GOV 310L Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Puritans, Political Philosophy, Protestantism
Document Summary
People who settled the british colonies in north america tended to be part of the english protestant nonconformist sect; puritans, baptists, methodists, Intense religious individualism fits in with classical liberalism. Consent was a theological word; democracy not just a political philosophy for constitution writers. How do we get citizens to think of what"s good for society as a whole? . How do we achieve the public interests in governments? . In order to acknowledge public interest, it should be concerning for individuals or groups that have any sort of power. Give all power to the many, they will oppress the few; give all power to the few, they will oppress the many . The stronger the gov"t became, they more they feared it. Dispersed and distributed power and provided checks on power. Assumed there would always be economic inequality, resulting in social conflict. Therefore, find ways to reduce and control negative effects. Required a 3/4th vote in their congress.
