PS 1010 American Government 1 Course Learning Outcome 924742

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; identify the major goals of the Founding Fathers; and list the events preceding the creation of the Articles of Confederation and the weaknesses that led to its demise.

Paper For Above instruction

The origins of American political thought are deeply rooted in Enlightenment ideas that emphasized liberty, reason, and individual rights. These philosophical foundations significantly influenced the formation of the United States government and the principles laid out by the Founding Fathers. This essay explores the Enlightenment's impact, the goals of America's founders, and the critical events leading to the creation and subsequent weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Enlightenment revolutionized political philosophy across Europe and subsequently in America. Thinkers like John Locke championed ideas of natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and the social contract, wherein individuals consent to government authority in exchange for security and order. Locke’s theories, particularly his notions of limited government and the right to overthrow tyranny, profoundly influenced the American revolutionaries. Additionally, Montesquieu's ideas on the separation of powers and checks and balances also shaped foundational American political concepts. These Enlightenment principles provided a rationale for the colonies' quest for independence and their desire to craft a government that protected individual rights while balancing authority.

The primary goals of the Founding Fathers centered on establishing a nation that upheld liberty and self-governance, minimized tyranny, and maintained order through a balanced constitutional framework. They envisioned a government that would secure natural rights, promote republicanism, and foster political stability. Achieving these goals required creating a government that was strong enough to manage national affairs while respecting states' sovereignty. The representatives aimed to avoid the oppressive centralized authority they experienced under British rule while establishing structures capable of unifying diverse colonies.

Before the drafting of the Articles of Confederation, several key historical events occurred. The colonies fought and won their independence from Great Britain, culminating in the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. During this period, the colonies faced the challenge of uniting their efforts in the Revolutionary War, which was marked by debates over governance and sovereignty. After victory, the colonies adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1777, intended as a unifying document that recognized the sovereignty of individual states while establishing a loose central government. The Articles aimed to formalize their alliance, facilitate mutual defense, and conduct diplomacy.

The Articles of Confederation emphasized a decentralized government with significant powers retained by the states. However, this structure led to several weaknesses that compromised the country's stability and unity. The central government lacked the power to tax, making it dependent on voluntary contributions from states, which often failed to meet financial needs. It also had no authority to regulate commerce, enforce laws, or maintain a standing army. Decision-making required unanimity among the states for amendments, rendering reform difficult. This weak central authority proved ineffective in addressing economic disputes, interstate conflicts, or foreign relations, contributing to its eventual failure and prompting the drafting of a new Constitution.

In conclusion, American political thought was shaped by Enlightenment ideas advocating liberty, reason, and individual rights, which directly influenced the Founding Fathers' vision for the nation. Their primary goals centered on creating a government that protected these rights and balanced authority between levels of government. The events leading up to the Articles of Confederation, including the struggle for independence and the desire for a cooperative alliance among the states, resulted in a framework that was too limited to sustain the nation. The weaknesses of the Articles—lack of taxing power, regulatory authority, and centralized leadership—highlighted the necessity for a new, stronger federal government, ultimately leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

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