KING OR QUEEN

ROYAL GOV.

COUNCILCOLONIAL ASSEMBLY

The FF were students of history and philosophy.

Studied books, read newspapers and listened to sermons in Church.

John Locke: well known English philosopher.• Many of the FF’s ideas

were based on Lockes’ philosophy.

Locke imagined what life would be like in a state of nature.• A condition where no governments or laws

existed at all.

What might happen in a state of nature?

1. Most people are reasonable and good. But others may abuse those that are weaker and less skilled.

2.Nobody’s life, liberty and property would be safe. • Governments do not exist until people

create them. 3. People must give their consent to

be governed.

Locke reasoned that all people seek to have the following rights:• Life• Liberty• Property

Natural Rights: Rights made by God.

NATURAL RIGHTS

How do we solve this problem??????

Locke argues• “the best way to solve this problem is for the

individual to agree with others to create and live under a government and give that government power to make an enforce laws”.

Social Contract:• Everyone promises to give up the right to do

anything they want to do, in return they receive security (natural rights) from the government.

What might be some advantages/disadvantages of living in a state of nature?

Which events were most significant in influencing our FF?

What English political traditions did colonists bring with them to America?

Representative government• England- Parliament

• Colonies- Colonial Assembly (Legislative)

Right to elect their own officials

Trial by jury of peers

How did King James II restrict the colonists rights?

Revoked the colonists right to a representative assembly

How did the Zenger trial help expand the colonists rights?

Colonists were entitled to certain English rights.• Freedom of speech• Freedom of press