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Artifact: Civil Society and Philanthropy in America, Exam 2

Related Course: PHST-P301 Historical Contexts for and Contemporary Approaches to Philanthropy
Date of Course: Fall 2015
Instructor: Professor Hatcher
Related Student Learning Outcome: #3 Understanding the role of nonprofit organizations in society

Alexis Davenport
PHST-P301
September 29th, 2015
Civil Society and Philanthropy in America
In the book, Philanthropy and The Fate of The Commons, Bruce Sievers identifies seven

key concepts that illustrate the major components of civil society. While continuously referring

back to ideas of pluralism and social benefit, Sievers specifically explores the history of

philanthropy as well as the normative ideas that are the foundation of civil society. These

concepts have been continuously developing throughout history reinventing ideals, goals, and

strategies while dismantling many definitions and expectations. Additionally, through the

analysis of philanthropy from a historical perspective, we can better grasp an understanding of

the roots of civil society and the vital role of philanthropy during the colonial era.

Sievers describes how civil society is made up of diverse and equally relevant strands

philanthropy being deeply rooted within the foundation. Philanthropy, volunteer action for the

public good (Payton & Moody, p. 27) was influential in establishing public policy and the

growth of the private sphere. Another strand of civil society is the idea of the common good.

Thomas Aquinas described the common good as a manifestation of both divine justice and

peaceful human existence (Sievers, p. 34). Ideally, the common good is made up of self-

interests that collectively engage in achieving communal goals overall, achieving well-being

throughout a community. The idea of the common good is directly linked to individual rights

another strand that Sievers suggests is crucial to civil society. Furthermore, when combined

together, these concepts create a collection of individual interests that are directed toward
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achieving communal ends. Additionally, tolerance and free expression intertwine to allow

acceptance to grow within a community furthering the possibility of civil society to flourish.

Although tolerance is an ideal, it is a necessity to the prosperity of civil society (Class,

Week 5). The rule of law and establishment from public authority provides the capacity for

differences to be exercised in a coexisting manner. Freedom of conscience was closely tied to

the rights of free expression, which in turn became identified with individual rights in general

(Sievers, p. 85) The Bill of Rights, designed an environment for civil society to prosper by

guaranteeing individuals rights that, at times, conflicted with the tyranny of the majority. Most

notably, these rights are expressed through philanthropic action most notably by a number of

citizens who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest,

adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the

community (The Founding Fathers and Voluntary Organizations, p. 10). This concept of

association by the act of self-organization was an impressionable ally in supporting the actions

that helped shape political policy and social development during colonial times.

Historically, the Bill Of Rights served a notable duty in civil society and formation of the

nonprofit sector in the United States. Although the first colonists were established under British

governmental structures, the colonists also carried a desire to establish a society that protected

private belief (Sievers, p. 85). Additionally, the American inclination to champion the rights of

individuals soon revealed its political character in challenges to the increasing intrusion of the

English monarchial state into the life of the colonies (Sievers, p. 85). This illustrates that the

colonies were inherently focused on the promotion of individual rights and determined to

influence the American political system. In reference to public policy, the First Amendment

states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting
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the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the

people peaceably to assemble (U. S. Constitution. Am. 1). America has distinguished itself

through its public policy by honoring the freedom to express individual rights as well as

advocating the right to associateconsequently, these laws have remained intact ever since their

creation. Alexis de Tocqueville stated that In America, the liberty of association for political

purposes is unlimited (Tocqueville, p.145). Indeed, alongside key normative ideals, this

institutional structure played a pivotal role in prosperity of philanthropy and the foundation of

civil society in America.

Moreover, the pluralism of individual interests with the common good (Sievers, p. 35)

demanded utmost toleration a normative ideal that played a vital role in the foundation of civil

society in America. Toleration is a fundamental and indispensable aspect in civil society.

Inevitably, amidst the rise of individualism and secularism during the colonial time, toleration

played a key role in respecting the ability to exercise those individual rights while also sharing a

common liberty. By respecting and accepting differences among one another, the colonists had

the ability to exist side-by-side each other in a peaceful manner that did not disrupt any type of

civil order. Aristotle stated that toleration makes difference possible; difference makes toleration

necessary (Sievers, p. 43). But, there are certain cases that place specific certain individuals at a

disadvantage while benefiting the majority of the community. Being put a disadvantage for the

prosperity of others involves sacrifice and an extensive amount of toleration. Certainly, toleration

was an important element in the formation of the United States.

Altogether, civil society in the United States is complex in its pursuit to achieve

certain general conditions that are equally to everyones advantage (John Rawls, Week 4).

Through the combining of Sievers concepts, analysis of distinct institutional structures, and
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understanding of normative ideals, we can understand why American society appears to

represent a stable depiction of civil society. While the concept of civil society is made up of

ideals and elaborate definitions that change over time, it is of utmost importance to understand

that American society is continually furthering its pursuit towards equal representation of all its

citizens. Individual rights, the common good, and right to associate have been within the

foundation of the United States and continue to be a distinguishing factor of this nation. Lastly,

through the analysis of historical documents and course readings, it is clear that philanthropy has

been the primary force that enabled the growth of civil society during the colonial era in the

United States.

