1. POL 101: Responsible Citizenship Democratic Practice

2. Democratic Practice Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
The Constitution of the United States of America
Impact on modern politics?

3. Declaration of Independence
Why revolution?
Taxes = how high?
Rights as English = representation, right to
not have soldiers in houses
3. Economic = System of mercantilism
Focused energy on King George; he was on the colonial money.

4. Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson authored document; line about British using colonies to promote slavery removed.
“Unanimous” thirteen colonies as “United States” but what ties together outside of war?
Idea was to build consensus by demonstrating to world the legal and civic nature of independence
“All men are created equal;” only land owning, white men were allowed to vote…

5. Articles of Confederation – 1st Government
No executive branch, no federal judiciary
Unanimous consent of states to pass articles; 9 out of 13 to pass bills
States superior to central government
Committees and multiple tasks; John Adams on over 100 committees…

6. Articles of Confederation
Problems:
Money for national concerns? Enforcement of national concerns? No central government or taxes to help pay for government.
Currency? Confederate dollars…different from state to state
State and local debts…unable to pay military/
Popular support for government failing (Shay’s Rebellion) and need for unity.

7. U.S. Constitution The need to balance out the following ideas:
Liberty v. power
Legislative v. Executive (v. Judicial)
Virtue of the people (Declaration of Independence and power derived from people)
Size = small; need to separate out differences (factions)

8. U.S. Constitution James Madison “Father of the Constitution”
Drafted up the Virginia Plan when only asked for amendments to Articles of Confederation; compromises made included slavery (allowed), role of states in government (House of Representatives v. Senate), and powers.
Debate followed over roles of government.

9. U.S. Constitution Deal making to get Constitution passed:
John Hancock (newspapers and financial support) to sell idea to public (Federalist Papers)
Bill of Rights – fundamental and inalienable rights that were not original part of constitution; allow for amendment to constitution (first 10 are Bill of Rights)
Framers were more concerned with structure – failed them before…

10. Impact on modern politics?
Many of the same issues today as back then
(taxes, representation).
Argument over the purpose of government
today; Constitution as a guide (Amendments cause most issues in society)
Declaration as a non-voted on action!
Constitution as solid framework but processes
have changed…