WGU C963 - Learning Checks & Quizzes Latest with complete solution

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What is it called when people make an agreement between themselves and the government? - ANSWER A social contract According to the social contract theory, what is the origin of society? - ANSWER So ... ciety is the product of human desire and effort Which of the following did John Locke view as the most important protections under the social contract? - ANSWER Liberty and property Which of these accurately describes John Locke's view on the state of nature? - ANSWER The state of nature was peaceful and consisted of rational human beings According to John Locke, how much authority should society have over its citizens under the social contract? - ANSWER Limited authority, the social contract should provide a society in which the society has no more power than is necessary to regulate the natural rights and co-existence of its citizens Describe the characteristics of a social contract. - ANSWER A social contract is a collective expression of a collectively shared interest, a definition of human nature, and a specification of natural rights. In what way is the state of nature important for constructing a social contract? - ANSWER Society should be a reflection of what it means to be human, and natural rights must be acknowledged and protected in a social contract. Why is it important to know what the quality of life is like in the state of nature? - ANSWER How bad or good life is in the state of nature will guide the need to cooperate with others, and the subsequent social contract will help overcome the drawbacks experienced in the state of nature. What is the purpose of a social contract? - ANSWER Social contracts are created to acknowledge and protect natural rights. What is an important weakness of a social contract? - ANSWER Social contracts require consensus, which is difficult to obtain in any society. What do natural rights let you do? - ANSWER Natural rights let you do what you need to survive and be secure, and they impart an equality of all people. What did the Enlightenment philosophers used the state of nature for? - ANSWER Enlightenment philosophers used the state of nature to define human nature and argued for a proper society and government based on that nature. What conditions are required for a social contract to work? - ANSWER The conditions needed for a social contract to work include consensus among those involved in the social contract and a uniformity of ability and purpose among those who agree to it. What does the theory of a social contract acknowledge? - ANSWER The social contract acknowledges that the people are in relationship with the government and there are obligations the citizens have to a society. What are social contracts constructed to be compatible with? - ANSWER The social contract recognizes both human nature and natural rights and when constructed, natural rights are a central part because they are too important to our individual lives. What natural right was explicitly protected in the Declaration of Independence? - ANSWER Liberty. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence based on the ideas of John Locke who argued that one of our most important natural rights is liberty. Which Constitutional principle, suggested by Montesquieu, lessens the potential harm of the national government over the people? - ANSWER Separation of Powers. By separating the legislative, executive, and judicial power and placing each branch into the control of different political actors this would prevent government tyranny over the people by limiting the harm any one branch might do on its own. Which Constitutional mechanism, suggested by Montesquieu, balances the national government and prevents any one section of government from having sole/complete power? - ANSWER Checks and Balances. Prevents any one branch from gaining complete power and control over the government by allowing each branch to monitor and influence what happens in the other branches. Which of the following protects Locke's idea of natural rights and provides Montesquieu's protections known as due process of law? - ANSWER The Bill of Rights. This addition to the Constitution focuses on protecting the liberties or freedoms by protecting such rights as freedom of speech and providing due process. Which was designed with a concern for the tyranny of factional majority? - ANSWER The Constitution. The potential for the tyranny of factional majority was a key consideration at the time of the drafting of the Constitution. What is the Enlightenment? - ANSWER A period of Western European history following the Middle Ages (1650-1800) that occurred mainly in Great Britain, France, and Germany. Its philosophy produced the idea of natural rights. Why does the Enlightenment influence American politics and government? - ANSWER Those who settled the American colonies were seeking freedom and opportunity, and Locke's ideas about the consent to be governed and the right to rebellion had a major influence in the establishment of American government. Early Americans were not drawn to the idea of the divine right of kings. How do conflicting ideas of the Enlightenment influence government and politics? - ANSWER Separation of powers in the Constitution works to undermine popular democratic input and control, but even when dealing with important social needs, protection of private property limits the government's actions. [Show More]

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