What were some influences on self government? Select all that apply

1 answer

Self-government has been influenced by a variety of factors throughout history. Some of the key influences include:

  1. The Enlightenment: Philosophers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu championed ideas about natural rights, social contracts, and separation of powers.

  2. Magna Carta (1215): This historic document established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law and provided early concepts of individual rights and limited government.

  3. English Bill of Rights (1689): This document outlined specific rights of individuals and limited the powers of the monarchy, influencing future democratic ideas.

  4. Colonial Experience: The experiences of the American colonies with self-governance and the development of their own legislative bodies contributed to ideas about self-rule.

  5. The American Revolution: The struggle for independence from British rule was rooted in the desire for self-government and the establishment of a government that represented the will of the people.

  6. Federalist Papers: This series of essays by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay argued for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, discussing concepts of federalism and representative democracy.

  7. Local Governance Traditions: Practices from local governance, such as town meetings and community assemblies, helped shape concepts of participation and representation.

  8. Global Movements for Independence: Various independence movements around the world, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, emphasized self-determination and self-governance.

These influences collectively contributed to the development and understanding of self-government in various societies and political systems.