Enlightenment Political
Philosophy
American Public University
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,Course Objectives:
1. CO1: Examine the roots of democratic principles as they apply to
public policy.
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, Course Objectives:...........................................................................................2
Declaration of Independence:..........................................................................5
Historical Context:...........................................................................................5
Philosophical Foundations:............................................................................5
Locke’s Key Ideas in Context:....................................................................5
From Locke to Jefferson: Key Modifications:...............................................6
Philosophical Implications:.........................................................................7
Structure of the Document:..........................................................................7
Key Themes and Concepts:...........................................................................7
Rhetorical Strategies:....................................................................................8
Legacy and Significance:..............................................................................8
Suggested Citation (APA):.............................................................................9
The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved................................10
I. Historical Context:....................................................................................10
II. Philosophical Foundations:......................................................................10
A. Natural Rights Theory..........................................................................10
B. Social Contract and Popular Sovereignty.............................................10
III. British Constitutionalism:.......................................................................11
IV. Arguments Against Parliamentary Overreach:.......................................11
A. Six Fundamental Rights (Parliamentary Limits)...................................11
B. Representation....................................................................................11
V. Balance Between Loyalty and Critique:..................................................12
VI. Moral and Legal Limits of Authority:......................................................12
VII. Vision for the British Empire:................................................................12
VIII. Significance & Legacy:.........................................................................12
Suggested Citation (APA):...........................................................................13
Common Sense..............................................................................................14
I. Historical Context:....................................................................................14
II. Core Arguments:.....................................................................................14
A. Government vs. Society.......................................................................14
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