Locke, John (Philosopher 1632-1704) Locke's views, in his Second Treaties on Civil Government (1690), attacked the theory of divine right of kings and the nature of the state as conceived by the English philosopher and political theorist Thomas Hobbes. Moreover, Locke argued that sovereignty did not reside in the state but with the people, and that the state is supreme, but only if it is bound by civil and what he called “natural” law. Many of Locke's political ideas, such as natural rights (life, liberty, & property), and the duty of the government to protect these rights were later embodied in the U.S. Constitution.

Paine, Thomas (1737–1809) wrote Common Sense which was written for the common man on the streets. It explained the abuses of the King of England against the American Colonies. The pamplet ignited the American Revolution and set the foundation for the Declaration of Independance.

The U.S. Constitution was drawn up by 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia 1787, and later ratified in 1788. The Constitution defines distinct powers for the Congress of the United States, the president, and the federal courts. This division of authority is known as a system of checks and balances, and it ensures that none of the branches of government can dominate the others. The Constitution also establishes and limits the authority of the federal government over the states and spells out freedoms and liberties for U.S. citizens, many of these are in the Bill of Rights. Many of the Core Democratic Values that our country holds dear, can be found in our constitution and the bill of rights.

Article I of the U.S.Constitutioncreated the U.S. Congress and the Legislative Branch. The legislative branch creates the laws. How are federal laws created?

Article II of the U.S. Constitution created the office of the U.S. Presidency and the Executive Branch The executive branch enforces rules and laws. Learn more about the President or just email him at the White House.

Article III of the U.S. Constitution created the Supreme Court and the Judicial Branch The judicial branch interrupts laws and rules. What Supreme Court cases changed America?

Local government is the most important form of government. Why? Because it affects you every day, from the roads you drive on, to the water that runs in your sink. So,get involved and go to a Muskegon City Council Meeting, here are the dates and times. Also, learn more about the City of Muskegon, or about Muskegon County and the services they provide. So, get involved and make sure to protect your rights. The Local Government Project gives you the chance to advocate for an issue you are concerned with. Local Government Scavenger Hunt

There are 50 states in the United States, and they share governmental authority with the federal government (federal powers v. state government powers). Learn about the services provided by the State of Michigan. Michigan is also divided into three branches, just like the federal government.Find out the differences and similarities between the State of Michigan's Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, and Judicial Branch, from the three branches of the federal government.