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