U.S. Government Mitch Reed

South Dakota Content Standard 9-12.C.1.2. Students are able to determine the influence of major historical documents and ideals on the formation of the United States government.

Documents that Impacted American Government Declaration of Independence The United States Constitution The Emancipation Proclamation Articles of Confederation

The Declaration of Independence This document stated that the thirteen states, that made up the United States, was independent from Great Britain. One of the main fathers in this document was Thomas Jefferson. People in America today rely on freedom, and this document was the foundation of that. Without these brave historical individuals, people in America may not have the opportunity to practice freedom like they do today.

Interesting Points We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. – That was the main statement made in this document.

The United States Constitution The supreme law of the land in the United States This document lays the foundation of American law. This constitution breaks the government into three divisions: Legislative, Judicial, and Executive Although there were amendments changed and added, a lot of the framework still remains.

Interesting Points The Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787, by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The oldest written constitution used by any nation in the world today

The Emancipation Proclamation Abraham Lincoln passed this under with his war powers. It proclaimed the freedom of 3.1 million slaves in the nation. This document laid the foundation for other civil right acts that occurred in the future. Many laws are now present that outlaw the discrimination of employees; the Emancipation Proclamation was the beginning.

Interesting Points Lincoln could make this document because he was the “Commander in Chief”, which is protected because of the Constitution. It was signed January 1, 1863

Articles of Confederation This was the first constitution of the United States. It laid the framework for the United States Constitution. They wrote the document to secure the freedom, sovereignty, and independence of the United States; this was the same reason they wrote the Constitution. The same principles in this document are present in our constitution today

Interesting Points The Second Continental Congress drafted this after many grueling days. – That congress ran the government during the American Revolutionary War.

What the Documents Mean Today These documents play a vital role in our government today. Although these exact documents are not used today, principles from each are present.