American Democracy: History and Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of democracy in the United States?

Giving people the opportunity to choose their leaders (correct)

Electing a president for life

Allowing the king to make arbitrary decisions

Limiting the power of the Congress

How often do people in the United States have the opportunity to vote for their president?

Every eight years

Every six years

Every two years

Every four years (correct)

What is the Magna Carta commonly seen as?

A treaty between nations

A declaration of independence

A constitution

A foundational document (correct)

What did the Magna Carta grant to the English king's subjects?

Specific liberties to the king's subjects Signup and view all the answers

Why did King John sign the Magna Carta?

To maintain power and avoid conflict Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Magna Carta being signed at Runnymede?

It was a neutral location for the signing Signup and view all the answers

Who stood up to King John and demanded that his authority exist within the rule of law?

A group of English noblemen Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Glorious Revolution in 1688?

The overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William of Orange to the throne. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern of many Protestant members of Parliament regarding King James II's policies?

His pro-Catholic policies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the English Bill of Rights passed in 1689?

It set forth limits on the power of the king and outlined the rights of Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the philosopher known as the 'Father of Classical Liberalism'?

John Locke Signup and view all the answers

What was the main idea of classical liberalism?

Government should be limited and individuals should have protected rights. Signup and view all the answers

What influenced the American view that a people had the right to overthrow an unjust government and put in its place a new one?

The English tradition of limited government, including the Magna Carta, the Glorious Revolution, and the philosophy of John Locke. Signup and view all the answers

What was adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring America an independent, sovereign state?

The Declaration of Independence. Signup and view all the answers

What was the spirit of the American Founders when they adopted the Declaration of Independence?

A spirit similar to the English nobles who stood up to King John. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Democracy and Its Origins

Democracy is a system that allows people to choose their leaders, and it has worked well in the United States for over 200 years.
The origin of modern democracy is often attributed to the ancient Greeks, who lived in independent city-states with democratic systems.

The Magna Carta

The Magna Carta was a charter signed in 1215 by English King John, granting specific liberties to his subjects.
It was a document that limited the king's power and asserted the rights of his subjects.
The Magna Carta was signed at Runnymede, along the bank of the River Thames, after a group of English barons stood up to King John and demanded that his authority exist within the rule of law.
It is considered a foundational document, inspiring the British constitution and influencing America's 'Founding Fathers' in their quest for independence.

The Glorious Revolution

The Glorious Revolution took place in 1688, resulting in the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William of Orange to the throne.
This event was sparked by King James' pro-Catholic policies, which concerned many Protestant members of Parliament.
The Glorious Revolution led to the English Bill of Rights, which was passed in 1689 and set forth limits on the power of the king and outlined the rights of Parliament.
Following the Glorious Revolution, the English monarchy became more defined in terms of its powers, and Parliament played a larger role.

Influential Intellectuals

John Locke, known as the 'Father of Classical Liberalism,' was a philosopher who greatly influenced English politics towards democratic ends.
Classical liberalism is a philosophy that advocates for limited government and the protection of individual rights.
Edmund Burke was another influential intellectual who helped spread democratic ideas.

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was a product of the long line of democratic tradition that began with the Magna Carta.
It was influenced by the philosophies of John Locke and others, and it dissolved legal ties with Great Britain, making America an independent, sovereign state.
The Declaration of Independence was adopted in the spirit of the English nobles who stood up to King John, asserting the right to overthrow an unjust government and establish a new one.

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Description

Explore the concept of democracy in the United States, its history, and how it works in the country.