the enlightenment
natural rights
the social contract
consent of the governed
republican
rights to...
life
liberty
property
freedom to happiness
in order for people to enjoy natural rights, they must be protected.
if there are no governments, people would live in a state of nature with no rules and complete freedom
social contract
citizens give up some freedom they would have in a state of nature, in exchange of governments protection.
the relationship between government and citizens are like an agreement.
COTG - it means that if the government failed his/her duty then the citizens would no longer agree to be govern and they would have the right to revolt.
the government must always held up to his/her responsibility.
for a king, he would ruled over the citizens whether they like it or not.
power
European leaders gain power through heredity or family ties.
republican
the countries leader is chosen through the citizens general election.
there are those who oppose the idea of democracy because they are scared that there will be a mob of uneducated people had the power to vote
influence on america
the government of the States is created by the founding fathers.
it is the people choice to serve whoever they choose.