Influence

Definition

Influence refers to the power or ability to affect someone or something's actions, behavior, or thinking. In the context of government and society, influence often shapes policies, laws, and public opinion, serving as a catalyst for change and decision-making processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitution was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas, particularly those regarding natural rights and the social contract, which shaped the framers' vision for a new government.
2. Key compromises during the Constitutional Convention were driven by the need for influence among various states with differing interests and populations, ultimately leading to the creation of a bicameral legislature.
3. The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures aimed at easing tensions between free and slave states, influenced by the growing sectional conflict in the United States.
4. The influence of abolitionist movements and public sentiment played a crucial role in shaping political decisions during the lead-up to the Civil War, affecting how legislation was crafted.
5. Both events reflect how varying degrees of influence from different groups—be it political factions, social movements, or individual states—can lead to significant changes in law and governance.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence the drafting of the Constitution?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke significantly influenced the framers of the Constitution, particularly with their ideas about natural rights and government accountability. These concepts were reflected in key parts of the Constitution, such as the Bill of Rights, which emphasizes individual freedoms. The framers aimed to create a government that derived its power from the consent of the governed, illustrating how philosophical influences shaped foundational American governance.
• What were the major compromises made during the drafting of the Constitution, and how did these reflect competing influences?
  • During the drafting of the Constitution, major compromises included the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise. These agreements reflected competing influences between large and small states over representation in Congress and between northern and southern states regarding slavery. The necessity to reconcile these differing interests showcases how political influence and negotiation were crucial in forming a united government framework.
• Evaluate how public influence during the mid-19th century shaped legislative actions related to slavery and sectional tensions.
  • Public influence played a significant role in shaping legislative actions during the mid-19th century as sectional tensions escalated over slavery. The rise of abolitionist sentiment led to increased pressure on lawmakers to address slavery in new territories. This public outcry culminated in events like the Compromise of 1850, where legislators sought to balance competing interests to maintain national unity. The resulting legislation illustrates how grassroots movements can compel significant changes in governmental policy amidst societal conflict.

Related terms

Federalism:

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and individual states, allowing for a balance of influence between different levels of government.

Compromise:

An agreement reached by each side making concessions, often necessary in political negotiations to reconcile differing interests and viewpoints.

Legislation:

The process of making or enacting laws that reflect the values and beliefs of a society, often influenced by public opinion and political pressures.