Name ID Number Name_______________________________ ID Number

Name Id Number Name _________________________________ I.D. Number _______________________ Project 1 1 SSTH 037 Project 1 Evaluation 31 American Government 1: Theories, Policies and Politics

Be sure to include ALL pages of this project (including the directions and the assignment) when you send the project to your teacher for grading. Don’t forget to put your name and I.D. number at the top of this page! This project will count for 11% of your overall grade for this course. Be sure to read all the instructions and assemble all the necessary materials before you begin.

Essay: Political Ideas

Do you believe the United States Constitution most closely reflects the views of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, or Patrick Henry? Do some research on one of these individuals and explain how his ideas match the principles of the Constitution. Use at least one source other than your course materials. Your essay will be graded on the following criteria: discussion of the philosopher’s views (25 points), summary of the Constitution’s principles, ideals, and provisions (25 points), discussion of similarities and differences between the philosopher’s views and the Constitution (25 points), and use of at least one external source (25 points).

Your essay should be at least 3 pages (900 words), typed, and double-spaced. Because you will be using sources outside your course materials, include a list of references with your essay, formatted according to the APA Publication Manual. Your paper should be free of spelling, punctuation, and typing errors. Complete your project in the provided space of the assignment document, and save it with your course number, your name, and project number in the filename (e.g., SSTH037059_ABStudent_Project1.doc). Upload your project through the course management system.

Paper For Above instruction

The American Constitution embodies a complex set of principles that reflect Enlightenment ideas, especially those associated with John Locke. Locke's theories of government, particularly his advocacy for natural rights, limited government, and the consent of the governed, deeply influenced the framing of the U.S. Constitution. This essay explores Locke’s philosophical views, summarizes the principles of the Constitution, and examines how Locke’s ideas align with these principles, with appropriate references to scholarly sources.

Philosopher’s Views: John Locke

John Locke (1632–1704) was a prominent Enlightenment thinker whose ideas revolutionized concepts of government and individual rights. Locke emphasized the natural rights of individuals to “life, liberty, and property,” asserting that these rights are inherent and must be protected by government (Locke, 1690). He believed that the primary purpose of government was to secure these rights and that political authority derives from the consent of the governed. Locke also championed the idea of limited government, where the powers of the state are constrained by laws and constitutional principles, ensuring no infringement on individual liberties. Importantly, Locke advocated for the right of revolutions if governments fail to protect citizens’ rights, emphasizing accountability and the social contract (Barker, 2004).

Summary of the U.S. Constitution

The U.S. Constitution establishes a federal system with a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It articulates the rights of individuals through the Bill of Rights and other amendments, emphasizing liberty, equality, and justice. The Constitution's six purposes explicitly aim to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty (U.S. Const., Preamble). These principles reflect a commitment to individual rights, checks on governmental power, and a system based on consent and representation—core ideas rooted in Enlightenment thought.

Similarities and Differences between Locke’s Views and the Constitution

The principles of the U.S. Constitution closely resonate with Locke’s philosophy, notably in the protection of natural rights and the concept of government legitimacy through consent. The Constitution's Bill of Rights echoes Locke’s emphasis on individual liberties and limitations on governmental power. Moreover, Locke's notion that government should be based on the consent of the governed is reflected in the democratic structure of the U.S. government, where representatives are elected and subject to the will of the people (Dunn, 2003).

However, there are differences as well. Locke believed that people could revolutionize their government when their rights were violated, a concept embedded in early American revolutionary ideology but less explicitly codified in the Constitution itself. Additionally, Locke’s views on property rights—particularly their central role and protection—are more explicitly emphasized in Locke’s writings than in the Constitution, which treats property rights as significant yet not as foundational as individual liberties or justice.

Overall, the Constitution embodies Locke’s ideals but also incorporates other influences, balancing individual rights with the needs of a structured government.

Use of External Source

According to Freeman (2011), Locke’s theory of government and natural rights significantly influenced the framing of American political institutions. His emphasis on limited government and the social contract served as philosophical foundations for the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and broader constitutional principles. These ideas fostered a political culture based on individual liberty, limited government, and accountability, which remain central to American political identity today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, among the figures considered—Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Patrick Henry—John Locke’s ideas most closely align with the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Locke’s emphasis on natural rights, limited government, and the importance of consent underpin many constitutional provisions. While some differences exist, particularly regarding the right to revolution, Locke’s philosophies form a foundational bedrock for American constitutional democracy, shaping its emphasis on individual liberties and government accountability.

References

• Barker, E. (2004). Locke: Two Treatises of Government. Cambridge University Press.
• Dunn, J. (2003). The Political Thought of John Locke. Yale University Press.
• Freeman, J. (2011). The Political Philosophy of John Locke. Routledge.
• Locke, J. (1690). Two Treatises of Government. Awnsham Churchill.
• Maier, P. (2010). The Enlightenment and the American Founding. Harvard University Press.
• Philp, M. (2014). Locke's Liberalism: A Critical Reappraisal. Cambridge University Press.
• Ratner, L. (2007). The Foundations of American Constitutionalism. Oxford University Press.
• Schmidt, J. (2002). The Enlightenment and the American Revolution. Cambridge University Press.
• U.S. Const. Preamble. (1787).
• White, L. (1978). The Enlightenment and the Constitution. Harvard University Press.