American citizenship is the allegiance of those who qualify who are entitled to the enjoyment of all Civil Rights. John Locke, the “Father of Classical Liberalism,” and James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution,” though both influential figures in American history, did not agree on the best way to construct the foundation of the United States’ government. Locke and Madison had contrasting perspectives regarding American citizenship including their views on human nature, and political and economic systems. John Locke’s view point in regards to human nature is that people are, by nature, social animals. His arguments are based on the Law of Nature, the basis of all morality, which is the belief that people should be free to live their
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His father was a successful planter and owned more than 3000 acres of land and dozens of slaves. His father was also an influential figure in county affairs. From this statement it can also be concluded that James Madison, like Locke, grew up in a financially well-off home and had political connections. Education, similar to Locke, was a major component in Madison’s life. Madison went to boarding school as a child but due to several illnesses continued his education at home. Later, Madison attended Princeton University where he studied subjects including science and philosophy, which contributed a lot to his political and economic philosophical beliefs. After schooling, Madison found himself caught up in the tensions between the colonists and the British authorities. These tensions could be the reason as to why Madison believes that only men can govern other men. The vast majority of his political influence, including religious freedom, was derived from his friendship with Thomas Jefferson when Madison was the Orange County’s representative and in charge of writing the Virginian …show more content…
Locke’s belief in people helping people has been seen in history such as after September 11th when “citizens freely gave their time and money to help their fellow country people and were more than willing to join the military and volunteer for community service” (Barbour 18). Unfortunately, this attitude is not shared by every member of society nor do the good acts continue on a positive slope – soon the kind acts of the people as a whole will plateau. Whereas Locke’s idea of government would be ideal in a perfect world, Madison takes into account the reality of the intentions of men. Though Madison’s approach would have a better government, both philosophers can be seen as having citizen as there driving force because both want to protect the citizens’ fundamental rights of life, liberty, and property. Thus, a balance of Locke and Madison would be the ideal definition of American
His father was a successful planter and owned more than 3000 acres of land and dozens of slaves. His father was also an influential figure in county affairs. From this statement it can also be concluded that James Madison, like Locke, grew up in a financially well-off home and had political connections. Education, similar to Locke, was a major component in Madison’s life. Madison went to boarding school as a child but due to several illnesses continued his education at home. Later, Madison attended Princeton University where he studied subjects including science and philosophy, which contributed a lot to his political and economic philosophical beliefs. After schooling, Madison found himself caught up in the tensions between the colonists and the British authorities. These tensions could be the reason as to why Madison believes that only men can govern other men. The vast majority of his political influence, including religious freedom, was derived from his friendship with Thomas Jefferson when Madison was the Orange County’s representative and in charge of writing the Virginian …show more content…
Locke’s belief in people helping people has been seen in history such as after September 11th when “citizens freely gave their time and money to help their fellow country people and were more than willing to join the military and volunteer for community service” (Barbour 18). Unfortunately, this attitude is not shared by every member of society nor do the good acts continue on a positive slope – soon the kind acts of the people as a whole will plateau. Whereas Locke’s idea of government would be ideal in a perfect world, Madison takes into account the reality of the intentions of men. Though Madison’s approach would have a better government, both philosophers can be seen as having citizen as there driving force because both want to protect the citizens’ fundamental rights of life, liberty, and property. Thus, a balance of Locke and Madison would be the ideal definition of American