Origins and Foundations of
American Government
Session 4: Comparison of Philosophers

Materials

• Internet access

Instructional Activities

NOTE: The following Web sites may be helpful in the study of the foundations of American government:
•     The Avalon Project at YaleLawSchool.
<http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/medieval/magna.htm>.
•    Colonial National Historical Park.
<http://www.nps.gov/colo/Jthanout/VACompany.html>.
•     “The Founders' Constitution,”
<http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/>.
•    The University of OklahomaLawCenter
–   “The First Virginia Charter.” <http://www.law.ou.edu/hist/vchart1.html>.

1. Instruct students to develop a chart that compares the ideas of Blackstone, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.
   
   
2. Instruct the students to prepare a class presentation on one of the philosophers. The presentation should include charts and a comparison to at least one other philosopher.