Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Two Treatisies on Government
This site provides selections from John Locke's "Two Treatisies on Government." It contains evaluations on the sections 'Of the State of Nature' and 'Of Political of Civil Society.'
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: How Does Government Secure Natural Rights?
This lesson introduces students to some basic ideas the Framers used in creating the kind of government they thought would best protect the natural rights of each individual and promote the good of all. At the end of the lesson, students...
University of Chicago
U. Of Chicago/ Popular Basis of Political Authority
Excerpts from John Locke's famous 1689 work "Two Treatises of Government" where he discusses his political ideas that came to influence the U.S. Revolutionaries.
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: Enlightenment Ideas and the Founding Fathers
A tutorial that looks at the ideas from the Enlightenment that influenced the Founding Fathers, particularly those of John Locke and Montesquieu. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
University of North Carolina
American Self Government: The First & Second Continental Congress [Pdf]
Looks at the significant events and decisions of the First and Second Continental Congresses that piloted the movement towards self-government.
Digital History
Digital History: By What Right [Pdf]
Two opposing philosophies concerning the relationship between government and its citizens were expressed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke in the 17th century. Compare these two philosophies and see how they were related to the colonists'...
Other
University of Alabama: Government
Overview in note form on social and political philosophy comparing Plato, Locke, and Hobbes. Scroll to "natural rights" which the author discusses in context for understanding the political and social philosophies of these political...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Debate and Compromise
The 18th-century statesmen who met in Philadelphia were adherents of Montesquieu's concept of the balance of power in politics. This principle was supported by colonial experience and strengthened by the writings of John Locke, with...
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: A Nation Conceived in Liberty [Pdf]
In this instructional activity, 11th graders examine the events and political philosophy that laid the foundations of the American government, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They also look at what role religion played in...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Religious Rights in Conflict
What happens when rights conflict? Explore sample conflicts: Free press vs. fair trial, religious rights in conflict, and Singapore: model society or city of fear? Great learning activities and lesson plans for teachers and students.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Text Sets: Political Theory
As governments form and change over time, they look to political philosophers to answer important questions about governance. This text set covers some of the world's most influential political thinkers. This collection includes 10...
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Independence [Pdf]
Follow the steps that Americans took before declaring their independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence set out the ideals and reasons behind this stunning move. Use the student exercises to understand the different levels...