Foundations of Democracy and the US Constitution Review Foundations of Democracy and the US Constitution

Magna Carta (1215)

Magna Carta (1215) Establishes Rule of Law Places limits on executive authority First time the people themselves have limited the power of the monarchy

John Locke

John Locke Believed in Limited Government People ultimately hold the power in any government People have a right to alter/get rid of their government

Limited Government

Limited Government Who holds the power? How do you limit a government’s power?

Social Contract Theory

Social Contract Theory Belief that any form of government only exists because a group of people have agreed to allow it to exist. To this end, a government that fails to meet the terms laid out in the contract is subject to be changed by the people who created the contract.

Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation First form of American government Problems: weak central government, no ability to raise money, states not obligated to work together (13 independent countries), no executive branch, no judicial branch, what little power the national government had was concentrated in 1 branch.

Purposes of US Constitution

Purposes of US Constitution Form a more perfect union Establish Justice Ensure domestic tranquility Provide for the common defense Promote the general welfare Secure the blessings of liberty

Democracy

Democracy People hold the power and can limit the governments authority Power is diffused or spread out

Concepts of Democracy

Concepts of Democracy Recognition of the fundamental worth and dignity of every person All people are entitled basic rights and respect. All individuals are important for the collective society.

Concepts of Democracy A respect for the equality of all persons. All people have the right to be equal, that is a part of nature’s design. A democracy can not truly exist when one group has more rights or is more favored than other groups.

Concepts of Democracy A faith in majority rule and an insistence on minority rights For the most part, the majority knows what is best. However, the minority should not be negatively impacted by the majority.

Concepts of Democracy An acceptance on the necessity of compromise We can’t always have it our way. The best path forward is the pathway that includes as many ideas as possible but does not favor any one group. We find mutual ground to stand.

Concepts of Democracy An insistence upon the widest possible area of individual rights The government should expand your rights, not limit them. A democracy flourishes when the people’s rights are secure and well defined.

Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence This is the vision of the nation we want to be. Basic rights – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. People deserve to be represented. People deserve a representative, responsive government.

US House Representative

US House Representative 25 Lived in the United States for at least 7 years. Lives in the state in which he/she represents.

US Senator

US Senator 30 Lived in the United States for at least 9 years Live in the state he/she represents

United States President

United States President 35 Lived in the United States for at least 14 years. Must be a natural born citizen.

Separation of Powers

Separation of Powers This is the way we limit government power in the United States. Power is spread out so that no one person/group holds all of the power. Extended in the United States through federalism.

3 Branches of Government

3 Branches of Government Legislative Branch This is the US Congress comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Makes the laws of the nation. The most important branch of government.

3 Branches of Government Executive Branch This is the President of the United States. Charged with executing the laws passed by Congress. Responsible for day-to-day operations of government.

3 Branches of Government Judicial Branch This is the Supreme Court of the United States Interprets all actions of the government and determines if they are in compliance with the Constitution (the supreme law of the land)

Powers of Congress

Powers of Congress Tax Spend Provide the Common Defense Provide for the general welfare Borrow Money Regulate Commerce Establish rules of Naturalization Coin Money Provide for punishment of counterfeiting Establish post offices/roads Promote progress of science and useful arts Patents/Copy Right Establish Courts Define punishments for felonies Declare War Raise/Support Military

Powers of Congress (continued) Make rules for the government Make rules for the military Call forth the militia to suppress insurrections and repel invasions Maintain the Militia Hold all authority in federal districts To make all laws that are necessary and proper for the United States.

Powers of the President Make treaties with other nations Appoint judges and members of the Executive Cabinet Propose and Veto Legislation Call a Special Session of Congress Adjourn Congress Commander and Chief of the United States Armed Forces Prepare the budget Day-to-day operations of the government.

Powers of the Supreme Court Interpret Laws/government actions. Settle disputes between the States Determine if laws/government actions are Constitutional