The political theories and philosophies that influenced the construction of the U.S. Constitution go beyond the historically noted Americans we credit as our ‘Founding Fathers’. In fact, many outside contributions from forward thinkers of the Enlightenment were integrated into the foundation of our political values, institutions, and governmental systems.
Based on your readings, course lectures, and provided resources, answer the following prompts.
What political philosophies and/or political theories were influential on the founders of the United States when drafting the documents that would declare independence and forge a new system of government?
Include specific concepts, as well as their application, on each of the documents.
Which Constitutional Amendments have carried on these political philosophies and/or theories?
Documents
Declaration of Independence (1776)
US Constitution (1787)
Influences
Hobbes
Locke
Montesquieu
Rousseau
Constitutional Amendments
Amendments 1-27
Formatting:
Submissions should be written at the college level, documenting academic sources you utilize (including the textbook and course lectures). The essay may be written in MLA or APA format, 12 Times New Roman font, double-spaced.
Word Count Requirements: 1-2 pages
Resources:
https://teachdemocracy.org/online-lessons/bill-of-rights-in-action/bria-20-2-cLinks to an external site.
1.3: Enlightenment Thinkers and Democratic Government – Social Sci LibreTextsLinks to an external site.
Rubric
Political Theory Essay Rubric
Political Theory Essay Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDescribed applicable political theory and concepts
30 pts
Full Marks
Fully described applicable political theories and one or more related concepts from the text and lectures with corresponding examples and related source citations.
25 pts
Good
Described applicable political theories and one or more related concepts from the text and lectures with minor errors.
22 pts
Satisfactory
Adequately described applicable political theories and related concepts from the text and lectures, but lacked detail in corresponding examples and related source citations.
15 pts
Fair
Partially described applicable political theories and related concepts from the text and lectures with omissions or errors on their description.
0 pts
No Marks
Did not describe political theory or concepts
30 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplied theoretical concepts to the Declaration of Independence
20 pts
Full Marks
Fully connected theoretical concepts to the text or ideas in the Declaration of Independence with supporting examples and source references.
15 pts
Satisfactory
Connected theoretical concepts to the text or ideas in the Declaration of Independence using examples with minor errors.
10 pts
Fair
Included some connection to theoretical concepts to the text or ideas in the Declaration of Independence, with either a lack of detail or supporting examples and source references.
0 pts
No Marks
No demonstration of the connection of theoretical concepts to the Declaration of Independence.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplied theoretical concepts to the US Constitution
20 pts
Full Marks
Fully connected theoretical concepts to the text or ideas in the US Constitution with supporting examples and source references.
15 pts
Satisfactory
Connected theoretical concepts to the text or ideas in the US Constitution using examples with minor errors.
10 pts
Fair
Included some connection to theoretical concepts to the text or ideas in the US Constitution, with either a lack of detail or supporting examples and source references.
0 pts
No Marks
No demonstration of the connection of theoretical concepts to the US Constitution.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeProper citations and formatting
30 pts
Full Marks
Includes fully documented and reputable sources including proper formatting, in-text references, and citations with minimal errors.
25 pts
Good
Includes documented and reputable sources including proper formatting, in-text references, and citations with some minor errors.
17 pts
Satisfactory
Includes documented and reputable sources with errors or omissions in formatting, in-text references, and citations.
8 pts
Fair
Frequent errors or missing in-text references, improper citations or paper formatting.
0 pts
No Marks
Major errors or omissions in formatting and citation
30 pts
Total Points: 100
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