POLS 206 Lecture 3Outline of Previous LectureI. Three Contemporary Theories of American DemocracyII. Challenges to DemocracyIII. American Political Culture and DemocracyIV. How active is the American Government?Outline of Current LectureI. 2.1: Origins of the Constitution a. Declaring Independenceb. English HeritageII. 2.2: Government that Failed a. Articles of ConfederationIII. 2.3: Making a Constitutiona. Philadelphia ConventionLecturea. Declaring Independence i. Declaration of Independence1. Thomas Jefferson 2. Justified revolution3. Revolutionaries needed foreign assistance b. English Heritage: Power of Ideasi. John Locke1. Natural Rights a. Life, liberty, propertyb. Purpose of government is to be protected ii. Consent of the governed iii. Limited government b. American Creed i. Individualismii. Rule by the People b. Winning Independence i. New ideas incubated in a unique environment ii. Not easy b. "Conservative" Revolution-2.2: Government that Failed (1776-1787)-Articles of Confederation oWeak central governmentoPower held by states (taxes were dependent on states) oLegislation was one chamber with one vote per state oCould raise and maintain a military-Changes in the States -Economic Turmoil -Aborted Annapolis meeting -2.3: Making a Constitution-Philadelphia Convention oGentlemen in Philadelphia oPhilosophy into Action -High principles vs. self-interest Human nature Political conflict resulting from factionsPurpose of government Nature of
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