Classical Republicanism and Natural Rights

A government is the political direction and control applied over the actions of members, citizens, or inhabitants of communities, societies, and states. Over the years several types of governments have been created and established to fit a distinct way of living. Every society has a government, and each one is different and/or similar from one another. Various ones are preferred more than others because they are more than likely not to corrupt. The way a government is ran is decided among the citizens of how efficient it will operate.
Roman Republics founded what we now call Classical Republicanism, which placed the needs of people as a community above individual liberty and self-determination. Citizens were taught that they should work together to promote the good of the country, not work for private or selfish interests. This way of living favored small communities so there would be less diversity between beliefs, wealth, and way of life. Diversity caused conflict among people rather than encouraging them to work together for the common good. Children were required to learn moral education that consisted of symbols, rituals, and values of society, such as generosity, self-control, respect, fairness, and courage.
In the seventeenth century, Classical Republican theories seemed useless due to the century’s rapid change. English philosophers Locke and Hobbes felt the need of a fresh start that focused on the rights of individuals and not just promoting the common good. The philosophers thought back to a state of nature, which describes itself as a place where all is free with no government to enforce rules or manage conflicts. In order to leave this chaos, the people would need to create a social contract to make a government; this formed into what we call Natural Rights Philosophy which proposed that governments were founded for the purpose of protecting individual rights. It also states that each individual possesses inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property regardless of wealth, social status, or birth.
Together these beliefs had influenced the Founding Father’s views on what a government should resemble. Not only did these two beliefs influence their views, other philosophers and their ideas or ways had made a huge impact on the development of the Constitution. Even Cicero states for Classical Republicanism the importance of an active life of virtue, which builds the foundation of communities, including the community of all human beings. Natural Rights Philosophy inspired parts of the Declaration of Independence and described the role of philosophy in the study of government, which included phrases such as, “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.” As one, Classical Republicans and Natural Rights Philosophy were combined in the creation of the Constitution.
Education has always been stressed about over the years, but Classical Republicans and Natural Rights Philosophers both strive for all people to have an education and preparation for citizenship. Aristotle states that “Children should during their earliest years be carefully protected from all injurious associations, and be introduced to such amusements as will prepare them for the serious duties of life.” Classical Republicans believed in Moral education which prepared them for speaking and reasoning to be involved in political debates well along with learning and admiring the achievements and civic virtue of heroes. Natural Rights Philosophers stresses that to flourish the freedom, human equality, and individual rights would be through education.