A group of citizens have just declared their independence from a tyrannical government and are now in the process of establishing a new government that will better protect their rights and freedoms. This group of people intends to use the United States Constitution as a model for their new constitution, but they also want to learn more about its foundational principles. Whose works should they read to better understand its foundations?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

John Locke's political philosophy heavily influenced the foundations of the United States Constitution, particularly his advocacy for natural rights, limited government, and social contract theory. Reading his works, such as "Two Treatises of Government," would provide insight into the foundational principles of the Constitution. While Thomas Jefferson also played a significant role in drafting the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, his works alone do not fully encompass the philosophical underpinnings of the document. Alexis de Tocqueville was a French political thinker and writer who analyzed American democracy in the 19th century, but his works do not directly relate to the foundational principles of the Constitution. Harold Lasswell was a modern political scientist who studied the functioning of government and communication, but his works are not directly related to the foundations of the Constitution.

A Group of Citizens Have Just Declared Their Independence from a Tyrannical