Tyranny

Definition

Tyranny is a cruel and oppressive government or rule. The American colonies wrote the Declaration of Independence to decry British tyranny. Then colonists fought the Revolutionary War to throw off the bonds of British tyranny. After Independence the United States wrote the Constitution to ensure it would never again be ruled by a tyrant. The Constitution included separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, free and fair elections, and civil liberties in order to keep tyranny at bay. Tyranny is a form of autocracy - a system of government by one person with absolute power. Synonyms for tyranny include: absolutism, totalitarianism, dictatorship, despotism, tyranny, monocracy, autarchy. An enlightened, educated, and active public is the best challenge to an autocracy. Yikes.

Example

Questions

1. What is tyranny?

2. What is the connection between the Declaration of Independence and tyranny?

3. Is the US becoming more or less tyrannical?

4. What did the framers think about tyranny?

5. Find an image or emoji that does a good job of conveying the meaning of tyranny (hopefully it is not a picture of your government teacher!)?

6. Would you be happy to live under tyranny if you were in agreement with and on the same side as the tyrant?

7. What is the opposite of tyranny?

8. How do elections fight tyranny?

9. What are three mechanisms the US Constitution has in place to check tyranny?

10. In what way have the last two American presidents exhibited traces of tyrannical leadership?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw tyranny. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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