Thomas Paine's Common Sense

This paper is the foundation of our government and it argues for American Independence. There is a lot of general argument about religion and government but then transform into a more specific argument on the colonial dilemma.

Paine talks about 1. Government (protects us) vs. Society (people coming together). He hypothetically discusses a situation involving a small group of people on an island completely cut off from society and how the group creates laws and such. Represents that people who make the laws will be more likely to abide by them and be much happier if they create them. Representation is the way to go. Paine obviously dislikes the British system because of its complexity and contradictions. He also talks about religion.

I think this is an important document, and it really gave us a lot of help with out government and how it is the way it is today.

Declaration of Independence: Locke's Influence on Jefferson

Was Thomas Jefferson influenced by John Locke?

Yes, I believe Thomas Jefferson was influenced by John Locke because 1. Protection from the government. 2. There is an agreement between the two that the people have the power to rebel if the government does not represent them correctly. Because these ideas correspond with each other it is very likely that Jefferson read Locke and was influenced y him when writing the Declaration of Independence.

There are some similarities between the two in their writing that bring across the same idea. While Locke said, "no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions" Jefferson tweaked into something more appropriate for the Declaration, transforming it to "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness."

There are many similarities between John Locke and Thomas Jefferson and I think it is clear that Locke influenced Jefferson.

John Locke's Second Treatise, of Civil Government

I think that Locke's Second Treatise of Government is an important part of America's politics, and has been very influential throughout the history of United States politics. His writing is very democratic.

He pretty much decides to create laws in order to keep morality in society. The people give up some natural rights in order to enter into a or social compact. In this society Locke basically says that people have to submit their natural freedoms to the common laws and then if they do that they get government protection. Allows people to take control if the government doesn't represent the people correctly. Gives the people some authority and the right to take control if they are not treated right.

Locke tries to argue against unjust governments. I find Locke kind of negative because he thinks that all people are bad, he gives no chance to let people be wholly good. Locke ideas are kind of a forceful way to make people respect the law but in fear. He thinks that government is only necessary because there are bad people. He also notes that there must be a higher power over everything.