Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: Why Do We Need a Government?
This lesson introduces students to some of the basic ideas which were of great importance to the Founders. They used these ideas when they developed the American government. Students will learn why they thought a government was needed in...
Other
Natural Rights and the Limited Government Model of the Constitution
There is much to commend Professor Garry's essay. He is eminently correct in saying that the Constitution contemplated a limited government. Whether it adhered to a "limited government model" is a different issue. What is more than...
Black Past
Black Past: The First Emancipation
This encyclopedia entry gives interesting information about how the Quakers encouraged legislation that led to the banning of slavery in states in the Northeast by 1820.
George Mason University
Roy Rosenzweig Center: Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
After a long debate about what should be included in their Bill of Rights, French leaders eventually came to a "Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen," seventeen articles that laid out a government that protected natural rights....
Other
World Justice Project: What Is the Rule of Law?
Derived from internationally accepted standards, the World Justice Project's definition of the rule of law is a system in which the following four universal principles are upheld by four universal principles. These four universal...
iCivics
I Civics: John Locke Mini Lesson
Introduce learners to the ideas and writings of John Locke that influenced the likes of Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers.
iCivics
I Civics: The Enlightenment Mini Lesson
The Enlightenment was a period of time, starting around 1715, when people developed new ideas about human existence, including people's basic rights and the purpose of government. When our Founding Fathers created a government for the...
iCivics
I Civics: Why Government?
Dig into philosophers Thomas Hobbes and John Locke's ideas and see how they've influenced those that have followed in their footsteps.
Columbia University
Columbia University: John Locke: Of the Conduct of the Understanding
A complete biography of the philosopher John Locke. It discusses his contribution to philosophy and his social contract.
Philosophy Pages
Philosophy Pages: John Locke (1632 1704)
This site offers a brief biography of philosopher John Locke and highlights of his accomplishments. The summary traces the development of his political beliefs through contrast with other writers of his time. Site includes a bibliography...
Other
Pccd: The Enlightenment
Enlightenment ideology, which placed reason and argumentation in the focus of investigation and man in its center, was most prominent in shaping the political thinking and discourse of the period. The views of most revolutionary leaders,...