No Perfect Form of Government

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The struggle to create the perfect government has been prevalent throughout human history, and has resulted in significant turbulence and bloodshed for mankind. Despite thousands of years of progress, the challenge to find the ideal government was still prevalent during the Enlightenment period. During the 18th century, numerous philosophers developed various new ideas about how the ideal government should perform its duties. Philosophers like John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau, for example, conceived the idea of a government in which the majority rules through a system of democracy. A bloody conflict finally brought some of these ideas into practice. From the American Revolution, the United States was born, and its foundations were based upon many of the principles previously envisioned by these philosophers. The founding fathers envisioned a government that would free them from the oppression of a tyrannical king, perpetually protect the civil liberties of its citizens, and ensure the security and happiness of its people. Today, however, this government has struggled to reach and maintain the ambitious goals set forth by the founding fathers. The democratic system of government conceived by thinkers like John Locke and established by founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson has ultimately failed because it is overly ambitious, creates severe partisanship among the people, and has been unable to provide its citizens with basic necessities.

The founding fathers believed that the ideal government should ensure the happiness and security of its people, but the United States has consistently failed to maintain this vision because of the difficulty of maintaining the delicate balance both of these principles. Thomas Jefferson...

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Locke, John. “Republican Government.” The Founders' Constitution. Web. 10 Jan 2010. .

Bensen, Amanda. "Poverty in America: One Nation, Pulling Apart." Penn State University. 05 Aug 2006. Web. 10 Jan 2010. .

Toner, Robin. "Disdain for Bush Simmers in Democratic Strongholds." New York Times 04 Aug 2003. Web. 10 Jan 2010. .

Rousseau, Jacques. "The Social Contract." Constitution Society. Web. 10 Jan 2010.

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Frates, Chris. "Rep. Foxx: More to fear from reform than terrorism." Politico. 02 Nov 2009. Web. 10 Jan 2010. .

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