Civics and Economics Review Foundations of Constitutional Government CE.2

Foundations of Constitutional Government Many times people ask, “What are the things that influence or shape the way that we think about government? You are about to find out the answer to this question….

Foundations of Constitutional Government What are the fundamental political principles that have shaped the government of the United States? Can you define the term political principle?

Foundations of Constitutional Government Political principle -- this is a basic, fundamental truth about government! There are many things about our government that we think are important. These basics make up the Political principles of our government!

Foundations of Constitutional Government What are the fundamental political principles that have shaped government in the United States? Consent of the governed Limited government Rule of law Democracy Representative government

Foundations of Constitutional Government Let’s look at each of the political principles and review what each statement means…

Foundations of Constitutional Government Consent of the governed —People are the source of any and all governmental power. The phrase…of the people, by the people, for the people is a reflection of this basic principle

Foundations of Constitutional Government Limited government Government is not all-powerful and may do only those things people have given it the power to do. The United States Government may only do what the people say that it can do. This information is found in the Constitution.

Foundations of Constitutional Government Rule of law The government and those who govern are bound by the law. They must follow the rules that have been established by the Constitution.

Foundations of Constitutional Government Democracy—In a democratic system of government the people rule.

Foundations of Constitutional Government Representative government —In a representative system of government people elect public officeholders to make laws and conduct government on their behalf.

Foundations of Constitutional Government How did the U.S. Constitution come up with all of the “ideas for freedom” that it includes and protects for all citizens of this country? Most of our ideas about freedom are based on the “Founding documents” -- official papers such as…

Foundations of Constitutional Government Charters of the Virginia Company of London Rights of Englishmen guaranteed to colonists -- this included the ability to live freely as all Englishmen were able to do at this time

Foundations of Constitutional Government The Virginia Declaration of Rights Served as a model for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States of America This document was written by George Mason.

Foundations of Constitutional Government Declaration of Independence Stated grievances against the king of Great Britain Declared the colonies’ independence from Great Britain Affirmed “certain unalienable rights” (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) Established the idea that all people are equal under the law

Foundations of Constitutional Government Articles of Confederation Established the first form of national government for the independent states Maintained that major powers resided with individual states Weakness of central government (e.g., no power to tax and enforce laws)—Led to the writing of the Constitution of the United States of America

Foundations of Constitutional Government Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom Freedom of religious beliefs and opinions Written by Thomas Jefferson

Foundations of Constitutional Government Constitution of the United States of America, including the Bill of Rights Establishes the structure of the United States government Guarantees equality under the law with majority rule and the rights of the minority protected Affirms individual worth and dignity of all people Protects the fundamental freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition

Foundations of Constitutional Government The preamble of a constitution sets forth the goals and purposes to be served by the government.

Foundations of Constitutional Government What are the purposes identified in the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America?

Foundations of Constitutional Government The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America expresses the reasons the constitution was written.

Foundations of Constitutional Government Purposes of U.S. government To form a union To establish justice To ensure domestic peace To provide defense

Foundations of Constitutional Government The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America begins, “We the people,” which establishes that the power of government comes from the people.