Mayflower Compact and Social Contract Theory

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary purpose of the Mayflower Compact?

To promote religious practices among Pilgrims

To declare independence from England

To outline rights of Englishmen

To establish a legal form of self-government (correct)

Which Enlightenment thinker developed the concept of social contract theory?

John Locke (correct)

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Montesquieu

Thomas Hobbes

According to social contract theory, what obligation do government leaders have?

To provide wealth for all citizens

To maintain the status quo

To suppress any dissent

To rule justly (correct)

Under social contract theory, what right do the people have if the government abuses its power?

The right to form a new government Signup and view all the answers

What was a major motivation for the Pilgrims' journey to North America?

To escape religious persecution Signup and view all the answers

Which document is considered a precedent set by the Mayflower Compact?

The U.S. Constitution Signup and view all the answers

How did America's Founding Fathers view the rights of individuals?

As natural rights that cannot be taken away Signup and view all the answers

On what basis did the Founding Fathers decide to revolt against British rule?

Refusal of natural rights as Englishmen Signup and view all the answers

What significant event took place on July 4, 1776?

The signing of the Declaration of Independence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the Articles of Confederation?

It was America's first constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'checks and balances' refer to in the context of the U.S. Constitution?

The division of government powers among different branches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Bill of Rights?

It protects individual rights. Signup and view all the answers

Which document did Lincoln issue on January 1, 1863?

The Emancipation Proclamation Signup and view all the answers

What statement is included in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution?

We the People of the United States. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Gettysburg Address is correct?

Many considered it ineffective at the time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mayflower Compact

41 Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact on November 11, 1620.
Intended to establish self-government and order.
Pilgrims were settling outside their granted jurisdiction.

Foundation for the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence.
Developed by John Locke.
Argues government is a contract between the people and their leaders.
Leaders have an obligation to rule justly; people to obey the law.
If the government abuses power, people can change it.
Provides the basis for "of the people, by the people, for the people" government.

Declaration of Independence

Signed on July 2, 1776; ratified on July 4, 1776.
Written by Thomas Jefferson.
Declared independence from Great Britain.
Key phrase: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Signed by 56 revolutionaries, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.

Articles of Confederation

America's first constitution.
Created in 1777.
Outlined relations between states and central government.
Found to be too weak, leading to the Constitution.

U.S. Constitution

Drafted in 1787, ratified in 1788.
Outlines government powers.
Divides power among three branches: legislative, judicial, and executive.
Includes a system of checks and balances.
Preamble begins with: "We the People of the United States..."

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution.
Protect individual rights.
Twenty-seven amendments in total.

Civil War Era Documents

Gettysburg Address:
- Given by Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863.
- Focuses on national unity and equality.
- Initially considered a poor speech but became highly influential.
Emancipation Proclamation:
- Issued by Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
- Granted freedom to slaves in Confederate states.
Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address:
- Delivered on March 4, 1865.
- Emphasized national healing, using the phrase, "with malice toward none, with charity for all".

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Description

This quiz explores the critical historical documents such as the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence. It covers the foundational principles of self-government, social contract theory, and the philosophical underpinnings of democracy. Test your knowledge of these key concepts that shaped American government.