Section 1: The Founding Principles Flashcards
Constitutionalism
Government in which power is distributed by a system of laws that the rulers must obey
American Exceptionalism
The idea that America is exceptional, unique from other nations because of the way it was made.
In his devotional speech, A school in Zion, Elder Holland urges students to “see life steadily and see it whole”, and to become “even-balanced souls”. What does he suggest is an important element in that quest?
- Transcending specialties and departments and seeking a broader educational experience.
- Taking care to strengthen both physical, spiritual, emotional well-being along with the mental rigors of university life.
- Seeking to understand both sides of an issue; learning with an open mind.
- Learning to incorporate the Holy Ghost into daily learning experiences.
Human Predicament cycle
Tyranny -> Revolution -> Anarchy (fleeting) -> Competing Groups ->
Sovereignty
Ultimate politcal power
Anarchy
Chaotic expression of individual/small group’s will (fear and disorder)
Tyranny
Organized expression of individual/small group’s will (dictator, fear of repercussions) monopolizes power
The Human predicament and the good society
3 options do nothing, leave the country, or revolt.
Both make us fearful that we will not be able to live the life we desire
The good society
societies that escaped the human predicament and are stable, without tyranny
3 pillars of a good society
freedom, virtue, welfare
Pros of the good society
Prosperous
Freedom from want
Vibrant cultures
Achievements
Peaceful
Respectful
Human Nature
Our nature leads to values we want to pursue, which lead to virtue, freedom or welfare and a proper form of government
3 key values of Sandel
Freedom, Virtue, and welfare
Puritans
Religious group who wanted to purify the Church of England. They settled in Massachusetts bay, covenanting to glorify God and create the Good society.
Puritans believed in…
Civil liberty, natural liberty, and freedom
Civil liberty
According to John Winthrop “Where men were free to do only that which is good, just and honest
Natural Liberty
Men do as they please without regard for morality
Who believes that power originates in God, authorizes who rules humans?
The puritans
John Cotton
Cotton corrupts, power corrupts, humans will abuse power if it is not limited
Roger Williams
Roger’s Rhode Island. Separation of church and state
John Winthrop
Win with civil liberty. Natural liberty vs. Civil liberty. Natural liberty: fallen, man does what he wants evil or good. City on a hill
Cotton Mathers 1701
Your role in society matters. Christians have spiritual obligations
Mayflower Compact
Puritans/Separatists make a compact. First written down form of government in the new world that is not based off of religion.
Social compact
The concept of a group of autonomous individuals living in a state of nature, making a common agreement about the sort of political world they want to live in.
Calvinism
God’s elect, doesn’t change. Covenants to worship God.
Puritans tried to form what?
Covenanting to glorify God in the New World, trying to form the Good Society
Relationship between freedom welfare and virtue
Freedom is given up for virtue, welfare comes from being virtuous
Freedom in ancient liberty (spartans)
Freedom = engagement in government and political life voting, judgements, accusing/condemning, jury duty, discussing politics , making decisions about the community
Freedom in modern liberty (Vegas)
Do what you want 24/7. Freedom from a government/the will of others.
Welfare in ancient liberty
Time and means to participate