Foundations of History

1.Freedom is the main concept behind the Natural Rights created by John Locke and this is what every human being deserves from the moment they are born into the world. Though it took hundreds of years to give slaves and millions of others a break from the chains, there is still one form of labor in the world which does not follow the Natural Rights; sweatshops. In China workers earn less than $2 a day while their labor may be worth up to $100 when their products are sold to companies across the world. The Chinese government does not give its citizens the chance at all three rights and they break them in many ways. Many in society have no freedom to choose where they work or how to get by in life because their only option is to do what everyone else does; in the unfair labor conditions of sweatshops. The liberty aspect of the natural rights is described as, “People want to be as free as possible from the domination of others, to be able to make their own decisions, and to live as they please.” A large amount of the working class in China and hundreds of other countries in the world are not granted this freedom that Locke believes every human should have. Many are forced as a child to work in sweatshops in unfair conditions where injury, sexual assault, and little pay are all common. Since the Chinese government does not protect the natural rights of its citizens, Locke believes that they should rebel, and many have attempted. The best example of changing the unfair way of an average Chinese citizen can be seen from the outbreak of Tiananmen Square. Though unsuccessful, it should represent how no man, women, or child can be content in a land where Locke’s Natural Rights are not granted.

Source-http://www.thestar.com/GlobalVoices/Junior/article/582116

2.Though not seen as one of the most popular presidents, George Bush used Classic Republicanism as he helped try to ease the economic dilemma facing him by tax rebates to nearly every American citizen. Bush planned to give up to $600 a person, $1200 for couples, and $300 per child and all money would be sent from the IRS when taxes were filed. As the economic crisis loomed on the forefront of Bush’s issues, he wanted to give the people money so that they could spend it and restart the economy and American business. He did not simply target the rich, or the poor under his plan, but did it for the good of the people and the desire to alter the economy for the better, though it would soon be in tatters. This plan was unsuccessful, but most likely helped boost consumer spending to a certain degree. It was not a wasted attempt and was worth the try. This rebate is a great example among many in American where Classic Republicanism was brought forth.

Source-http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/25/AR2008042501399_pf.html

3.By far, Obama is a Federalist because of his plan to unify America, and make it whole again. Rather than let each state govern the affairs within, he wants to have a strong central government that controls and makes rules for all of them. His plan of National Healthcare shows this side of him as he tries to give health coverage to every individual within America. He has already completed some of this by giving coverage to kids. “As I think everybody here will agree, this is only the first step. Because the way I see it, providing coverage to 11 million children through CHIP is a down payment on my commitment to cover every single American.” The planned bill will cost around 150 billion dollars a year so that government can give everyone the care they need. This is a great example of how he is a Federalist. He also is planning to use one massive stimulus plan that he hopes can change all of America as every citizen fights through the current economic catastrophe. Rather than state rights, Obama uses the power of government to his advantage in trying to solve nearly every problem that America is currently facing. This has its advantages and disadvantages but definitely portrays a Federalist state of mind.

Source-http://americandaily.com/index.php/article/497