Chapter 1 - The Problem of Government

Question 1

The human predicament

Answer 1

The cycle from tyranny to anarchy, to which sovereign power and its ill effects give rise

Question 2

Despot

Answer 2

A ruler exercising absolute power

Question 3

Revolution

Answer 3

A means of removing tyranny from power; part of the human predicament cycle

Question 4

Tyranny

Answer 4

Absolute power centralized in one person or small group; part of human predicament cycle

Question 5

Anarchy

Answer 5

No one person or group maintains absolute power. Characterized by mass disorder caused by a failure to agree on common course of action; part of human predicament cycle

Question 6

Competing groups

Answer 6

Groups that, in states of anarchy, fight for supreme power or control; part of human predicament cycle

Question 7

Good society

Answer 7

Reasonably stable and prosperous society without oppressive tyranny. Usually includes peace, respect, vibrant culture, and personal freedom to live the way one chooses

Question 8

Plato

Answer 8

Greek philosopher; author of “The Republic” which extolled civic virtue and necessity of arête.

Question 9

Political legitimacy

Answer 9

Ruling by a sanction higher than stark necessity; may stem from divine right, wisdom or consent.

Question 10

King James I

Answer 10

Claimed political legitimacy through “divine right of kings”

Question 11

Theocracy

Answer 11

Divinely inspired rule or rule by religion

Question 12

Aristocracy

Answer 12

Rule based on distinguished or wise ancestors and heritage

Question 13

Greek freedom

Answer 13

The privilege of taking part in the political process and observing society’s rules.

Question 14

Human nature

Answer 14

Disposition of humans that determines their behavior

Question 15

Arête

Answer 15

Greek for human virtue; striving for excellence, backbone of republican morality

Question 16

Autocracy

Answer 16

Says people are like children and need a carefully controlled environment provided by the government; “individual freedom causes anarchy.” Government gives order to human life.

Question 17

Classical republicanism

Answer 17

Men are good but corruptible; government should have restricted power and encourage good moral climate. Because men are corruptible, so is the government. The constitution was framed on this idea. With a constitution, this view is conducive to a Good Society.

Question 18

Libertarianism

Answer 18

Says that the government should protect individuals rights and nothing else; “people are what they are… Human nature is variable… Let people work out good and bad for themselves.”

Question 19

Liberalism

Answer 19

Sees people as good but corruptible because of institutions - government protects us from that corruption. Government is a weapon that develops human potential. Freedom is good but deepens society’s misfortunes.
Ex: Jean Jacques Rousseau’s “the social contract” : do away with aristocracy, established churches, private ownership, etc to expunge crime and corruption.

Question 20

Polis

Answer 20

A Greek city governed by its citizens

Question 21

Structure

Answer 21

Part of a founders toolbox - the rules and restrictions designed to harness virtue. People behave differently in differently structured situations

Question 22

Participation

Answer 22

Part of the founders toolbox - public participation benefits and shapes a political society (the poleis were more stable).

Question 23

Law

Answer 23

Part of the founders toolbox - laws affect politics. Everyone being subject to laws created by consent makes things fair.

Question 24

Custom and tradition

Answer 24

Part of the founders toolbox - successful foundings can draw upon custom and tradition in order to invoke authority of the past. Ex: sanctuary

Question 25

Moral sense

Answer 25

Part of founders toolbox - successful societies share values

Question 26

Founding myths

Answer 26

Myths help for a successful founding because it fosters identity, hope and belonging. Ex: from rags to riches in America

Question 27

Leadership

Answer 27

Part of founders toolbox - a strong leader is required for a founding

Question 28

State of nature

Answer 28

Hypothetical condition assumed to exist in the absence of government where humans live in complete freedom and equality

Question 29

Social compact

Answer 29

Making a common agreement in a society about the kind of political world they want to live in. American colonies were created by groups with specific purposes in mind; they saw they could create any society according to hopes, dreams, values, history, etc.

Question 30

Sovereignty

Answer 30

Ultimate political power - having the final say

Question 31

Thomas Jefferson

Answer 31

That government is best which governs least.

Question 32

European enlightenment

Answer 32

18th century philosophical movement that proposed self interest rather than Greek virtue or Christian humility as the motivating factor in human behavior.