Position Paper #1
The author of the source expresses their opinion on the role of citizens in government accountability and the extent to which government should reflect the will of the people. The author believes that it is the responsibility of citizens to hold the government accountable for all of its policies and actions and that any decision made by the government must reflect the will of the people. This belief is consistent with democratic forms of government where power is ultimately vested in the people. The author goes on to state that if the government fails to uphold the will of its citizens, they should be removed from power. John Locke was a huge supporter of this philosophy, as he promoted democratic principles with emphasis on a representative government that follows the will of the majority. Like the author, Locke believed that citizens have an obligation to overturn the …show more content…
Many times in history, there have been issues with systems of government which led citizens to rebel by overthrowing government in order to achieve their ideal society. One example of this was the French Revolution of 1789, which was partially initiated by ideas of the Enlightenment, a time when people were beginning to discover the advantages of a democracy where people would have more influence in government, as well as an increased sense of equality from the establishment of rights and freedoms for everyone. As a result of these new ideas, the third-estate of France ended rising up against their monarch with the goal of establishing a republic. This action taken by the people resulted in increased government accountability due to new democratic practices being established thereafter. Therefore, by removing an unaccountable government from power, the people only ended up benefiting by obtaining the liberal principles they were originally deprived
The author of the source expresses their opinion on the role of citizens in government accountability and the extent to which government should reflect the will of the people. The author believes that it is the responsibility of citizens to hold the government accountable for all of its policies and actions and that any decision made by the government must reflect the will of the people. This belief is consistent with democratic forms of government where power is ultimately vested in the people. The author goes on to state that if the government fails to uphold the will of its citizens, they should be removed from power. John Locke was a huge supporter of this philosophy, as he promoted democratic principles with emphasis on a representative government that follows the will of the majority. Like the author, Locke believed that citizens have an obligation to overturn the …show more content…
Many times in history, there have been issues with systems of government which led citizens to rebel by overthrowing government in order to achieve their ideal society. One example of this was the French Revolution of 1789, which was partially initiated by ideas of the Enlightenment, a time when people were beginning to discover the advantages of a democracy where people would have more influence in government, as well as an increased sense of equality from the establishment of rights and freedoms for everyone. As a result of these new ideas, the third-estate of France ended rising up against their monarch with the goal of establishing a republic. This action taken by the people resulted in increased government accountability due to new democratic practices being established thereafter. Therefore, by removing an unaccountable government from power, the people only ended up benefiting by obtaining the liberal principles they were originally deprived