Heimler's History: Ideals of Democracy

Introduction

• Focus on the AP Government curriculum.
• Discuss how democratic ideals are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Key Democratic Ideal: Limited Government

• Limited government: a core principle in democratic societies.
• Idea influenced by the Enlightenment.

Enlightenment Influence

• Natural Rights
  • People are born with rights from their creator, not bestowed by monarchs.
  • Key thinkers: John Locke and Thomas Hobbes.
  • Locke's "Second Treatise on Civil Government": rights to life, liberty, and property.
  • State of nature: humans are free.
• Popular Sovereignty and Social Contract
  • Power to govern resides with the people.
  • People delegate power to government to protect rights.
  • Key thinker: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and his "Social Contract."
  • Government can be overthrown if it becomes tyrannical.
• Republicanism
  • Concept developed by Baron de Montesquieu in "The Spirit of the Laws."
  • Republican government: leaders are elected to represent the people.
  • Separation of powers into three branches: executive, legislative, judicial.

Foundational Documents

• Declaration of Independence
  • Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson.
  • Influenced by John Locke’s ideas.
  • Key phrases show natural rights and social contract principles.
  • Popular sovereignty: government derives power from the people’s consent.
• The Constitution
  • Drafted to replace ineffective Articles of Confederation.
  • Driven by figures like James Madison.
  • Republicanism
    • U.S. as a representative republic, not a pure democracy.
    • Fear of mob rule led to republican system.
  • Separation of Powers
    • Inspired by Montesquieu.
    • Division into three branches to prevent tyranny.

Conclusion

• Understanding these ideas is essential for success in AP Government.
• Encouragement to utilize review materials for further study.