Unit 1 Foundations of American Government Participation in Government

Principles of Government People in most areas of the world have organized themselves into government units called states. Four theories explain how states came into being. The social contract theory has had the most influence on American government.

Characteristics of a State Population Territory STATE Government is an institution that a group of people forms to make and enforce laws. What a government decides to do is called its public policy. State is a group of people who live together and rule themselves through a government. Sovereignty is the people having complete power in their territory, they don’t answer to a higher authority. Government Sovereignty

Theories about How the State Began Theory Summary Force Strong person or group took control of others. Evolutionary State developed after early families chose to settle land and became tribes. Divine Right God gave those of royal birth the right to rule. Social Contract State exists because people voluntarily organized themselves to improve their lives.

The Purposes of Government The Preamble (introduction) to the Constitution clearly states what the American government will do. -Treat people fairly -Keep order -Help the people -Protect each person’s freedom.

Forms of Government Unitary-all power in one central group. Where is the power? Unitary-all power in one central group. Federal-central gov’t & local gov’t share power Confederacy-loosely connected group of independent states. What is the relationship between the legislative and executive branches? Presidential-the legislative and executive branches are independent of each other. They are equal in power. Parliamentary-the CEO is a member of the legislature or parliament. The legislature chooses the executive. Democracy-all political power belongs to the people. There are direct democracies or representative democracies. Dictatorship-only one person or a small group holds all political power. Who holds the power?

Basic Ideas of Democracy Every person has fundamental worth and dignity. The majority should rule with respect for minority rights. Compromise is necessary. All people should be treated as equals. In a democracy every person is important, we must respect other people at all times. Sometimes we make sacrifices for others, example taxes. Thomas Jefferson felt that every person should have an equal chance for success and treated the same under the law. The majority of the people will make correct decisions more often than incorrect ones, but must be willing to listen to the minority. Each side must have people who give and take. The rights of others limit the rights of each person, complete freedom would result in anarchy Individual freedoms are very important.

Origins of American Government The founding fathers learned about governments from many sources such as: European ancestors, English documents and their colonial governments. Americans fought the British to become a new nation in the American Revolution. When the weak first national government failed, the Framers wrote the Constitution.

Our Political Beginnings British Government English Bill of Rights Magna Carta Petition of Right ORDERED GOVERNMENT Our Political Beginnings LIMITED GOVERNMENT A government’s rules should help people get along Government only has certain powers because the people have rights too The people tell the government what it can and can’t do Magna Carta said the king did not have total power. Petition of Right introduced trial by jury. Bill of Rights didn’t allow an army during peacetime, guaranteed a fair and speedy trial and free elections. REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT

Creating the United States (1765-1790) *1765 Stamp Act Congress *1770 Committees of Correspondence *1774 First Continental Congress *1775-1781 Second Continental Congress *1775-1783 War for Independence *1776 Declaration of Independence *1781 Articles of Confederation Adopted *1781-1789 Confederation Government *1783 Treaty of Paris *1785 Mount Vernon Convention *1786 Annapolis Convention *1787 Constitutional Convention *1787-1790 Ratification of Constitution *1788 9th State (New Hampshire) ratifies Constitution *1789 Constitution becomes effective *1790 13th State (Rhode Island) ratifies Constitution

The Critical Period States approved the Articles in 1781 and tied the states together in a loose union. The national government had very little power. The government only had one branch-legislative and each state had one vote.

Bundle of Compromises Connecticut Representation in Congress Issue Solution Connecticut Representation in Congress Bicameral legislature; States have equal representation in Senate; House is based on State’s population. Three-Fifths Counting slaves within population to determine representation Slaves were counted as if 3/5 of one person both for representation and taxation. Commerce & Slave Trade Granting Congress the power to regulate foreign and interstate trade Congress was forbidden to tax a State’s exports or take action against the slave trade for 20 years.

The Debate over Ratification Federalists Anti-Federalists Favored Constitution Opposed Constitution Believed Constitution was strong enough to solve country’s problems Believed Constitution was too strong, wanted a bill of rights added to protect individual freedoms Led by Alexander Hamilton & James Madison Led by Patrick Henry & John Hancock

The Constitution Basic law of American Government. Built on six basic principles of democracy. Framers wanted to be sure the Constitution could be changed over time. There have been 10,000 proposed amendments and only 27 have been approved.

Six Constitutional Principles Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Separation of powers Checks & Balances Principles of the U.S. Constitution Judicial Review Federalism

Checks & Balances

The Results of Informal Amendments Constitution 1787 Constitution Today Laws Customs Executive Actions Court Decisions Party Practices Informal Amendments

Federalism The Constitution guarantees the U.S. will have a federal form of government. Sharing of power equals limited government. Constitution explains the nation’s duties to the States and the States’ duties to the nation.

Acts of Congress (Treaties) City & County Charters & Ordinances The Supremacy Clause U.S. Constitution Acts of Congress (Treaties) State Constitutions Supremacy clause makes the Constitution the “supreme law of the land”. This clause ranks the Constitution on top, above state and local Constitutions. State Statutes (Laws) City & County Charters & Ordinances

Powers of the National Government Delegated Powers Delegated Powers Implied Powers Inherent Powers Written in the Constitution Elastic Clause: Necessary & Proper Just because it’s a nation Example: *Congress coins money Example: Congress builds interstate highway system Example: *Congress regulates immigration & acquires territory

Steps in Becoming a State President Signs Congress Passes Act of Admission Residents Approve Constitution Residents Write Constitution The Constitution addresses the relationship between the National Government and the States. Article 4 lists ways the government must help the states. Congress Passes Enabling Act Residents Petition Congress for Admission Residents Approve the Idea of Becoming A State