America’s Founding Principles Key Terms U.S. History Unit 1

Essential Question: How do the words natural rights relate to the American Revolution, the founding of the United States, and the Civil War?

1. Natural (unalienable) Rights 1215 - Magna Carta – first introduced the rights allowed a “free man” 1651 – Thomas Hobbs and English philosopher wrote of the natural equality of all men 1690 - English philosopher John Locke wrote that people were born with certain natural rights 17th-century English philosopher John Locke discussed natural rights in his work, identifying them as being "life, liberty, and estate (property)", He argued that such fundamental rights could not be surrendered in the social contract. Preservation of the natural rights to life, liberty, and property was claimed as justification for the rebellion of the American colonies.

1. Natural (unalienable) Rights Definition: Natural rights are those not dependent on the laws, customs, or beliefs of any particular culture or government, and are thus inalienable (cannot be sold, transferred, or removed).

Frustrated with the lack of rights given the colonists, Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence, that it is a "self-evident" truth that "all men are ... endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”

2. Republic Definition: A form of government in which power resides with citizens who are entitled to vote. After the American revolution, royal rule is replaced with a republic. Elected leaders must govern according to written laws. Picture: Flag that survived Royal British Naval bombardment at Ft McHenry – September, 1814. After the revolution, royal rule is replaced with a republic. Power resides with citizens who have the power to vote. i. The power to change government lies with the people and the power to vote. Elected leaders must govern according to written laws. i. Written laws or a constitution govern societies that are republics. ii. Since representatives are given the trust of the public, the constitution or written laws guide what they do.

2. Republic Who were not given the right to vote? If all citizens can vote and can then remove whoever they want from power, the trick is then to control who can be a citizen.

Blacks and Women --African-Americans were denied the right to vote until the end of the U.S. Civil War, even then, unfair laws kept them from voting. --Women who are 52% of the country was denied the right to vote until the 1920s.

3. Federalism Definition: A political system in which power is divided between the national and state governments The government allows the people of each state to deal with their needs in their own way States act together to deal with matters that affect all Americans

4. U.S. Constitution Out of the Constitutional Convention came the United States Constitution Definition: A system of basic laws and principles that defines the rights of American citizens and sets limits on what the government can and cannot do. May 1787, Constitutional Convention called to amend Articles of Confederation. i. Held in Philadelphia, meant to change Articles of Confederation. ii. Articles are quickly abandoned, the convention starts to write a brand new framework of government. iii. All delegates wanted a stronger government Great Compromise: Senate and House of Representatives. Also known as Connecticut Compromise. i. Large state versus small state argument. ii. House of Representatives will be based on population. iii. Senate will contain equal number of senators from each state (chosen by state legislatures). iv. Founding fathers scared of popular vote of senators by the people (keep in with educated men). Three-Fifths Compromise: 5 slaves = 3 free persons. i. What about slaves? Do you count them? Southern colonies said yes, northern said no. ii. It was determined that for the purposes of determining number of representatives in the House of Representatives that 5 slaves would equal 3 free persons. Separation of Powers: 3 branches of government. i. The two legislatures would make up the Congress and pass laws – legislative branch. ii. The President would implement and enforce the laws. Also would be the commander in chief. iii. The judicial branch – a system of federal courts would interpret federal laws and interpret the Constitution. Checks and Balances: each branch limits another branch. i. President can check Congress with a veto forcing them to get a 2/3 majority. ii. Congress can impeach the President and other officials for wrongdoing. Can approve and disapprove his appointed officials. iii. Judicial branch – stands in judgment of the other two and determines if what they are doing is constitutional. U.S. Constitution

5. U.S. Bill of Rights Definition: The first 10 amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing rights such as the freedom of speech, assembly, and worship. 1791, Federalists promised to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Meant to ensure individual liberties and to protect citizens from government. Constitution required that 9 of 13 states ratify the Constitution. i. Antifederalists thought that Constitution gave too much power to government. ii. Federalists published essays known as the “federalist papers” to convince America that a strong government was necessary in order for the country to survive? 1791, Federalists promised to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution. i. Antifederalists wanted individual liberties of citizens to be part of the Constitution. ii. Federalists promised that the first order of business upon ratification of the Constitution would be to create a ‘bill or rights.’ First 10 Amendments to the Constitution. i. These amendments guaranteed the freedoms of speech, press, and religion; ii. Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures; and the right to a trial by jury. Ensure individual liberties and to protect citizens from government. on”

Summary: Answer the Essential Question in a short paragraph How do the words natural rights relate to the American Revolution, the founding of the United States, and the Civil War?