STARTER #1 Number 1-7 1. Why do we need government. 2 STARTER #1 Number 1-7 1. Why do we need government? 2. What should governments do?

The Fundamental Tension in Government: What do you value? FREEDOM ORDER Peace Stability Rule of Law Choice Independence Self Determination

Unit 1: Foundations of American Government

1. The Goldilocks Analogy Our Government under the British, Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution

How is the story of Goldilocks like our government?

Under British Rule (King George III) From 1607-1776 Taxation without Representation Protected by British Army/Navy Leads to American Revolution started with Declaration of Independence on JULY 4, 1776 TOO STRONG!

Articles of Confederation After Revolutionary War From 1781-1787 Loose group of 13 free states Problems include: Government had no money, different laws, different armies TOO WEAK!

US Constitution JUST RIGHT! From 1787 to present Big ideas: Popular Sovereignty: Gov’t can only govern w/ consent of people Limited Government: Gov’t is not all powerful, must act within law Separation of Powers: Power is divided among gov’t branches Checks and Balances: Each branch of gov. checks the power of another Judicial Review: The courts decide whether gov’t acts according to the constitution Federalism: Division of power between national and local government JUST RIGHT!

THANKS LITTLE BEAR! rnment= Just Right!

2. The Document

US Constitution Format: Preamble = Introduction Articles 1-7 = Chapters Amendments = Add-ons, 27 total 1 -10 are the Bill of Rights

` Big Ideas Behind US CONSTITUTION Popular Sovereignty: Gov’t can only govern w/ consent of people Limited Government: Gov’t is not all powerful, must act within law Separation of Powers: Power is divided among gov’t branches ` Checks and Balances: Each branch of gov. checks the power of another Judicial Review: The courts decide whether gov’t acts according to the constitution Federalism: Division of power between national and local government

vs AUTHORITY Gov’t has the right to use power Example: British, A. of C, bad boss LEGITIMACY Power is given to authority through trust, respect, contract Ex. US Constitution, good boss vs

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Because of weaknesses of Articles of Confederation, Congress calls for revision, but a new government is created. Debate involves-- Who gets representation? Are big and small states equal? How is power divided between Congress and president? How centralized should government power be? What individual rights do states and people keep?

AMENDMENTS System to change document, founders realized document would have to evolve First 10: Bill of Rights, came 2 years later to pacify TJef’s crew who wanted guarantees of ind. rights To Amend you need vote of 2/3 of Congress 3/4 of States RARE! (17 times)

3. Today’s System: Political Parties Develop….

Political Parties Why do we need parties? The political party gives like-minded people a stronger voice in democracy Two Party System: Consensus needed, discourages radicals (US, UK) Multi-Party System: More choice, coalitions needed (Germany) What do parties do? Select candidates Raise money Run campaigns “inform” public

Party platforms (where they stand) SIMPLIFIED! Party platforms (where they stand) Democrats (liberals) Republican (conservatives) Government can help make the US more of a just and fair society More programs, more taxes Support individual rights Limited role of government Less programs, less taxes Conserve traditional values

Winston Churchill: If you are young and Republican, you have no heart. If you are old and Democrat, you have no brain. Yes, Madam, I am drunk. But in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.