Unit 1 U.S. History Foundations of Our Constitutional Republic Celebrating Freedom

*Declaration of Independence (1776) List of grievances (complaints) sent by colonies to King George III of England. -Written by Thomas Jefferson. Stated that “all men were created equal” and that they had “unalienable” rights that could not be taken away (such as life, liberty, pursuit of happiness). -Government’s legitimate power can only come from the consent of the governed. -Delegates from each of the 13 colonies officially adopted it July 4, 1776.

Ideas Behind the Revolution John Locke – English philosopher. Believed people had natural rights to life, liberty, and property. If govnt violates natural rights, people should overthrow the govnt. Influenced ideas in Dec. of Independence. Thomas Paine – wrote Common Sense, a pamphlet attacking King George III. Argued independence would allow colonists to create a better society with equal social & economic opportunity for all. Common Sense widely read & influential in American colonies.

Articles of Confederation (1781-1787) First form of government for the United States. State governments had more power than the national government. National government very weak. Did not have the power to tax No executive branch (President) to enforce laws No judicial branch (Supreme Court) to settle legal disputes All 13 states had to agree to amend (change) Articles. Constitution (signed in 1787) Delegates from each state met to amend the Articles of Confederation, but instead created a new document. New government based on Federalism – power is divided between state and national governments. Separation of Powers – checks and balances prevented any one of the three branches of government (executive, judicial, and legislative) from gaining too much power. It is a “living” document that can meet the changing needs of Americans.

Bill of Rights added to Constitution Bill of Rights added to Constitution. First ten amendments spelled out personal liberties guaranteed to all citizens. 1st Amendment: guarantees citizens rights to freedom of religion, assembly, press, petition & speech. RAPPS! 2nd & 3rd Amendments state that the govt. can not deny citizens the right to bear arms and private homes do not have to take in troops during peacetime. 4th Amendment: prevents the search of citizens’ homes without proper warrants. 5th – 8th Amendments: guarantee fair treatment for individuals accused of crimes. 9th & 10th Amendments: place limits on the powers of the federal government. These liberties and freedoms applied to white men. There was no protection for Native Americans, slaves, or free blacks. Women were not mentioned. By 1791, remaining states ratified (approved) the Constitution a.k.a. “The Supreme Law of the Land” George Washington made first President of U.S.

Constitutional Issues: Two main views on the Constitution: Strict Construction: The Constitution is “AS IS." Allows for limited change. Using The Constitution in the literal sense. Thomas Jefferson believed if the Constitution does not say the Government CAN, then it CAN’T! 2. Judicial Interpretation: Also known as Loose Construction. Using The Constitution in this way would allow for government to “bend the rules” to fit their circumstance. Allows for the Constitution to change with the times. Alexander Hamilton believed if the Constitution does not say the Government CAN’T, then it CAN! Thomas Jefferson Alexander Hamilton

John Hancock Founding Father whose faith strongly shaped his view of the world and his actions. A life-long member of the Brattle Street (Congregationalist) Church in Boston, Hancock frequently used biblical arguments to justify America’s revolt against England. First to sign Declaration of Independence Best remembered for his large, flamboyant signature on the Declaration of Independence (“John Hancock” is synonymous with “signature”) First President of the Continental Congress Helped finance the American Revolution (was one of Massachusetts’ wealthiest merchants) Led Massachusetts convention to ratify the U.S. Constitution Elected the state’s first governor 7

John Jay Outspoken, deeply religious Founding Father from New York. His contributions played an important role in our early republic. President of the Continental Congress from 1778 to 1779 Served as an ambassador to Spain and France during American Revolution First Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court Authored the Federalist Papers - (along with James Madison and Alexander Hamilton) a series of essays published throughout the United States to rally support for ratification (passage) of the Constitution. He clearly connected his Protestant beliefs to the moral good of the new United States and openly advocated for a "Christian nation." 8

Dr. Benjamin Rush Prominent Founding Father, physician, educator, and an advocate for Christianity in public life and education. Fought for the Patriot cause & an active member of the Sons of Liberty Signer of the Declaration of Independence Member of the Convention of Pennsylvania - adopted the Constitution Doctor considered to be the “father of American medicine” Advocated that the government provide a free public education for all with an emphasis on Christian morals (use Bible as a textbook!) 9

John Witherspoon Founding Father from New Jersey, and only active clergyman & college president to sign the Declaration of Independence. Presbyterian minister from Scotland Came to the U.S. in 1768 to become president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) Wrote several essays in support of Independence from Great Britain Elected member of Continental Congress Signer of the Declaration of Independence 10

Charles Carroll Founding Father from Maryland, Carroll’s two main passions in life were the American Revolution and his Faith. Was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence Elected member of Continental Congress Strongly believed that “Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time” 11

John Peter Muhlenberg Founding Father famous for his patriotism, commitment to winning the war for independence from Britain, and his deeply held religious convictions. Resigned position as a Lutheran minister at beginning of American Revolution to serve in Continental Army Commissioned brigadier general of the Continental Army in 1777 Led army during Battle of Yorktown After Constitution was signed, served as a member of Congress from Pennsylvania 12

Jonathan Trumball Founding Father who cherished the Puritan values of hard work, loyalty, and faith. Very religious – initially studied to become a preacher before becoming a merchant and politician As Governor of the colony of Connecticut (1769-1776), he was the only colonial governor to support the American Revolution Later, served as Governor of Connecticut (1776-1784). Only person to be governor of both a colony and state Connecticut supplied about 60% of the manpower, food, clothing, shoes, munitions for the Continental Army Became a close confidant of General George Washington 13

Alexis de Tocqueville Young French aristocrat & social scientist. Traveled throughout the United States in the 1830s to better understand the growing ideas of liberty & equality in our young nation. Published Democracy in America in 1835, and identified 5 unique “American” values that were crucial to the success of our constitutional republic. Liberty – freedom Egalitarianism – promotion of the belief in the equality of all people politically, socially, & economically Individualism – belief in the rights & dignity of each individual, also strong sense of self-reliance Populism – grass-roots democracy, working-class activism Laissez-faire – belief that the government should intervene as little as possible in economic affairs

The U.S. has two mottos: E Pluribus Unum – “Out of Many, One” -The U.S. is a “melting pot” of people, but we are all one nationality. We are AMERICANS! 2. In God We Trust – - Is a line from The Star Spangled Banner. - Dates back to the nation’s early documents. - The nation is trusting something bigger than itself.

Discussion Questions: In what ways can average Americans participate in our democracy? How can you help to fulfill the ideals of our founding documents and build a “more perfect union”?