contract in the sense that it grants powers to a government and limits it by describing rights retained by individuals.**

6 United States History Under social contract with King of England
Why did colonists come to America? Religious independence Land/natural resources Distance

7 United States History The Declaration of Independence
July 2, 1776: Continental Congress approved Formal document drafted by Thomas Jefferson Lockean flavor—“All men are created equal”

8 United States History Articles of Confederation created a national government with very limited powers. Did not create chief executive Did not create courts Est. limited Congress Complaints about Articles: Congress & trade Too weak Role of state v. federal Sentiment that to establish stronger national govt. Shays rebellion

9 United States History The Constitutional Convention


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