English Bill of Rights (1689) Stipulation U.S. Constitutional Provision Forbade monarchs from instituting taxes without Parliament’s consent ? Guaranteed right to a fair and speedy trial Sixth Amendment Forbade cruel and unusual punishment Eight Amendment Required consent of Parliament to maintain a standing army during peacetime Article 1 Section 8

Declaration of Independence Grievance U.S. Constitution Provision The king had absolute power. ? The colonies were taxed without their consent. Only Congress, elected by the people, can levy taxes The king made war against the colonies. Only Congress can declare war

Checks and Balances in the Federal Government Check on Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch -- Can veto bills ? Can impeach the President Can impeach federal judges Can declare executive actions unconstitutional Can declare laws unconstitutional

Gives women the right to vote Year Ratified Amendment Subject 1919 Eighteenth Prohibits alcohol 1920 Nineteenth Gives women the right to vote 1933 Twenty-first Repeals Prohibition 1971 Twenty-sixth ?

Natural (Unalienable) Rights Life or Personal Security ? Private Property

First Amendment Rights Freedom of Religion ? Freedom of Press Right to Assemble Right to Petition

A person or small group has absolute power United States North Korea Saudi Arabia Voters make decisions A person or small group has absolute power King or Queen has total power People elect representatives Leader does not answer to the people Power is passed on through birth

A B Executive branch is chosen by legislative branch Executive branch is elected by the people Executive branch can be removed by legislative branch Executive branch can be removed only in extraordinary circumstances

Quote #1 I hereby declare, on oath… that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law…" Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America

The North Atlantic Treaty, Washington, D.C., 4 April 1949 Quote #2 The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments. They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area. They are resolved to unite their efforts for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security. They therefore agree to this North Atlantic Treaty… The North Atlantic Treaty, Washington, D.C., 4 April 1949