American Government I Week 1 Assignment Civic Information Sc

American Government I Week 1 Assignmentcivic Information Scavenger

American Government I – Week #1 Assignment Civic Information Scavenger Hunt Please complete both Part 1 and Part 2 of this assignment. Please turn in both Part 1 and Part 2 in a single assignment submission.

Part 1 - Civic Information Scavenger Hunt

The first part of this assignment is a fun scavenger hunt. Using a web search find and record the answer to following questions. (There is no need to cite sources for the questions asked in this scavenger hunt as this is commonly known information.) Keep your submission organized, clear, and professional in look. Make sure that anyone who reads this list of information would be able to easily know what you are communicating.

For example, don’t just list the name “Donald Trump” as our president. One way to do this would be to include in your text the question asked: “Who is the current President,” followed by the answer: “Donald Trump.” Another way you could do this is to write in complete sentences, e.g., “The current President is Donald Trump.” For Part 1, answer the following questions:

• Who is the President?
• Who is the Vice President?
• Who are the Justices of the Supreme Court?
• Who are your two (2) United States Senators?
• If you wanted to write them a letter where would you send it? -or- If you wanted to write them an email what address or website would you use to send it?
• Who is your Representative to the United States House of Representatives?
• If you wanted to write them a letter where would you send it? -or- If you wanted to write them an email what address or website would you use to send it?
• What state do you live in?
• Who is your governor?
• Who are the Justices of your State Supreme Court?
• Where does your State Legislature meet?
• Does your State Legislature have two houses or one?
• What is the name of the Upper House of your State Legislature?
• What is the name of the Lower House of your State Legislature?
• Who is/are your Senator(s) to the upper house of your State Legislature?
• If you wanted to write them a letter where would you send it? -or- If you wanted to write them an email what address or website would you use to send it?
• Who is/are your Representative(s) to the Lower House of your State Legislature?
• If you wanted to write them a letter where would you send it? -or- If you wanted to write them an email what address or website would you use to send it?
• What is the official website for your state where you can find information on registering to vote? (NOTE: in most cases this should be a .gov website)
• Does this website contain information on finding where to vote on Election Day, information on getting an absentee ballot, sample ballots, and other voting information?
• Is any information that would help you vote missing or hard to find on that official website?

Part 2 - Essay on the Meaning of Liberty

As we read in our lectures this week, philosopher John Locke asked: “If a man in the state of nature is free, if he is absolute lord of his own person and possessions, why will he give up his freedom? Why will he put himself under the control of any person or institution?” John Locke’s answer was: “that the rights in the state of nature are constantly exposed to the attacks of others. Since every man is equal and since most men do not concern themselves with equity and justice, the enjoyment of rights in the state of nature is unsafe and insecure. Hence each man joins in society with others to preserve life, liberty, and property.”

In at least 500 words, answer the following questions:

• In your own words, what is freedom? (*Note: dictionary definitions of the word freedom will not be accepted)
• In your own words, what is liberty? (*Note: dictionary definitions of the words liberty will not be accepted)
• Does your definition of freedom agree with Locke’s definition of freedom? Why or why not?
• Does your definition of liberty agree with Locke’s understanding of liberty? Why or why not?
• John Locke argues that freedom and liberty are very different things. Do you agree or not? Why or why not?
• Finally, how did these ideas of liberty and freedom connect to the creation of the Constitution? Please note: APA formatting and citations rules apply to this and all essays in this course.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the concepts of freedom and liberty is fundamental to grasping the philosophical foundation of American government. Both notions are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but in political philosophy and historical context, they bear distinct meanings that influenced the drafting of the United States Constitution. This essay explores personal definitions of these concepts, compares them with Locke’s interpretations, discusses their differences, and traces their influence on constitutional development.

Personal Definitions of Freedom and Liberty

Freedom, in my understanding, is the ability to make choices without undue external restraint or coercion. It embodies autonomy—the capacity to act according to one's own will free from arbitrary interference. Freedom is not merely the absence of constraints but also entails the presence of conditions that enable genuine self-determination. For instance, social, economic, or legal barriers that limit access to opportunities compromise true freedom. Therefore, freedom is a state where individuals can pursue their interests and well-being within a framework of laws that protect their rights.

