Conceptualizing the Founding

Question 1

What di the Last Jedi and some Progressive critiques have in common?

Answer 1

Demystification- expose the past in order to reject it, allowing for something new to be created.

Question 2

What is the Imperfection Problem raised by some Progressive?

Answer 2

The founders had the right ideals. However, they often struggled, if not failed, to achieve those ideals.

Question 3

What were the cheif critiques the Progressives leveled against the Founders?

Answer 3

1. Economic Argument: the Constitution was a document crafted to privilege and protect the rich 2. Democratic argument: the Constitution betrayed the ideal of democracy 3. 1619 Project: the Founders never believed in the ideals of the Declaration.

Question 4

How did the Democratic Critique of the Progressives interpret the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 4

It established that democracy was the ultimate standard.

Question 5

According to the original version of the 1619 Project, why is 1776 rejected as America’s birthday?

Answer 5

The Founders fought the Revolution to preserve slavery, not to eradicate it.

Question 6

Which perspective created a strong continuity between the ancients and the moderns?

Answer 6

Classical Republican

Question 7

Which approach saw a connection between property and virtue?

Answer 7

Classical Republican

Question 8

Which approach valorized the farmer?

Answer 8

Classical Republican

Question 9

Which Founding Father represented the Classical Republican approach?

Answer 9

Thomas Jefferson

Question 10

According to the Classical Republican Perspective, what symbol was used to create a connection between the ancients and Americans?

Answer 10

The Great Seal. The Latin mottos connect the founding of America to the founding of Rome.

Question 11

According to the Classical Republican thesis, how di we pursue happiness?

Answer 11

Virtue- seeking to become an excellent human being.

Question 12

Which perspective created a soft continuity between the ancients and the moderns?

Answer 12

Liberal Republican

Question 13

Which approach saw a connection between property and ambition?

Answer 13

Liberal Republican

Question 14

According to the Liberal Republicanism, how do we pursue happiness?

Answer 14

Interest- seeking to pursue and acquire what will make us happy.

Question 15

According to the Liberal Republican Perspective, what happened to ancient values in modern times?

Answer 15

They were changed or altered to fit a commercial people who could not be trusted to aim high.

Question 16

Which Founding Father represented the Liberal Republican approach?

Answer 16

Alexander Hamilton

Question 17

Which perspective created a harsh distinction between the ancients and the moderns?

Answer 17

Unmasking Liberalism

Question 18

What were the chief critiques that the Unmasking Liberalism project leveled against the Founders?

Answer 18

1. The Liberty Problem: the founders set up a republic of license that leads to drift and alienation. 2. The Social Contract Problem: The founders grounded man’s nature as being alone and thus people are alone.

Question 19

According to the Unmasking Liberal Perspective, what is the classical understanding of freedom?

Answer 19

One had to learn to ne free. It is about mastery over the soul. A liberal arts education teaches people to live a life of virtue.

Question 20

Which does liberalism mean?

Answer 20

To be generous regrading rights and create conditions that allow people to be free.

Question 21

How are the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God to be discovered?

Answer 21

Reason

Question 22

According to West, how should “man” be interpreted in the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 22

The word should be defined as encompassing both men and women. During this time period, Congress and the States were using words such as humanity, mankind, and inhabitants in interchangeable ways.

Question 23

What does equality mean in the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 23

Individuals are not naturally subordinated to one another. No one has the right to rule over another person.

Question 24

What does happiness mean in the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 24

It is unclear, but there are various interpretations. First, it is just unknown. Second, happiness was meant to ne understood as being subjective. This means that many paths exists that lead to happiness. Third, happiness was meant to be understood as being objective. This means living a life of virtue is the way to find happiness.

Question 25

According to John Locke, what is the State of Nature?

Answer 25

Life is free and pleasant, but it is also insecure and dangerous. It is a state of society and of war. In other words, it is a state without government. It can be real, not just imaginary.

Question 26

According to Thomas Hobbes, what is the State of Nature?

Answer 26

It is a state of affairs that is outside of civil society. It paints a picture of what we do without the constraints and norms of society. In this state, life is nasty, brutish, and short.

Question 27

What is the Social Contract?

Answer 27

Each individual, who has the right to rule over herself, or himself, agrees to leave the state of nature and enter into civil society I order for the government to protect her or his unalienable rights. It is based on consensus.

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of the American Government?

Answer 28

To protect each individual’s unalienable rights.

Question 29

Where does the government get its power?

Answer 29

It derives its powers from the consent of the governed.