Exam Tuesday 28, 2017
Government Exam 3
1) Why is sphere sovereignty for nation-states?
For the function of the nation state. There needs to be a way to share the power between the
sovereigns. All power cannot rest in one place
What is sphere sovereignty?
Each sovereign has their own sphere of influence/authority. Each power. Independent of the other.
(Each state is sovereign in independent of the other).
2) What are the six significant concepts of international relations relative to nation-states (Power point
8)
a. Security and national defense
b. Sphere sovereignty of the nation state
c. Constitutional law
d. Just war theory
e. Patriotism and citizenship in opposed to nationalism
f. If God is not sovereign then each state will consider themselves sovereign.
g. Offensive attempts to dominate will occur in a fallen world
3) What is the biblical view of just war theory
Offensive wars are impermissible but defensive wars are imperative, and therefore a strong military and
effective weapons system in necessary (defensive-defense of liberty).
Offensive war is never acceptable, defensive is always required.
Example: If you are attacked, you have the imperative to defend.
4) What is the significance of President George Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address
Precedent over what president’s role was, limited presidential position. (2 years). Not a monarchy.
5) What is the relationship between just war theory and effective weapons system
The defensive side will have the more effective weapons system, because they have a stronger moral
and social reasoning for (fighting). The person that are defending has more superior power. Survival
trumps ideals. Those with the better weapons and superior will, will always triumph. WWII & WWI
6) What are the three key founding principles of U.S. Foreign Policy (Power point 8)
1) principle foreign policy, defend American citizens and secure rights
2) National over international foreign policy
3) pro America- American interest first
Pro American principle, nationalistic/internationalist (focus on our nation 1st), nationalistic foreign
policy)
7) How was Law of Nation’s theory understood during the US founding era
Grounded on century law of nature theory derived from divine law and reason
Laws of wars and peace: unwritten body of international law that governs war and peace.
Applies to all nations.
“Violates international law”
Voluntary and not mandated
It’s a concept
8) What did Law of Nation’s theory rest upon
Pre-existing, nature law, God’s law. How laws od nations relate to each other
Law of nature…. as applied to nations
9) How is the balance of power scenario an effective means of averting war
Exam Tuesday 28, 2017
Dealing with alliances. Two superpower states, both knowing that they are powerful, it is a balanced
power. They both cannot outright when. Keeps the world not at war. Keeps the balance of power equal.
Example: Nuclear war. Either side cannot ultimately win.
10) What is the first sphere of government and governing authority
Sovereignty of God
11) What is the second sphere of government and governing authority
Individual Civil government
12) How does the quote “We must always begin and end with God in our thinking,” apply to
government
This means man is wholly responsible and accountable to God supremely
God is the ultimate authority and must always be n our mind from start to finish. He the creator and
man have no authority outside of God.
13) What is the nature and relation between internal and external government
Internal produces the external.
14) What is jurisdiction
Lawful use of lawful authority
15) What does “Sovereignty of God” mean in regards to governing authority
Government is authority and judgment. Government begins and ends with God who is superior
governor and Lord. He’s delegated some authority to man, and reserves greater portion to Himself
relates to jurisdiction internal self-government then external only God can govern heart.
God is sovereign over everything. God is the ultimate governing authority.
16) How did early Americans (Historic Anglo/American Definition) define “government”
Essential internal component, working self, family, and outwards govern: to direct and control men’s
actions (by self) governance of self-government: exercise of authority, direction and restraint exercised
over the actions of men in communities, societies or slates.
Internal produces the external. (???)
17) The purpose of government asks what question
What is its function? To protect rights, liberty, and property.
18) The province of government asks what question
What is the subject matter of its authority and power, upon what subjects does it exert itself, what is
the extent of its authority and power? Jurisdiction.
What is the nature of government?
Its limited.
How does God justify his authority?
He made us.
“Quote” What are the jurisdiction implications?
The government cannot judge your heart and motives and intentions only God has that jurisdiction. You
belong to God, he only has the jurisdiction to rule us.
19) What is the first level of human jurisdiction
Individual self-government
20) What exactly is meant by the phrase “Self-Government”
Regulating, controlling, restraining, reigning, in the passions, and personal disciple. Internalization of
moral duties for regulating the conscience and motivations, then the will, then the behavior and
conduct.
Internal produces the external. (look for the answer along the lines of this)
Exam Tuesday 28, 2017
21) How does God generally govern man
By the loving presentation of truth through conscience. Not cause and effect. He governs through gents
he has delegated authority. (Parents, Civil government)
22) What are the subordinate principles of government derived from God’s authority to govern
supremely
Everything begins and ends with god, God has all authority, only He can judge you because he created
you (Your intentions), civil government is limited.
23) How would Christian Self-Government manifest itself externally in regards to a civil form of
government
Through an external covenant relationship between people and government which is limited of rights,
liberty and property.
24) Reconsider the quote by Hugo Grotius in his Poltick Maxims (1586,1654) and be able to identify its
significance for Christians Self-Government
Must be submitted to God before ruling self, family, village, city, province, or kingdom
(Figure out on your own, in Ferdon reading)
25) What is the nature of English Common Law
Unwritten law.
Informed by precedents
26) How was English Common Law originally established
Slowly interpreted over time (courts, legislator)
Magna Carta
Grievances/problems brought to the government.
27) Why is it important to discuss English Common Law relative to American Constitutional history
American constitution based on English common law
28) When is law really Law
When is abides (does not violate) by law of nature and nature is God.
29) Identify the significance of Magna Carta (1215), petition of right (1628), and the English Bill of
Rights (1689).
(Magna Carta) Charter of Liberty: Magna Carta (1215): Significance: Law is above the King! (Lex Rex)
(Petition of Right): Significance: Magna Carta is the law of the land! Secured Magna Carta as Law over
kingly Prerogative
(English Bill of Rights): Royal Authority was under Law. The predominant issue was loss of liberty due to
kingly prerogative assumed by King James II (1685-89). The following details this further.
30) What are the significant events and individuals which occasioned or triggered the three English
Charters of Liberties
(read) magna carta: Taking away land and not paying debts, king was law, wards banded together and
invaded the council and made him sign the magna carta saying the king is under law.
(read) Petition of right: same thing as magna carta. Reformation of magna carta.
English bill of rights: First law that established the rights of Englishmen.
31) What were the four essential liberties enunciated in the Petition of Right (1628)
Right to property
Right to no taxation w/o representation
Right to Due process of law
Right to life and liberty
