Political Science Midterm
MID-TERM EXAM
1. Do you think most American believe in the ideas of Hobbes or Locke? What institutions or laws in this country back up your choice?
I think most American believe in the ideas of Locke. In fact, the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson back up my choice. The American vision of natural rights and individual sovereignty was written on the basis of Locke's ideas. The main point is Locke believes that man is basically good, but society makes him evil. Locke therefore believes that government is necessary in order to preserve natural law. The natural law is that all men are equal in nature. Locke agrees that in natural law, no one is superior, and believes that it is beneficial for humans to follow natural law.
2. Why did Jefferson use Locke’s ideas in the Declaration of Independence?
Because John Locke was a huge influence on all of Thomas Jefferson's philosophical thoughts and ideals. For example, Jefferson paraphrases Locke's ideas in the Declaration of Independence, changing "life, liberty, and property" to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" is very significant to Jefferson.
3. Do you think our country does a good job of balancing freedom and security? Explain your response.
4. If Jefferson and Hamilton could return to the US today, who would be happier with the way the country has turned out and why? Also, what political party would they join and why?
If Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson could come back to view the country today, it seems that Jefferson would be happier because the country has turned out more liberal. But in my opinion, both of them would be pleased with the way the country has developed on certain issues. Hamilton would be pleased to see America becoming a strong federal government guiding a transition to an urban, industrial nation. He is often called the "father of American capitalism" and the "patron saint of Wall Street." In the other side,
1. Do you think most American believe in the ideas of Hobbes or Locke? What institutions or laws in this country back up your choice?
I think most American believe in the ideas of Locke. In fact, the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson back up my choice. The American vision of natural rights and individual sovereignty was written on the basis of Locke's ideas. The main point is Locke believes that man is basically good, but society makes him evil. Locke therefore believes that government is necessary in order to preserve natural law. The natural law is that all men are equal in nature. Locke agrees that in natural law, no one is superior, and believes that it is beneficial for humans to follow natural law.
2. Why did Jefferson use Locke’s ideas in the Declaration of Independence?
Because John Locke was a huge influence on all of Thomas Jefferson's philosophical thoughts and ideals. For example, Jefferson paraphrases Locke's ideas in the Declaration of Independence, changing "life, liberty, and property" to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" is very significant to Jefferson.
3. Do you think our country does a good job of balancing freedom and security? Explain your response.
4. If Jefferson and Hamilton could return to the US today, who would be happier with the way the country has turned out and why? Also, what political party would they join and why?
If Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson could come back to view the country today, it seems that Jefferson would be happier because the country has turned out more liberal. But in my opinion, both of them would be pleased with the way the country has developed on certain issues. Hamilton would be pleased to see America becoming a strong federal government guiding a transition to an urban, industrial nation. He is often called the "father of American capitalism" and the "patron saint of Wall Street." In the other side,