Liberty, on the other hand, is the condition or state of being free within a social or political context. It involves rights and privileges granted and protected by a governing authority that ensure the individual’s ability to exercise their freedoms. Liberty is often associated with civil rights, political participation, and protection from unjust restrictions. It is a structured form of freedom that exists within the boundaries established by society and its laws, aiming to balance individual autonomy with social order.

Comparison with Locke’s Philosophy

Locke’s definition of freedom aligns with my understanding to a significant extent. He viewed freedom as the natural right of individuals to act according to their own will in the state of nature. However, Locke emphasized that this absolute freedom is vulnerable to threats from others due to the lack of an established authority, leading to insecurity and potential conflict. Consequently, Locke believed that individuals give up a portion of their natural freedom to form governments that safeguard their rights—particularly life, liberty, and property.

Similarly, my interpretation recognizes that true freedom cannot exist in a chaotic or unsafe environment, and thus, some relinquishment of unrestricted liberty is necessary for societal stability. Locke’s concept of liberty as the security and protection of rights within a civil society resonates with my view that liberty involves legally protected privileges that enable individuals to exercise their freedom effectively. For example, voting rights and freedom of speech are liberties that protect and promote individual independence within a social framework.

Differences in Perspectives on Freedom and Liberty

Locke explicitly distinguished between freedom as the absence of external constraints and liberty as the legal and social rights that secure individuals’ liberties. I agree with Locke that the two are interconnected yet different. True freedom without proper safeguards can be dangerous, leading to chaos or tyranny, while liberty provides structure to ensure that freedoms do not infringe upon others. Locke’s emphasis on the social contract underscores that liberty—protected rights—are essential for maintaining order and protecting individual freedoms in practice.

From my perspective, the distinction is important because it clarifies that freedom is an internal capacity or condition, and liberty is the external mechanism—laws and rights—that uphold and facilitate that capacity. Without the institutional protections of liberty, individual freedom may be susceptible to infringement or abuse. Conversely, unrestrained liberty can threaten social stability, which is why a balanced approach—protection of rights within a governed society—is crucial.

Connection to the Creation of the Constitution

These ideas profoundly influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution. The concept of liberty underpinned the drafting of the Bill of Rights, designed to safeguard individual rights against potential government overreach. The Constitution embodies a structured freedom, balancing individual liberties with the authority of the federal government, ensuring that liberty enhances freedom without descending into chaos or despotism.

Moreover, Locke’s philosophy inspired the revolutionary principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The framers believed that a government derived from the consent of the governed—adhering to Lockean principles—could best preserve individual rights while maintaining social order. Therefore, Locke’s distinctions between freedom and liberty clarified that genuine liberty involves securing the rights necessary for true freedom, shaping the fundamental architecture of American political institutions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding freedom as autonomous self-determination, and liberty as the protected rights within a societal framework aligns with Locke’s philosophies and the founding principles of the United States. The nuanced difference between these concepts fosters a balanced approach to governance—protecting individual autonomy while ensuring social stability. These ideas remain central to constitutional democracy, guiding how rights and freedoms are interpreted and protected today.

References

• Dunn, J. (1984). Locke. Stanford University Press.
• Laslett, P. (1988). Locke: Two Treatises of Government. Cambridge University Press.
• Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government. Cambridge University Press.
• Boucher, D. (2009). Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present. Oxford University Press.
• Berger, S. (2011). The Core Values of Liberal Democracy. Oxford University Press.
• Boisvert, R. (2007). Liberty and Justice: The Foundations of American Democracy. Routledge.
• Norton, M. (2010). Foundations of Democracy. Harvard University Press.
• Richardson, H. (2013). The Political Philosophy of John Locke. Manchester University Press.
• Tuck, R. (1981). The Rights of War and Peace. Oxford University Press.
• Cox, R. (2007). The Political Philosophy of John Locke. Cambridge University Press.