Origins of American Political Ideas

What is an agreement between people and the government?

• Consent

• Natural Rights

• Social Contract

• Voting

According to the social contract theory, where does the government get its power?

• the legislature

• the laws of nature

• the consent of the governed

• the King of England

Most of the ideas and traditions that influenced the American government came from the colonist's British heritage.

• True

• False

Our Founding Fathers invented all the ideas that shaped the American system of government.

• True

• False

Which of the following best describes the Articles of Confederation?

• America's first attempt at self-government

• America's attempt at creating an all-powerful central government

• America's current governing document

The group known as the Federalists

• favored a weak central government and opposed ratification.

• consisted of farmers and those afraid of a strong central government.

• favored a strong central government and supported ratification.

• disliked how the constitution was written and debated in private.

John Locke said in the state of nature people had what rights?

• Freedom, Life and Liberty

• Liberty, Life, and property

• Life and Freedom

• Liberty and Property

Which document first established the principle of limited government in England, influencing American political ideas?

• A) Magna Carta

• B) English Bill of Rights

• C) Mayflower Compact

• D) Declaration of Independence

What philosophical movement emphasized reason and individualism, influencing American political thought?

• A) Renaissance

• B) Enlightenment

• C) Romanticism

• D) Industrial Revolution

Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution' for his pivotal role in its drafting and promoting its ratification?

• A) George Washington

• B) Thomas Jefferson

• C) James Madison

• D) Benjamin Franklin