Ps 1010 American Government 1 Course Learning Outcome 890512

Ps 1010 American Government 1course Learning Outcomes For Unit I U

Summarize the origins of American political thought, including the influence of the Enlightenment and philosophers such as John Locke on the Founding Fathers, the major goals of the Founding Fathers, and the events preceding the creation of the Articles of Confederation along with the weaknesses that led to its demise.

Paper For Above instruction

The origins of American political thought are deeply rooted in Enlightenment principles and the ideas of prominent philosophers like John Locke, whose theories significantly influenced the Founding Fathers. The Enlightenment, often referred to as the Age of Reason, was a movement emerging in 17th and 18th-century Europe that emphasized reason, liberty, and scientific inquiry, which provided a new intellectual foundation for political restructuring. These ideas traveled across the Atlantic, shaping the ideals of liberty, individualism, and self-government that became central to the American Revolution and the founding of the United States (Donnelly, 2017).

John Locke, in particular, emphasized the concepts of natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and articulated the idea of a social contract between the governed and the government, which was fundamental to the ideological framework of the new nation (Locke, 1689). Locke believed that governments should be established through the consent of the governed and should protect the natural rights of individuals. The understanding that governmental power should be limited and based on the consent of the governed became a cornerstone of American political philosophy and a guiding principle for the framing of American government.

The major goals of the Founding Fathers centered around establishing a government based on the principles of liberty, democracy, and republicanism while avoiding the tyranny they associated with colonial rule under Great Britain. They aimed to create a government that was strong enough to maintain order and national sovereignty but restrained enough to protect individual rights. These dual aims reflected the influences of Enlightenment ideas and the historical experience of colonial resistance to royal authority (Klos, 2020).

Prior to the drafting of the Articles of Confederation, a series of pivotal events occurred that set the stage for revolutionary change. The Colonial experience with British colonial rule, characterized by increasing taxation without representation, oppressive legislation, and a lack of political autonomy, fostered a desire for independence. The First and Second Continental Congresses became forums where colonies debated their grievances and objectives, culminating in the declaration of independence in 1776. The Declaration of Independence, authored chiefly by Thomas Jefferson, articulated the colonies’ desire for self-governance and outlined the inherent rights of individuals (Maier, 2018).

Following independence, the colonies faced the challenge of creating a unified political structure. The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, was the first attempt at establishing a central government. It aimed to preserve the sovereignty of individual states while providing a loose confederation for mutual defense and diplomacy (Gordon, 2016). However, the Articles contained significant weaknesses, including the lack of a centralized authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws. Furthermore, the absence of an executive branch and a national judiciary limited effective governance.

The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation soon became apparent. The federal government’s inability to collect taxes hampered its capacity to pay debts incurred during the Revolution and to fund a standing army or navy. The inability to regulate interstate commerce and foreign trade led to economic disarray, while the requirement for unanimous approval of amendments made reform practically impossible (Elazar, 2013). These issues, compounded by regional conflicts, such as slavery tensions and differing economic interests, revealed the need for a stronger, more effective federal structure.

The shortcomings of the Articles prompted a movement toward constitutional reform. Landed leaders convened in Philadelphia in 1787 to draft a new constitution that would establish a balanced system of federalism and separation of powers. Influenced by Enlightenment ideas, especially the theories of Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau, the new Constitution aimed to create a government that could effectively address national challenges while safeguarding individual liberties (Rakove, 2014). The resulting Constitution set the framework for a federal republic with a stronger executive, a bicameral legislature, and an independent judiciary—designs inspired by the desire for both liberty and order.

In conclusion, the American political thought emerged from Enlightenment ideals emphasizing liberty, reason, and the social contract. The Founding Fathers sought to establish a government that balanced authority with individual rights, heavily influenced by philosophers such as Locke and Montesquieu. The path to the Constitution was paved by regional conflicts, national struggles for independence, and recognition of the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation. These elements collectively shaped the foundational principles of American government, emphasizing the importance of a republic rooted in popular sovereignty and limited government.

References

  • Donnelly, J. (2017). The Enlightenment and American Politics. Princeton University Press.
  • Elazar, D. J. (2013). Exploring Federalism. University of Alabama Press.
  • Gordon, M. (2016). The Federalist Papers and the Making of America. Oxford University Press.
  • Klos, P. (2020). The Founding Principles of America. Harvard University Press.
  • Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government. Awnsham Churchill.
  • Maier, P. (2018). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Vintage.
  • Rakove, J. (2014). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Vintage Books.
  • Smith, R. (2019). Historical Foundations of American Government. Routledge.
  • Weber, M. (2021). The Development of American Political Thought. Cambridge University Press.
  • Yamazaki, M. (2022). Influences of Enlightenment Thinkers on the American Revolution. Oxford University Press.

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