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Questions and Answers
What significant event occurred in Boston on November 20, 1772?
What significant event occurred in Boston on November 20, 1772?
- The Boston Tea Party
- A declaration of 'the Rights of the Colonists' was voted on (correct)
- The formation of the Continental Congress
- The signing of the Declaration of Independence
According to Samuel Adams, what was the natural state of man before government?
According to Samuel Adams, what was the natural state of man before government?
- Man lived in chaos without rights
- Man was naturally free and equal (correct)
- Man was under strict rules and rulers
- Man was governed by divine laws
Who greatly influenced the ideas expressed in the declaration voted on by colonists?
Who greatly influenced the ideas expressed in the declaration voted on by colonists?
- Thomas Jefferson
- Jonathan Boucher
- John Locke (correct)
- King George III
What was Jonathan Boucher's view on government?
What was Jonathan Boucher's view on government?
What did the traditional Christian view state about the government's purpose?
What did the traditional Christian view state about the government's purpose?
What new concept began to emerge in England during the 1600s and 1700s?
What new concept began to emerge in England during the 1600s and 1700s?
What idea did Adams emphasize regarding natural rights?
What idea did Adams emphasize regarding natural rights?
What was a common belief among people before the emergence of new ideas in the 1600s and 1700s?
What was a common belief among people before the emergence of new ideas in the 1600s and 1700s?
Which concept did the American Founders reject based on new ideas about governance?
Which concept did the American Founders reject based on new ideas about governance?
How did Boucher view the relationship between man and government?
How did Boucher view the relationship between man and government?
What was John Locke's view on the relationship between government and religion?
What was John Locke's view on the relationship between government and religion?
Which of the following principles did Locke advocate that influenced American democracy?
Which of the following principles did Locke advocate that influenced American democracy?
Which Founding Fathers were influenced by John Locke's writings?
Which Founding Fathers were influenced by John Locke's writings?
What did Locke believe about the personal nature of religion?
What did Locke believe about the personal nature of religion?
Which key concept is associated with Locke's influence on American principles?
Which key concept is associated with Locke's influence on American principles?
What action did Locke believe could be taken if a government failed to protect citizens' rights?
What action did Locke believe could be taken if a government failed to protect citizens' rights?
How did Locke's ideas contribute to the American Revolution?
How did Locke's ideas contribute to the American Revolution?
In what way did Locke's philosophy shape the concept of governmental power?
In what way did Locke's philosophy shape the concept of governmental power?
What did Locke assert about the number of deities one could worship?
What did Locke assert about the number of deities one could worship?
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Study Notes
American Revolution and Independence
- The American Revolution was a conflict aimed at achieving independence from British control, resulting in the formation of the United States.
- Fighting between American colonists and British forces began in 1775, but preparatory actions occurred earlier.
Early Actions Against British Rule
- On November 20, 1772, colonists in Boston voted for a declaration of "the Rights of the Colonists," authored by Samuel Adams.
- Adams proclaimed that all men are born free and equal, asserting individuals are the sole judges of their own rights.
Concepts of Government
- Adams emphasized that before government existence, individuals lived without rulers and possessed natural freedom.
- The formation of government was meant to safeguard the natural rights of individuals to "life, liberty, and property."
Influence of John Locke
- John Locke (1632-1704), an influential English philosopher, provided intellectual groundwork for the ideas espoused by Adams and others.
- Locke argued rulers derive their power from a divine right, but he also posited that citizens could overthrow governments that fail to protect their rights.
Jonathan Boucher's Opposition
- Jonathan Boucher, a British priest and colonist, opposed revolutionary sentiments and believed in maintaining British rule.
- He argued that governments were divinely ordained and should be obeyed, aligning with traditional Christian views on governance.
Evolving Political Thought
- By the 1600s and 1700s, a shift began in attitudes towards the separation of church and state, with calls for less governmental involvement in religion.
- American Founders, including Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson, embraced this new perspective, rejecting the notion that rulers were God's agents.
Locke's Lasting Impact
- Locke's philosophy emphasized that government’s role is to protect citizens' rights and maintain order, without dictating personal beliefs or religious practices.
- His ideas strongly influenced the Declaration of Independence and established principles like the separation of church and state and religious freedom.
Legacy of Locke
- Locke’s teachings underpinned key American values, framing the belief that citizens have the right to select their own government.
- His philosophical contributions were crucial to initiating the American Revolution and continue to shape the United States today.
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