day 2

Question 1

What is meant by “popular sovereignty”?

Answer 1

the idea that rulers are subject to the people, rather than subject to the rulers, the idea that PEOPLE have the ultimate authority

Question 2

What is a legitimate government, and what are the different ways that rulers claim they are legitimate?

Answer 2

legitimacy involves some sort of sanction or approval that is broad enough for the leaders to maintain power without resorting to tyranny.
examples:
aristocracy-idea that the “wise” will rule
divine right of kings-line of rule is appointed by God
other religious claims
rule of “the people”

Question 3

How do the leaders of government establish a legitimate government and break out of the human predicament cycle?

Answer 3

usually through revolution against tyrant leading to anarchy**

Question 4

What are different ways to think about the connection between govt and human nature?

Answer 4

progressive liberals:people are good but need protection from corrupt and unfair institutions like corporations
autocratic: govts, like monarchies, generally believe people are like children and need a strong ruler (sometimes can become tyrannical)
libertarians (classic liberals): believe that most people are corruptible and therefore the govt powers should be strictly limited in order to prevent tyranny