Constitutional Rights Chapter 2
Foundations of the U.S. Constitution Why do we have laws? How did we get these laws? What makes America…America? What powers do we and the government have? Why are these powers split up? What is a constitution?
Birth of America On July 4th, 1776 the Second Continental Congress, made up of reps. from the 13 original colonies sign a piece of paper. What is this piece of paper called? Why is it important?
Declaration of Independence Written by Thomas Jefferson (later becomes the 3rd President of the United States) Charge King George the 3rd with a “history of repeated injuries” and “absolute tyranny”. “All men are created equal…life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Full text
Articles of Confederation Created in 1781 The problem was that there was good and bad Strength Weakness Brought states together No court system Raised money for an army/navy, could also declare war Could not collect taxes Opened post offices Can not regulate trade Print money Establishes Congress
The Constitution Created in 1787 Special convention convened in Philadelphia Officially started the U.S. government we have now on March 4, 1789 Didn’t include the enough protection for human rights
Bill of Rights First 10 Amendments Guaranteed rights to every American These are also called, your Civil Rights Which is the most important?
Civil Rights In addition to the Bill of Rights, you are guaranteed other civil rights Abolition of slavery…13th Amendment Right to vote…15th Amendment Women…19th Amendment 18 years old…26th Amendment Privacy rights
Checks and Balances Balances the power between the branches of government so that one branch doesn’t have too much power. Legislative Branch: Senate and House of Representatives Executive Branch: People vote but Electoral College elects Judicial Branch: Supreme Court has ultimate say on laws made by other branches
Quick Terms Amendment: to change or alter Democracy: a government run by the people Direct: everyone gets a direct vote Republic/Representative: one person represents many Sovereignty: political authority, independent Interstate Commerce: trade between states Intrastate Commerce: trade within a state
How do the interwebz fit into all this? Cyberlaw: laws intended to govern use of computers in e-commerce and the interwebz Why is this forcing laws to change? How does it relate to you Civil Rights? Privacy, protection, stalking, bullying, etc. Cyber Ethics