day 1

Question 1

What core principles of politics were emphasized in the Gettysburg Address?

Answer 1

“a new nation”, “conceived in liberty”, “dedicated to a proposition that all men are created equal”

Question 2

What types of claims were made by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence “the American Creed”?

Answer 2

Claims:
Human rights: all are created equal and endowed by creator with rights
Human nature: people have a disposition to suffer rather than revolt until things get too bad
Government power: people are sovereign, they can reform their government
Purpose of govt: secure the people’s rights, promote safety and happiness

Question 3

What types of obstacles stand in the way of fulfilling the aspirations of the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 3

Human nature: political problem(determining how to use political power and distribution eit so that it promoted their interests without violating their rights
Limited resources
Eternal threats
Internal threats

Question 4

According to Michael, what are three basic approaches to figuring out what a just society is?

Answer 4

Virtue, welfare, freedom