Government Vs Individual Freedoms

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at the works and ideas of Thomas Jefferson, Henry David Thoreau, Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther King, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton on how a government should operate. The paper notes that these personalities all believe that freedom for individuals is a fundamental component in a successful society.

From the Paper:

"The ideal society is one in which the government realizes individuality among its citizens and allows them to pursue that individuality as long as it does not harm another individual. In addition, the ideal society would protect citizens without being overbearing and oppressive. Thomas Jefferson, Henry David Thoreau, Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther King, and Elizabeth Cady Canton all express different views on how a government should operate. All signs point to freedom as a fundamental component to a successful society. A government that is too large or too small will not survive. However, a society that can find the right balance with government and individuals is not easy to establish. It takes work and sincerity. It also takes responsibility on the government to do the right thing for all parties involved."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Elizabeth Cady Stanton. "Declaration of Sentiments and Resolution." Rutgers University Online. Information Retrieved October 1, 2008. <http://ecssba.rutgers.edu/docs/seneca.html>
• Jefferson, Thomas, et al. "The Declaration of Independence." 1776. The Indiana University School of Law Online. Information Retrieved October 1, 2008. <http://www.law.indiana.edu/uslawdocs/declaration.html>
• King, Martin Luther. "I have A Dream." American Rhetoric. Information Retrieved October 1, 2008. <http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm>
• Machiavelli, Niccolo. The Prince. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 1992.
• Thoreau, Henry David. "Civil Disobedience." Berkeley Digital Library. Information Retrieved October 1, 2008. <http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Literature/Thoreau/CivilDisobedience.html>

More papers on Government Vs Individual Freedoms:

• Essay # 6798 : "Maynard vs. Wooley and the Historic Judgment"
• Analytical Essay # 7612 : "Security and Freedom in Present Day America"
• Comparison Essay # 63305 : "Communism vs. Capitalism"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: