Shared Flashcard Set

Details

AH Powerpoints
AH 1,2
21
History
Undergraduate 1
10/05/2011

Additional History Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Importance of “Founding” Moments
Definition
Founding: a conscious, deliberate act of creating a system of government.
• “Foundings” do not occur very often
• But what are our ongoing responsibilities?
Term
Foundings
Definition
“Foundings” ask us to reflect on fundamental questions
• Who should rule?
• What is a citizen?
• How much power should government have?
• How much (and what kind) of liberty should citizens have?
• What values should a government foster?
Term
The Preamble
Definition
“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Term
Founding
Definition
A conscious, deliberate act of creating a system of government.
Term
What concerns or problems might we face when deciding what kind of system of government to create?
Definition
We need to cooperate. • But our interests conflict.
• We want freedom.
• But not anarchy (so we need some order).
Term
Anarchy
Definition
the chaotic expression of individual
or small group will. • It will generate fear of disorder.
Term
Tyranny
Definition
the organized expression of the will of an individual or small group.
• It will generate fear of the state or the dictator.
Term
The Psychology of Regime Change
Definition
Anarchy engenders a desire for order.
Term
The Psychology of Regime Change
Definition
When anarchy is widespread, people will often accept repression or tyranny in search of order.
• The desire for order introduces the concept of sovereignty.
Term
Sovereignty
Definition
Ultimatepoliticalpowerwithina jurisdiction; having the “final say”
Term
Sovereignty need not be benevolent
Definition
A tyrant or dictator often goes to extremes in order to maintain power.
Term
Revolution Is Not the End
Definition
“You get past that first euphoric, very dramatic stage. The leader is toppled. People have been so united against a hated figure, and that’s when things start to get tough.”
~ Ann Cooper, Journalist, Professor at Columbia University
Term
The Human Predicament Cycle
Definition
Tyranny->Revolution->Anarchy->Competing Groups->All over again
Term
What Is the Good Society?
Definition
Notice we have already assumed liberty and stability are important.
• We can also probably agree on other abstractions such as:
• Health • Prosperity • Education
Term
Human Nature and Government
Definition
Our design of government or of any social structure follows from our assumptions about human nature.
Term
SELF INTEREST
Definition
actions are motivated solely by concern for our (or our family’s) well-being.
Term
PUBLIC VIRTUE
Definition
we consider the effect of our actions on others (community, nation, world) as well as our own interests. Often associated with communitarian ways of thinking about government and society.
Term
Choices
Definition
Self-control through public virtue
• Coercion by government to control self- interest
• Structure institutions to use self-interest for the common good
Term
Cautionary Note
Definition
Motivations should not be confused with outcomes.
• Self-interest may lead to good outcomes.
• Public virtue may lead to bad outcomes.
• It seems plausible that in the design of government, outcomes could be judged independently of motivations.
Term
Summary
Definition
Assumptions about human nature are critical as we seek to answer the core question: How can we design a government that resolves conflicting interests and fosters beneficial cooperation while maintaining order and liberty?
Supporting users have an ad free experience!