Unit Two Philosophical Foundations

What was the significance of the social contract to John Locke?

• The social contract was the responsibility a government, including a monarchy, had to ensure that civic virtue would be practiced by the people.

• The social contract was the means by which people agreed to form a government for the purpose of protecting these rights.

• The social contract was the general understanding virtuous people had with each other to respect each other's natural rights.

Which of the following is true of Aristotle’s right forms of government?

• Those who exercise governmental power are not restricted in their use of it by any higher law

• Those who exercise governmental power should rule as good men, with wisdom.

• Elected leaders cannot exercise their political power.

“Government is created and derives its authority from the agreement of the people. If people give their consent to be governed, then they can withdraw their consent because ultimate governing authority rests with the people.”

This statement best reflects which of the following ideas?

• Civic Virtue

• Classical Republicanism

• Natural Rights Philosophy

The protection of private property is most consistent with which of the following?

• Classical Republicanism

• Natural Rights Philosophy

Which of the following statements describes a higher law?

• A plan that establishes a structure of government and lists basic rights of the people.

• A list of the duties of citizens.

In comparison with the Greek and Roman ideals of civic virtue, the natural rights philosophers

• Reduced the importance of individual rights

• Emphasized the common good

• Stressed the self-interest, or “self-love”, of each individual

Which of the following expresses the views of John Locke?

• Citizens should participate fully in the government to promote the common good.

• The royal power is absolute. Where the word of a king is, there is no power. Without this absolute authority, the king could neither do good nor repress evil.

• Respect justice and do your duty. This will lead you to heaven and will make you a god.

• Men are born and remain free and equal in rights. It is the duty of every government to preserve and protect these natural inalienable rights.

What did Locke mean when he wrote that the state of nature was a state of equality?

• It was a state of limited freedom, where power was given to a sovereign.

• It was a state of perfect freedom, where power is equally shared.

• It was a state of equality, where civic virtue was practiced.

Which of the following does NOT align with the writings of Cicero?

• "Eternal bliss" is achieved by serving one's country.

• Fame only lasts about a year.

• The social contract is the only legitimate form of government.

• We should keep our focus on the cosmos (the heavens), since the earth is limiting.

Which of the following aligns with Classical Republican thinking?

• To promote the common good, exercise civic virtue, achieve human "excellence" - this is the

  primary goal of humans living together in society.

• The commonwealth is created for the preservation of an individual's property.