Philanthropy In America Question 2

Philanthropy has been prevalent throughout history in the United States. By analyzing

historical events, the shaping of public policy, and the culture of America, we can better

understand why philanthropy has been influential in the development and prosperity of this

country. Benjamin Franklin, one of the found fathers, was an advocate of the idea that personal

benefit has public good and established some of the first associations in America. (Week 5)

Over the years, individual rights rights have been expressed through self-organization and

association concepts that are still present in American society to this day. Notably, Anheier

states that American cities are the most diverse in the world in ethnic, religious, and social

terms, with large portions of immigrant populations, small local government, and high levels of

community organizing and individualism (Anheier, p. 21). With this vibrant analysis of present

day American cities, we can also look to history to provide a better understanding of why

philanthropy is so deeply rooted within the foundation of this country.

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Notably, Anheier stated that the United States is the only Western country where

government and voluntary associations did not have to deal with pre-existing, inert social

formations and barriers to mobility (Anheier, p. 26) Indeed, it is this lack of pre-existing social

formations that equally provided the need and opportunity for philanthropy to thrive in this

country. When provided with the open opportunity for individual minority representation,

Tocqueville illustrates that the inhabitants of the United States look out for mutual assistance;

and as soon as they have found one another out, they combine. From that moment they are no

longer isolated men, but a power seen from afar, whose actions serve for an example and whose

language is listened to (Tocqueville, p. 152). Through this individual philanthropic action, the

US society has proved to be more resilient against some of the despotic, autocratic or dynastic

ills that have befallen many other countries while also showing remarkable capacity for self-

correction (Anheier, p. 25). It is documented that throughout the history of America that

individuals have pursued specific interests and through their actions they have subsequently

shaped public policy.

Democracy through rule of law is another defining feature of philanthropy in American

society. With this in mind, the concept of liberty, the freedom from arbitrary interference in

ones pursuits by either individuals or government (Anheier, p. 23) enabled American society to

come together to complement the power of the state. The concept of liberty was vital to the

prosperity of philanthropy during the early colonial period of the United States. The First

Amendment was established in order to provide separation of church and state prohibiting the

power of the church to dominate legislation. These individual rights that were granted to the

public provided individuals the ability to unapologetically and freely express beliefs

influencing leverage in overcoming oppression and the tyranny of the majority. The First
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Amendment states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or

prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the

right of the people peaceably to assemble (U. S. Constitution. Am. 1). In result, America has

distinguished itself philanthropically by honoring the freedom to express individual rights as well

as advocating the right to associate and create factions. The US Constitution nurtured

philanthropy because the independence of each individual is recognized; as in society, all the

members advance at the same time towards the same end, but they are not all obliged to follow

the same track. No one abjures the exercise of his reason and free will, but everyone exerts that

reason and will to promote a common undertaking (Tocqueville, p. 149). In other words, the

Bill Of Rights enabled American society to thrive through individual liberty by empowering

individuals and minorities though philanthropy.

Lastly, upon analyzing the cultural icons of the United States such as the Declaration of

Independence, The Bill Of Rights, The Federalist Papers and Martin Luther Kings I Have A

Dream speech, we can rightfully suggest that through philanthropy the United States is a self-

governing civil society based on the rule of law, and not the power of the state (Anheier, p. 22).

It is documented throughout our culture that we use voluntary action for the public good to

further our prosperity as a society. Americans are not shy to express their beliefs and self-

organize to accomplish their goals. Tocqueville acknowledged that Americans of all ages, all

stations of life, and all types of dispositions are forever forming associationswhere in France

you would find the government in the United States you are sure to find an association

(Anheier, p. 26). Undoubtably, it is within our culture to self-organize and associate with one

another to influence the future and exercise our individual rights. The historical social

movements were not possible without the immense amount of philanthropy that is within the
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United States. Overall, we can identify three major factors that can explain the extensive amount

of philanthropy in the United States.

Throughout history, philanthropy has been prevalent in the United States in numerous

ways. Individual action has helped shape present day American society. To this day, philanthropy

thrives within our communities and helps shape public policyproviding voices to minorities

and opportunities for growth. Philanthropy is the foundation of America historically, lawfully,

and culturally. Historically, American society did not have to overcome the oppressions over

other countries enabling the common pursuit of individual rights to flourish and collection

action to take place. Many policies, such as the Bill Of Rights, lawfully provided individuals the

right to express their beliefs without fearing consequences from the state. These freedoms gave

power to the people to express themselves unapologetically. Lastly, it appears that within the

culture of America is the desire to associate and pursue the common good. These collective

interests are made possible through individual action. Philanthropy is deeply rooted within this

country and it will continue to expand as the nonprofit sector proves itself to be of utmost

importance in this day and age. In the pursuit of the common good in America, philanthropy is

here to stay.
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Exam Question 1 References

Payton, Robert. Moody, Michael. Understanding Philanthropy. Bloomington: Indiana University

Press, 2008. Print. Page 27
Sievers, B. (2010). Civil Society, Philanthropy, and the Fate of the Commons. Medford, MA:
Tufts University Press. Pages: 34, 35, 43, 85, 85.

Class Notes, Week 5

The Federalist Paper 10, Page 10

U. S. Constitution. Am. 1

Class Notes, John Rawls, Week 4

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Exam Question 2 References

Sievers, B. (2010). Civil Society, Philanthropy, and the Fate of the Commons. Medford, MA:
Tufts University Press. Page 34
Alexis de Tocqueville, Page 149
Alexis de Tocqueville, Page 152
U. S. Constitution. Am. 1
Anheier, Pages: 21,22, 23, 25, 26
Class, Week 5