Questions and Answers
How did the Magna Carta contribute to the development of the English Government?
It sought to prevent the king from exploiting his power, and placed limits of royal authority by establishing law as a power in itself.
Compare and contrast the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights.
Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights are both historically significant documents; while the Magna Carta was meant to serve as a peace treaty between upset barons and King John.
Which American Revolutionary document is the best example of Natural Rights? Who wrote that document? Who was responsible for the idea of natural rights?
Many historians agree that Jefferson drew most of his beliefs in the importance of natural rights he expressed in the Declaration of Independence from John Locke's Second Treatise of Government.
Which document is the best example of Montesquieu? What American document most influenced the French Revolution? What philosopher was the biggest influence on the American Bill of Rights?
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How did the Enlightenment influence the Revolution in America?
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Why did the American Revolution succeed where others did not?
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What foundation documents are examples of the natural rights philosophy of life, liberty, and property?
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Which Enlightenment philosopher was the biggest influence on the ideas of natural rights?
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Thomas Hobbes, unlike John Locke, believed that people were selfish and ambitious and therefore needed to be ruled by _____.
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What subject is Montesquieu famous for?
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Summarize the impact of the philosophers during the Enlightenment on history.
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Locke and Rousseau believed the role of government should _______ the will of the people.
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In what ways was the American Revolution considered unique for its times?
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Which philosopher most influenced Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence?
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Compare and contrast the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights. They each had the same objective, what was it?
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Who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta? What did they want from him?
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The US Bill of Rights was designed to serve which purpose?
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Why was 'No Taxation without Representation' considered a violation of the rights of British subjects?
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Find the section of the Declaration of Independence that outlines the 'repeated injuries and usurpations' of the King.
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What are some ways the Enlightenment influenced the American Revolution?
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How are Montesquieu's Enlightenment ideals seen in the American Constitution?
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Who has the right and duty to throw off the government when it 'reduces them under absolute despotism'?
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The First Amendment of the US Bill of Rights is an example of the ideals written about by what Enlightenment philosopher?
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Describe the concept of separation of powers.
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Which US founding document is the best example of Montesquieu?
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What was the Scientific Revolution?
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What is Enlightenment?
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What is the divine right of kings?
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What are natural rights?
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What is the separation of powers?
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Study Notes
Magna Carta and English Bill of Rights
- The Magna Carta was pivotal in limiting royal authority and establishing the rule of law in England.
- It originated as a peace treaty between King John and dissatisfied barons in 1215.
- The English Bill of Rights followed, ensuring the monarchy couldn't amass excessive power, emphasizing individual liberties.
Natural Rights and Influences
- The Declaration of Independence is a key document embodying natural rights, with Thomas Jefferson influenced by John Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" from 1689.
- Locke's philosophy highlighted the rights to life, liberty, and property, influencing revolutionary thought in America.
Enlightenment Thought and American Revolution
- Enlightenment ideals played a crucial role in motivating the American colonies toward independence, advocating for freedom of speech, equality, and religious tolerance.
- Montesquieu introduced the notion of separation of powers, impacting the structure of the US government.
Success of the American Revolution
- Unlike the French Revolution, the American Revolution successfully established a stable government rather than devolving into tyranny.
- Key historical context includes the Seven Years' War's financial burden on Britain leading to increased taxation and colonial dissent.
Philosophers' Contributions
- John Locke is often acknowledged as the "Father of Liberalism," greatly influencing the development of democratic principles.
- Thomas Hobbes had a contrasting view, asserting that people are inherently selfish and require authoritative governance.
Bill of Rights
- Ratified in 1791, the US Bill of Rights protects civil liberties and limits governmental power, ensuring fundamental rights for citizens.
- The First Amendment reflects Enlightenment ideals, promoting freedoms such as speech and press, influenced by Locke and Beccaria.
Separation of Powers
- The concept of separation of powers divides government authority into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent any one entity from gaining excessive power.
- Checks and balances ensure that each branch can regulate the others, a principle established by Montesquieu.
Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
- The Scientific Revolution marked a shift in European thought towards empirical observation and skepticism of tradition, paving the way for Enlightenment thinking, which began in the late 1600s.
Divine Right of Kings vs. Natural Rights
- The belief in the divine right of kings posited that monarchs derived authority from God, standing in opposition to the Enlightenment emphasis on natural rights and individual sovereignty.
- Natural rights philosophy argues for individual freedoms that governments should respect and protect.
Context of "No Taxation Without Representation"
- This slogan became a rallying cry for colonists who believed British taxation without their consent violated their rights as British subjects, revealing tensions over self-governance.
Legacy of Enlightenment
- The Enlightenment stimulated widespread social and political change, leading to revolutions and the questioning of established authority in Europe and America alike, marking a significant historical transformation.
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Description
Explore key concepts surrounding the Enlightenment and the American Revolution with these flashcards. Learn about pivotal documents like the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights and their impact on English government and rights. Perfect for anyone studying American history or political philosophy.